Foods for healthier skin

Fancy regaining that sparkle in your eye and that flush in your cheeks? Want to have smooth, blemish-free skin and minimise fine lines in the process? Then forget about the beauty counter's expensive lotions and potions, and head to the supermarket instead.

If the face that greets you in the mirror could use some TLC, filling your trolley with brightly-coloured produce, wholesome grains and lean fish and meat will help you to look young again without forking out for designer creams. A remarkable range of fruits, vegetables, seeds and fish can help you to eat your way to clearer skin and fewer wrinkles.  By scoffing as many antioxidants as you can, as well as plenty of foods rich in Omega-3 and other vital ‘good' fats, you can look fresh-faced and bright-eyed once more.

And facing the bright lights and cameras on a daily basis means every A-list celebrity is keen to keep her skin looking its best.

Among those celebrities who eat well to help their skin look soft and supple are Kim Cattrall, who tucks into three portions of salmon a day, Jennifer Lopez, and Desperate Housewives star Nicollette Sheridan.

Here are just some of the others who thank their diets for their fantastic skin:

* "I eat as organically as possible," says mum-of-two Gwyneth Paltrow, who looks radiant. "I simply try not to eat any over-manufactured foods."

* Turning 40 prompted stunning Sandra Bullock to take stock of her kitchen cupboard. "I really changed my eating habits," says the ‘Miss Congeniality' star. "From pizza and Diet Coke to a piece of chicken and some vegetables."

* Supermodel Cindy Crawford is also a fan of healthy eating because it shows in her face. "I know that I look and feel better if I am responsible about what I eat," she says.

* Another model who has defied the aging process is Aussie babe Elle Macpherson - and she puts it down to her diet. "I eat organic," she says. "My philosophy is to eat food that makes me strong and healthy."

* Kate Hudson is taking tips from her stunning mum Goldie Hawn on how to keep her honey-coloured skin smooth. "My mother whips up this green-based shake, made of parsley, peppers, celery and kale - it works!" says Kate.

* And of course Madonna's toned, lithe look is due in no small part to her wholesome, if a little strict, regime. "A macrobiotic diet, based on whole grains and fresh vegetables, makes an amazing difference," according to the Material Girl.

Everyone can benefit from getting more ‘good' fats into their diet, the type found in nuts, avocadoes, and salmon.  Other oily fish like tuna, sardines and mackerel are also great, as well as olive oil, seeds and eggs. The Omega-3 fats tops up the skin's natural oil levels to help prevent it drying out.

A diet to benefit your health and your skin needn't be boring - be sure to include a wide range of vegetables, including tomatoes and plenty of green leafy produce like spinach and broccoli, to provide lots of great antioxidants as well as tasty fruits like blueberries.

Following this regime could see great results and a fresher face in just seven days, click here for your 7-day meal plan.

Great ideas for healthy living

Gillian McKeith's guide to healthy eating - weight loss a fringe benefit!

Ovarian cancer - know the facts

Beauty buys that work while you sleep