{beauty} get the low-down on eating pretty...

i am a huge fan of epicurious. it has a ton of recipes and great articles to boot...here's a great one on the top 10 foods that will keep you beautiful:

"... So say hello to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory superstars such as asparagus, wild salmon, and dark chocolate, and good-bye (or at least "see you later") to wrinkles, dull skin, and other signs of aging.

Blueberries

This perpetual topper of "superfood" lists gets the thumbs-up from Perricone for being one of the greatest sources of antioxidants, as well as a potent anti-inflammatory.
recipes to try:

Whole-Grain Pancakes with Wild Blueberry-Maple Syrup
Raw Blueberry Tartlets

Apples

Who needs exotic tropical fruits? This old standby is bursting with anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting phytonutrients, as well as the antioxidant quercetin, says Perricone. Apples also pack a big dose of fiber, which can help you slim down by filling you up.
recipes to try:

Belgian Endive and Apple Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
Apple Phyllo Strudel

Wild Salmon

This fish is rich in long-chain omega-3 essential fatty acids, which Perricone calls the most beneficial kind. Omega-3s bolster heart health, may fight depression, and help keep skin young, supple, and radiant. Wild salmon also contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
recipes to try:

Salmon "Bulgogi" with Bok Choy and Mushrooms
Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Lemon-Caper Sauce

Nuts

Nuts such as hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds are good sources of heart-healthy short-chain (plant-based) omega-3 essential fatty acids. Nuts are also high in an amino acid called arginine, which Perricone says can not only help reduce cholesterol and boost the immune system but also increase lean muscle and burn fat, giving you a sleeker physique.
recipes to try:

Mixed Greens with Walnuts and Roasted Onion Dressing
Toasted Almond Tofu Burger

Dark Leafy Greens

Greens such as kale and spinach contain antioxidants called carotenoids that can reduce the risks of heart disease, neutralize carcinogens, protect your eyes, enhance immune response, and help your skin by blocking sunlight-induced inflammation, which can lead to wrinkles and skin cancer.
recipes to try:

Swiss Chard with Raisins and Almonds
White Bean, Butternut Squash, Kale and Olive Stew

Asparagus

This fiber-rich favorite provides copious amounts of rutin, a bioflavonoid that Perricone says may help prevent broken capillaries. It's also a great source of the antioxidant glutathione.
recipes to try:

Asparagus, Green Onion, Cucumber, and Herb Salad
Sautéed Red Snapper Fillets with Lemon Asparagus Purée

Olive Oil

This go-to oil for heart health is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Its essential fatty acids also nourish the skin, says Perricone, who recommends using it in your cooking and even as a topical oil.
recipes to try:
Steamed Broccoli with Olive Oil, Garlic, and Lemon
Oven-Poached Fish in Olive Oil

p.s. i also like to mix 1 part olive oil with 2 parts sugar...makes for a fantastic sugar scrub in the shower (not intended to use on the face).

Green Tea

This beverage is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation and free radicals, slowing down the signs of aging, as well as protecting against heart disease and cancer.
recipes to try:

Scallop Tea Rice
Moroccan Mint Tea

Red Wine

Could a glass of Cab be the new fountain of youth? Red wine contains a powerful heart-healthy, anti-cancer, anti-aging antioxidant called resveratrol, says Perricone. "It also appears that resveratrol helps protect the skin against the sun's UV radiation." According to Perricone, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have the highest concentration of antioxidants. Just be sure to keep it to one glass, and have your wine with a meal to mitigate the inflammatory effects of alcohol, advises Perricone.
recipes to try:
Red Snapper with Potatoes, Tomatoes and Red Wine
Oranges in Red Wine

Dark Chocolate

Here's a tip we never get sick of hearing: Dark chocolate is good for you! It's a great source of antioxidants and a potential mood elevator (and we all know that feeling good is a great way to get glowing skin). Perricone recommends buying chocolate with 80 percent cocoa solids or more to get a hearty dose of antioxidants and avoid excess sugar. Try chocolate in savory recipes, such as chili, or just dip fresh fruit in melted extra-dark chocolate for a one-two antioxidant punch.
recipes to try:
Vegetable and Bean Chili
Deep Dark Chocolate Cookies "