We all want to feel good in our body, but lets admit it, we also want to look good. The way we connect to our looks is part of how we feel, right? Well, one of the questions I get asked a lot by my private clients is, How can I get rid of this puffiness around my eyes/in my face/insert trouble spot of your own?. Of course, there are tons of products on the market that are telling us what to put ON these trouble spots, but you know that I am going to tell you that what you put IN your body is where it all starts.

Before we look at what can help to decrease puffiness lets take just two seconds to give service to what can CAUSE it: excessive sugar and caffeine. If you swear you dont really use either and you still find your self with bags around your eyes: First, really double check the content of your food. Sugar is sneaky. It likes to hide-out under other names and guises. Second, check with your own practitioner or specialist to help you understand what is happening for you specifically.

Now lets look at four foods that will help fight inflammation for good!

1. Broccoli - is excellent for reducing eye inflammation. This great green veggie contains double the vitamin C of an orange and just about as much calcium as a glass of whole milk. Best to be bought (and used!) with bright, green florets and firm stalks. **Extra Tip** Steamed al dente is the best way to go. Raw is hard to digest. Cooked any other way and you lose all those great nutrients.

2. Grapes - when it comes to reducing inflammation we are really talking about the juice part of the grape, but NOT store packaged grape juice. Grapes contain vitamin A, B-Complex and C and relieve any swelling in the throat, mouth, gums and eyes. (Grapes are done ripening once they are picked so choose a mature bunch when buying!)

3. Hemp Oil - let me say right away that this is not marijuana being talked about here. Hemp oil is loaded with our friends Omega 3s (more than flax) but also has what is called GLAs (gamma-linoleic acid) which stimulate the growth of healthy hair, skin AND reduce inflammation. Use on salads, baked root vegetables and as a dressing. **Extra Tip**Dont use it for cooking and you are not getting the benefits if you take it in capsule form.

4. Jobs Tears - sounds like a magic potion, doesnt it? It is actually a whole grain! Before it is hulled it has a black, sturdy case which earned it the great name. Once hulled, it looks more like barley. You may have even had it at one time and thought you were having just plain old barley soup. This grain is wonderful for cooling any inflammation and can also be very helpful for those suffering with arthritis.