11 Foods That Reverse Aging and 5 Foods to Avoid at All Costs!

The anti-aging industry is a multi-billion-dollar one, far surpassing cancer research. From Botox to anti-aging serums, it’s said that it will reach over $200 billion by 2030. That’s crazy!

I’ve never been a big fan of spending money on store-bought anti-aging creams that promise to ‘take 10 years off’ your face. No thanx. And I can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on cosmetic surgery. I choose food and natural skin care routines.

Today, I want to share 11 foods that reverse aging and 5 foods that age you fast!!

I think it’s also important to note that staying hydrated and sticking to a regular physical activity routine is crucial in aging strong and healthy. You can check out my new Aging by Design guide filled with tools, workout routines, skincare routines, and so much more!

Aging Strong and Healthy

Ever since I turned 60, I’m way more hyper aware of my health, and that includes skin, mental, bone, brain and physical health. ALL are very important to me and should be for you too! Aging is not just about brittle bones, memory loss and crepey skin.

There’s so much more to it than that. I talk a lot about aging over on my YouTube channel. Head over there and check out some videos (and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button, too!).

While we can’t go back to our 25-year-old bodies, we can certainly do our best to stay healthy and strong. Here are 11 foods that reverse aging (or at the very least, slow it down some!), and some foods you need to avoid like the plague.

11 foods that reverse aging

Avocados

Healthy fats are everything when it comes to soft, hydrated skin. Avocados help keep your skin from looking flat and dried out.

They’re also rich in vitamin E, which helps protect your skin from damage that leads to fine lines. Think of it as nourishment that actually sticks around instead of sitting on top of your skin.

You can keep it super simple with avocados when it comes to preparing them. Chop them up and toss them in a soup or salad, or eat them right out of the skin. Eat ’em daily!

Blueberries

These little things are loaded with antioxidants, which basically help fight the daily wear and tear your skin goes through. These are one of the foods I miss terribly from Canada because here in Guatemala, they are almost impossible to find.

They help combat free radicals, which are one of the main reasons skin starts to age faster than it should. Basically, they help slow down that tired, worn look.

You can toss these in yogurt, in a bowl of healthy cereal/granola, make a smoothie or just pop these blue jewels in your mouth! Yum. Enjoy these daily.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which helps protect your skin from sun damage and that rough, weathered look that builds up over time. They also support collagen and help improve skin texture, so your skin looks smoother and more even.

Toss them in salads, make a healthy tomato sandwich, you do you, boo!

Wild salmon

Omega-3s help keep your skin calm, hydrated, and a little more resilient. I’m not a huge fan of salmon, so I eat other foods high in Omega-3s (you can also take supplements).

They also support your skin’s natural oil barrier, which is what keeps moisture in and irritation out. If your skin feels dry or sensitive, this one really matters.

If you love salmon, simply bake/pan sear the way you normally do. Aim for at least once a week.

Extra virgin olive oil

I drizzle that sh*t on everything! haha

This is one of those quiet staples that does a lot behind the scenes. It helps with elasticity and keeps your skin from getting that dull look.

It’s packed with antioxidants and healthy fats that support smoother, more supple skin over time. Not instant, but very noticeable when you stick with it.

Drizzle it on everything. Salads, veggies, even bread.

Leafy greens

Spinach, kale, arugula, lettuce, bok choy, etc. They help support your body’s natural detox process, which shows up on your skin whether you like it or not.

They’re also full of vitamins like A and C that help with skin repair and brightness. This is where that fresh, clear look starts.

Make a salad, stir-fry or cook them up and eat them as a side (drizzled with olive oil, of course!)

Nuts

Walnuts and almonds help support your skin barrier, so you actually hold onto moisture. I love me a good handful of nuts!

They also contain zinc and vitamin E, which help with healing and protecting your skin from environmental stress. Small food, big impact.

I keep a small bag of mixed nuts to snack on each day, I bake healthy treats with them and toss them in salads too! Daily!

Sweet potatoes

Packed with beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. Great for smoother-looking skin. This helps promote cell turnover, which means fresher, healthier skin coming through more consistently.

It’s like a gentle reset from the inside.

You cook these bright orange jewels any way you want, and don’t forget the olive oil!

Green tea

This one helps calm inflammation, which is a big deal if your skin gets red or irritated easily. It also contains compounds that help protect collagen, so your skin stays firmer longer.

Hot in the morning or iced in the afternoon. I have to be careful with green tea, though. If I drink it too late in the afternoon, I have a hard time going to sleep at a decent hour!

Dark chocolate

Yay! Are you just as happy as I am to see chocolate on this list? Good quality dark chocolate can actually support better blood flow to your skin.

Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reaching your skin cells, which helps with that natural glow. Just keep it high quality and not overloaded with sugar.

A few squares of over 70% dark chocolate after dinner will do the trick, or bake healthy treats with it! Date bites are my favourite.

Bone broth

Supports collagen production. It’s not a miracle, but it’s one of those small things that add up over time. It also contains amino acids that help repair skin tissue and support elasticity. It’s more about consistency than instant results.

Warm cup with a little salt. Simple and comforting. Here’s an easy recipe for bone broth.

5 foods that age you faster

You can eat all the “good” foods in the world, but if you’re still loading up on the stuff that’s working against you, your skin is going to show it, and you’re kind of defeating the purpose.

Here are 5 foods that age you faster that you should eliminate from your daily diet or at the very least, reduce your intake.

Sugar

This is a big one. Too much sugar breaks down collagen and elastin, which are exactly what keep your skin firm and smooth.

I recently did a 30-day no sugar challenge, and let me tell you, it was TOUGH!! Sugar is addictive. You can see my results here.

I also did a video on my results; you can watch that here on my channel.

Processed foods

Packaged, boxed, ultra-convenient foods are usually full of things your body doesn’t love, but your taste buds do. They can lead to inflammation, and inflammation shows up on your face.

Think more real, whole food, fewer ingredients you can’t pronounce.

Fried foods

We’re talking French Fries, burgers, tacos, grilled cheese sandwiches, etc. You get the idea. These tend to be loaded with unhealthy fats that can make your skin look dull and tired.

Not saying to never eat them, just not all the time.

Alcohol

This one dehydrates your skin fast. It can leave you looking puffy, dry, and just a little off the next day. I quit drinking about 2 years ago, and though I was never an alcoholic, I liked to drink and party with my friends just like the next person.

While I can’t undo the damage already done, I can prevent further damage.

Again, it’s about balance, not perfection.

Soda and sugary drinks

Liquid sugar is different. It spikes everything quickly and doesn’t do your skin any favours.

Water, tea, even sparkling water with lemon, is a better go-to most of the time.