Maintaining firm skin during weight loss

During weight loss, skin needs love and attention just like the rest our body. Many factors can affect how well your skin will react to changes. If you have been neglecting your skin, there is no need to worry. I have a few simple ways to get your skin right on track with your firming figure.










Smart Changes
Toss the diet pills and couch potato attitude! We need to look at weight loss plans as lifestyle changes instead of dieting. Most of crash diet weight loss comes from water weight and muscle. This may cause you to lose firmness and loose skin could begin to appear. You may have heard some of these tips before, but they are worth mentioning again.


Avoid:

• Fasting 
• Inactivity
• Yo-yo weight loss and weight gain

Start:

• Eating small meals throughout the day
• Eating a variety of nutrients (see next step) 
• An exercise routine including strength and cardiovascular exercises

From the Inside-Out

Skin is affected by what we put in our bodies. Eating healthy food gives our bodies the nutrition and hydration it needs to improve skin. Add a few or all of these foods below to help your skin maintain it's elasticity.

Omega 3's-helps skin retain moisture

• Walnuts
• Fish
• Flaxseed

Vitamin A-helps repair damaged skin

• Egg Yolks
• Milk

Vitamin C-protects skin from damage 

• Tomatoes
• Citrus Fruits

Water helps keep your entire body stay hydrated

• You know the drill! 8 or more glasses of water per day 

Go to your local health food stores to find these foods. Look for the organic version to get the most out of the food you purchase!

Proper Skin Care

Taking care of your skin can help skin maintain it's healthy tone, and is very important when losing weight. Adding proper skin care to your daily routine in addition to healthy eating and exercise will  help your body firm up beautifully from every angle!

• Exfoliate - exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells. Doing this will help skin appear smoother and healthier. See article's below for information on how to exfoliate properly.  
• Moisturize- use lotions or moisturizers on your skin daily to keep skin hydrated just like you keep your body hydrated with water. Use lotions with vitamins in them to enhance your skins health. There are even creams that are specifically made to help firm skin.

Food:

 http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/information/nutrition/foods-help-firm-skin1.htm

http://www.livestrong.com/article/121952-collagen-rich-foods/

Skin:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2729_exfoliate-body.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_13739_exfoliate-dry-skin.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/244058-how-to-get-rid-of-flabby-skin-after-weight-loss/

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-tighten-loose-skin-after-weight-loss.html

Other Sites:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/227160-how-to-prevent-excess-skin-with-weight-loss/http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-tighten-loose-skin-after-weight-loss.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/227160-how-to-prevent-excess-skin-with-weight-loss/
http://www.bodyfatguide.com/LooseSkin.htm