Crash diets and last minute juice fasts might be a bad idea, but there’s nothing wrong with eating strategically before any big event where you want to look your best. This easy to follow 24 hour diet will have you shining like a beauty queen on just one day’s notice.
Avoid salty foods For a nice flat stomach and slim ankles (to show off your new pair of stiletto heels) limit or avoid salty foods like pickles, fast food, and Chinese takeout. Sodium can cause water retention and leave you bloated and puffy.
Eat! Don’t Starve or you’ll risk coming off as pale and gaunt the next day instead of youthful and vibrant. Instead of skipping meals the day before feed your body nutrient-rich meals like chicken, fish, steamed veggies, and whole grains. Plus drink lots of water so you stay hydrated.
Avoid carbonated beverages Not only do most sodas have extremely high levels of sodium (see above) but the carbonation can add unwanted gas and burping to the equation. Not good!
Get lots of sleep “Beauty sleep” is not a myth! Your body uses sleep to rejuvenate and rebuild your skin, improving color and firmness and healing blemishes. Also avoid puffy eyes and low energy by getting to bed early.
Limit caffeine and alcohol Both act as diuretics and can be dehydrating (among other faults like giving you a hangover and sapping your body of nutrients) to your skin, leaving it looking dull and saggy with more pronounced wrinkles. Drink lots of water, fruit juice, and herbal tea instead.
(Photo courtesy of anya-anya on stock.xchng)
