You can spend a fortune on expensive ‘miracle’ products and fancy treatments, but if you nosh on sugary, high fat foods, it’s only a matter of time before your skin pays the price. Thankfully, Mother Nature has blessed us with a cornucopia of food choices that give your skin and taste buds - a reason to smile. So, close the cookie jar and back away fro the vending machine and give these five healthy-yet-scrumptious treats a chance.

Almonds: Good Fats

Like avocados, almonds are a high fat and good for you! The sweetly flavored almond contains heart-healthy monosaturated fats (the same fats found in olive oil). In addition to lowering your risk of heart disease, almonds will keep your skin plump by preserving the skin’s lipid structure. In addition to healthy fats, almonds contain skin-loving antioxidant vitamin E and the mineral magnesium. Because almonds contain flavonoids, they may also help strengthen the capillary walls, diminishing your likelihood of unsightly cuperose and spider veins.

How to enjoy Almonds: Eat them whole and with their skins as an energizing snack throughout the day.

Avocado: Rich, Creamy and Versatile

Not only are Avocados delicious and fun to eat, they pack a mighty nutritional wallop! They contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that lowers cholesterol and promotes supple skin. What’s more, avocadoes help increase your ability to absorb other nutrients like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lutein (antioxidants that will keep your eyes bright, shiny and youthful looking). Like bananas, avocados are a good source of potassium, a mineral that regulates blood pressure and promotes healthy circulation.

How to enjoy an Avocado: Mash it with lemon and salt for tangy guacamole or add slices of it to a salad.

Blueberries: The Super-Antioxidant

Blueberries are top-rated when it comes to their capacity for destroying the free radicals. Remember, free radicals are the culprits behind collagen loss and wrinkles. Blueberries are also loaded with photo-nutrients called anthocyanidins, which support veins and the skin’s vascular structure. Another blueberry bonus: consuming the blue beauties will help preserve your eyesight—and your memory.

How to enjoy Blueberries: Enjoy them fresh (they’re in season May-October) by the handful or on top of your breakfast cereal. Make smoothies with frozen blueberries in the off-season.

Perfect for Fall: The Sweet Potato

This sweet, orange-fleshed root vegetable is loaded with proteins and potent antioxidants.

Some experts say that the sweet potato’s unique root-based proteins give it healing properties. Because the sweet potato helps stabilize blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance, it’s the perfect anti-diabetic food. Any food that controls blood sugar levels will also have a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect on your skin. Sweet potatoes are also excellent sources of beta-carotene, Vitamin C, fiber, Vitamin B6 and potassium.

How to enjoy the Sweet Potato : Zap it in the microwave and then mash it with olive oil and black pepper.

Rains: Phenol-Packed Wonders

Raisins are tasty, ultra-portable, raisins, never go bad, and are available year round. What more could you ask for? How about loads of antioxidant-like phenols that help prevent cell oxidation! Raisins also contain Boron, a mineral that helps protect women from osteoporosis and bone loss.

How to enjoy Raisins: Eat them plain or mix with nuts for homemade trail mix.

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