The Truth: Where Does Your Meat Come From?

It's been many years since I first became a vegetarian. The decision was simple for me. Although my mother's skills at cooking a roast left something a little stringy, a little rubbery staring back at me on my dinner plate, this wasn't the only reason I decided to go "veggie." The truth was, I didn't really like meat. Sure a large pool of ketchup could get most flesh to slide down my throat and a little barbecue could taste pretty good, but my hamburgers quickly began to resemble a bun-free pile of salad with only a quarter size piece of burger atop the greens.

Another reason I chose veggie was that I simply FELT better eating this way. I was one of those rare teens who actually enjoyed eating my fruits and veggies, didn't mind beans, nuts, or tofu, and brought bountiful salads to school almost every day. Instead of leaving lunchtime fatigued and overstuffed, I felt sustained to finish the rest of the day.

Now that I know a little more about the meat production process, it's no wonder I would feel better without partaking in their goods. Mass producing most food products, especially ones that involve live creatures, is bound to have problems. Time versus money always gets in the way. Quite frankly, I don't trust what they do including what they now feed the animals, all stress-induced adrenaline that is running through animals at slaughter houses, the conditions they are kept in, and the quality of the resulting product. The thought of meat does not turn my stomach, the process taking an animal from start to finished steak dinner does. At least with whole foods you know what you are getting. Yes, I have to think about pesticides (that can mostly be washed away) and genetic manipulation, but I also have choices. I can shop at farmer's markets or buy organic. I feel like I have more choice in the matter.

Now that I'm vegan, I feel the same about dairy and egg products. My body likes the alternatives, I like the soy substitutes, and it's a win-win situation for me.

And if you're free today, you might want to watch the Oprah show. (Or set the DVR.) A featured story is "How We Treat the Animals We Eat" with a look into topics such as what 'free range' and 'cage free' really mean.

Eating for Glorious Skin!

What is the secret to a glowing complexion? When it comes to skincare, natural beauty truly does begin from the inside out. It’s time to take a look at what you eat and reveal just a few of the natural powerhouses for the complexion. Fruit and veggie lovers can rejoice! The more often you nosh on these antioxidant and nutritionally rich foods, the more repair and management properties you will be consuming. Here are just a few of the notable favorites.

Avocados

Loaded with vitamin K, avocados pack a powerful health punch. These wholesome fruits contain natural oils that maintain the elasticity and youthfulness of the complexion. The palm-size fruits are great for eating or even as a topical mask that will easily absorb right into the skin. Other key nutrients include folate, vitamin B6, and potassium. The Hass avocado is generally available throughout the year, but best in spring and summer. During the fall and winter months choose Fuerto, Zutano and Bacon varieties.

Blueberries

Blueberries reign as one of the highest antioxidant sources. Just a half cup daily is all you need to reap the benefits of these tasty berries. Add them to a bowl of cereal, create a blueberry smoothie, toss them in a salad, or enjoy them by the handful. Since this fruit has the hidden power to slow the aging process and reverse cell damage, I think we can all agree that this is one food worth enjoying.

Carrots

Have you had your beta-carotene today? Carrots are slam packed with anti-inflammatory properties. This vegetable is able to soothe skin, ideal for those who suffer from inflammatory skin conditions. By eating carrots you may soon find relief to redness without relying on harsh chemicals or expensive treatments. If you’re looking for an alternative with no side effects, grab a carrot and eat your way to a smoother complexion.

Salmon

High in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon has both anti-inflammatory components as well as natural oils for a healthy glow. As an additional bonus, your hair will also reap the benefits of lustrous shine! The healthiest choice is wild caught salmon that has been allowed to live in a natural, uncontaminated environment. Add the fish to salads, steam, bake, or broil with no added oil or butter. Your skin will thank you.

Actresses and models know the key to picture-perfect skin—it’s all about what goes into the body. Ideally, skincare changes will incorporate the entire diet by reconstructing how you think about food. By eliminating processed and fatty foods, limiting your soda consumption, and focusing on ways to eat more of these complexion enhancing foods your skin will never have looked better.