”Healthy” Foods That Actually Cause Breakouts
The foods listed below have been linked to inflammation and acne, through hormones, glycemic load, or high amounts of processed ingredients. I certainly loved eating all these foods at one point in time, but once I became aware they caused breakouts, I knew I had to choose between them and my acne.
Granola
As with most foods, this can be healthy or unhealthy. My biggest gripe with granola is that the second ingredient is usually sugar. Most granolas have just as much if not more sugar than kid’s cereals – big yikes for your skin! TRY INSTEAD: Check your local health food store for low-sugar granolas or consider making your own. Here’s great homemade recipe: http://www.elizabethrider.com/easy-healthy-homemade-granola-recipe/.
Agave
While it’s been praised as a health food, agave has just as much sugar as all the other processed sugars out there – 16g per tablespoon. The fact that agave is naturally-derived from plants doesn’t make a difference either as sugar is also naturally derived from sugar cane. The fact is in nature, it would take you ages to extract 16g of sugar from those plants. While both agave and raw sugar are better for your body than high fructose corn syrup, they all spike your blood sugar in the same quantity. TRY INSTEAD: Coconut palm sugar. While this still counts towards your daily sugar budget, it comes with a little side helping of fiber to keep blood sugar levels more stable, reducing overall inflammation.
Energy bars
Grab and go snacks can be very helpful when we’re away from our kitchens. There are several great options and some not so great options. The best thing to do is check the ingredients and the amount sugar per bar. Many bars are loaded with added sugars and processed ingredients. TRY INSTEAD: It’s best to stick with pure bars with 12g of sugar or less. Kind Bars, some Larabars, and GoMacro bars are some of my favorite choices.
Cow’s milk
Forget the moustache, we’ve known for some time that cow’s milk has been linked to acne. In my community, I find that the majority of nutritionists I know do not drink milk or consume dairy products. TRY INSTEAD: Almond milk is a great option if you want to be avoiding those breakouts! Cutting out cow’s milk also tremendously helped my friend’s eczema, it nearly disappeared in a matter of weeks. If you have any skin issues, give it a try!
Greek Yogurt
Yogurt companies have really been cashing in on the health craze surrounding probiotics, but the fact is that most commercial yogurts are loaded with GMO cow’s milk, processed sugar, and only a small amount of probiotics compared to supplements. Greek yogurt in particular is super concentrated in cow’s milk – about 1 cup of greek yogurt contains 2-4 cups of cow’s milk… yikes for your skin! TRY INSTEAD: Organic goat’s milk or coconut milk yogurt sparingly as a treat. If you’re really wanting the probiotic health benefits, then take a supplement in the morning with a glass of lemon water. Repeat daily and watch your skin get nice and glowy!
Pesto
Don’t let the green color fool you, pesto is parmesan cheese with a little basil. We know that cow’s milk triggers acne and pesto is no different. TRY INSTEAD: Luckily there are delicious homemade options available, like this one!http://allrecipes.com/recipe/yummy-vegan-pesto-classico/
Whey Protein Powders
One of the most popular proteins for bodybuilders and gym rats also drives up hormonal imbalance. Whey protein is made from cow's milk which has been linked in several studies to acne. Switching to pea protein or vegan protein is a much better option to meet those protein needs without causing hormonal spikes and acne to occur.
Cereal
While it may be obvious that cereal isn’t that healthy, it’s worth a second look. Kids cereal we know is loaded with sugar, but even the “heart healthy” and “whole grain” cereal is often over processed or loaded with gluten. TRY INSTEAD: Oatmeal with whole, rolled oats and topping it off with fresh berries or banana and some coconut palm sugar for a healthier breakfast start.
I hope this helps give you some new insight and guidance into what
In love, health, and community,
Elise May, CN + LE, is a holistic esthetician, acne nutritionist, and founder of Skin Nutritious. Since 2009, she has helped over 1,300 clients overcome acne with a unique blend of coaching, treatments, and holistic skincare.
Work with Elise.
• In San Francisco or worldwide- book online here.
• Shop her Holistic Acne Skincare line here.
.
.
The entire contents of this website are intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Elise May, Skin Nutritious, and her community. Skin Nutritious encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
