It’s that wonderful time of year where the air is cold and dry, which definitely takes a toll on your skin,
hair and nails. I had never experienced painful dryness in my skin until moving from South Carolina to
Chicago last winter. The climate is just entirely different so my skin virtually went into shock. Luckily, we
were on the tail end of winter so I just applied moisturizer incessantly and prayed for Spring.
This year, we’ve had a much milder winter but my skin was still noticing some of the familiar effects,
including blotchiness, puffiness and dryness. My sister recently introduced me to Dr. Perricone’s Three
Day Nutritional Face Lift and said it had done wonders for her skin, so with an impending wedding this
summer and a strong motivation to eat healthier, I thought I would give it a shot. The key to success is
following the diet plan to a T, which includes a LOT of salmon and other foods with essential fatty acids
and antioxidants like fresh fruit, vegetables and almonds – here is the menu:
Breakfast
3 egg omelet and/or 4-6 oz. grilled salmon. I do not recommend smoked salmon or lox on the
three-day diet because of the salt intake.
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal (not instant). Cooked oatmeal is a great source of fiber, low glycemic
carbohydrates.
2″ wedge of cantaloupe or 1/3 cup fresh berries. Cantaloupe is very hydrating to the skin and
contains important antioxidants — blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries are high in
antioxidants.
No Juice, No Coffee or Toast. If you normally drink large amounts of coffee, drink black or green
tea to prevent caffeine withdrawal.
8-12 oz. spring water.
Lunch
4-6 oz. grilled salmon. Option: you can also use canned salmon and mix a little mayo and fresh
squeezed lemon.
2 cups green salad made with romaine lettuce or other dark leafy greens. Dressing: extra virgin
olive oil and fresh squeezed lemon to taste.
1 kiwi fruit or cantaloupe and berries as above.
8–12 oz. spring water.
Dinner
4-6 oz. grilled salmon.
Green Salad as described above.
1/2 cup steamed veggies. Especially asparagus, broccoli, spinach, etc. NO root vegetables, such as
potatoes, carrots, beets, parsnips, etc.
Cantaloupe and berries.
8–12 oz. spring water.
Before Bedtime Snack
1 apple
2 oz. slice of turkey breast or 6 oz. plain yogurt.
Small handful of hazelnuts, walnuts or almonds. Great source of fatty acids and folic acid.
As someone who doesn’t typically fare well with diets, I found this plan extremely easy to stick with, and
I can tell a huge difference in my skin. In fact, I have dramatically reduced the amount of moisturizer I
use every day, I’ve noticed a reduction in blemishes due to dryness, and more firmness in my jawline. I
even lost a few pounds! The best part is you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything when it
comes to meals. If you do not eat salmon, you can substitute with poultry or tofu, but keep in mind you
might not get results that are as dramatic as with the all-salmon diet. Another alternative is to go
straight to their 28 Day Plan, which offers a greater variety of menu items and will still help you achieve
the same goals.
Either way, I can guarantee that you’ll be able to tell a difference not only in your skin, but how you feel
as a whole. Remember, we are what we eat, so here’s to a happy and healthy 2016!
Link to 3-day diet: http://www.perriconemd.com/anti-aging-diets/3-day-diet.html
Link to 28-day diet: http://www.perriconemd.com/anti-aging-diets/28-day-diet.html
By: Erin Bush, Topics & Trends Committee Member 2015-16
