The Anti-Aging Diet:
It's Never Too Early to Start...
The anti-aging diet is not as much a specific food plan as it is a lifestyle plan.
When we talk about the process of aging and what we can do to “grow old gracefully”, the two main areas that we have control over are diet and exercise.
The anti-aging diet is not just for baby boomers or the elderly…it’s never too early to reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
To paraphrase that now-famous quote, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself!” Don’t let that be you.
Just as being active is important for all age groups, exercise for seniors is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle.
Even if you’ve never made an effort to be active before, movement is necessary for aging well.
Anti-aging diets usually consist of explanations that include words such as “free radicals”, “antioxidants”, “phytonutrients”, and “anti-inflammatory.”
Research agrees that anti-inflammatory may be the best place to put our focus. Foods in this category actually slow aging at the cellular level.
Include these anti-inflammatory foods
in your daily diet:
- Water—hydration is essential!
- Fruits and Vegetables—at least 5-7 servings each day—stay colorful—plums, cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, etc.
- Whole Grains—at least 3 servings each day
- Cruciferous Vegetables—cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, etc.
- Legumes (dried beans and peas)—particularly kidney beans—at least 2 times a week
- Fish—especially salmon and tuna--rich in omega-3 fatty acids—at least 2 times a week
- Lean Protein—helps maintain muscle
- Nuts—healthy fats—keep portions small because calories are high
- Yogurt—healthy bacteria—once a day along with other fat-free dairy products
- Healthy Oils—especially canola and olive
- Garlic and Ginger
- Green or Black Tea—freshly brewed
- Red Wine and/or Dark Grapes
- Dark Chocolate—I saved the best for last, but watch your portions!
Now that you've studied the list of age-defying foods, it's easy to see why the Mediterranean diet is so popular, and why the Mediterranean lifestyle is so envied!
Eating non-processed foods is essential to reduce inflammation in the our bodies. Make it a priority to eat fresh, locally-grown produce whenever possible.
Even for those of you that don't enjoy cooking, there are many free recipes available that are super easy!
Related Links:
Free Mediterranean Diet Recipes
Mediterranean Diet Books
Meal Ideas for Mediterranean Diet
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