Japanese Way Of Living

Never has my skin looked or felt better as when I was in Japan on holiday recently.

When I look back at the photos, my skin was glowing.

I decide to look back and analyze what exactly I was doing differently while away, and also to delve a little deeper into some beauty rituals the Japanese’s woman indulge in to keep their complexions looking so youthful and completely flawless.

There are so many differences between the Eastern and western diet and way of life, which of course reflects hugely in our skin.

When I think back to what I was eating while I was there, it makes complete sense.

Firstly the amount of good clean protein I consumed, high in good fats, oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and lots of tuna all rich in Omega-3 oils, good brain food and also good for collagen production in our skin. Lots of green tea matcha, which is packed full of antioxidants, that fight free radicals; also super anti aging. A diet low in sugar, which we all know attacks the collagen, the springy good stuff we need to keep our skin looking plump and wrinkle free and no processed food.

Bathing is also big in Japan, in fact it’s a huge daily ritual, one I was lucky to get involved in. Whether it’s bathing in the Onsen (hot springs) rich in minerals from the earth or Sento (public baths) it’s a huge tradition in Japan. It aides in restful recuperation from a long day and the minerals in the bath are good for protection against ailments such any skin disorders or rheumatism and general ache and pains.

The Japanese women take their beauty regimes seriously too, taking their time to gently but thoroughly remove their make up, a deep double cleanse every night.  When I think of the Geishas in Kyoto and the tradition of heavy make-up and seriously intense hair styles its no wonder these cleansing rituals have stuck, but it all serves the ladies well, as they always look flawless with enviable smooth complexions and silky thick shiny hair.

Here are some of the things I have learnt from my time is Japan and that I am implementing into my live since my travels.

OILY FISH- Containing Omega-3 Fatty acids, Vitamin D, Protein, B Vitamins and Selenium. Try eating at least ONE portion of Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel, Sardines or Trout a day, more if you can. Amazing for your skin and your over all health, you will really notice a more plump and glowing complexion. You will also feel fantastic as Omegas elevate mood and calms down imflammation in the body. Its win win situation, you will look and feel great.

If you are not a fish lover there are Omega 3 supplements you can take on the market. I like Perricone Md Omega 3 or Udos Choice Ultimate Oil Blend, which you can mix into soups or smoothies.

GREEN TEA-Match Powder = Try swapping your much loved lattes for the green stuff. Its so good for you, packed full of antioxidants and nutrients, it helps to fight free radicals in the body that are known to age us, so its anti aging. It is still a stimulant, so you do get a good pick me up from it, as it still contains caffeine, but it is gentler on the system than coffee, which can sometimes leave us jittery. It also is low in calories, increases metabolism that in turn burns fat!!

Matcha Powder is even stronger than regular green tea and you can maker your own latte using dairy free milks, such as Almond, Rice, Oat or Coconut or just add water. It’s delicious try it!!

I like Tea Pigs Matcha or Clear Spring.  Dream; have an amazing selection of Diary-free alternatives.

FERMENTED FOOD-the root of all basic health starts in the gut. Fermented foods help to maintain a healthy flora, aide digestion and strengthen the immune system and keep you healthy. In Japan I was eating pickled foods with most meals and lots of Miso soup. Buy a good Miso paste and add it to your meals, it tastes delicious. You can also buy Kefir, live fermented cultures, containing acidophilus, which are great and have some first thing in the morning. I love the Rhythm- Pure Coconut ones.

                                                                                                                                                                Start to make time for you and enjoy the ritual of nightly bathing.

Take the time to meditate and have some quiet time to process the day as well as soothing tired aching muscles in a warm to hot bath. Add Himalayan Salts, Magnesium, Epsom salts or all of the above. And make sure you stay in there for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Your body will thank you for it and you will start to sleep more deeply.