Studies have consistently shown that maintaining a balanced diet is a fundamental way to extend one’s lifespan, even by decades if adopted from a young age. Despite this knowledge, the temptation of junk food, with its enticing flavors and addictive qualities, often undermines our better judgment, gradually harming bodily functions and shortening our lifespans. The good news is that it’s never too late to start benefiting from a healthful diet rich in antioxidants, essential vitamins, and minerals. Simple lifestyle changes, such as incorporating a handful of nuts into your morning snack, reducing processed foods and sugar intake, and engaging in regular morning walks, can have a profound and positive impact on your health, offering more significant benefits than you might expect.
“The foundation of health and longevity is diet. You can exercise and meditate and sleep and take all the supplements in the world, but unless you focus on high-quality, nutrient-dense, whole foods personalized to your own needs and preferences, you will not achieve health or longevity. The Pegan Diet is an inclusive, flexible frame that is built on the principles of quality, food is medicine, and personalization. It is designed to be low glycaemic (low in starch and sugar), rich in good fats, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, hormone balancing, energy boosting, and gut healing. It is nutrient dense and rich in longevity phytochemicals, polyphenols, antioxidants, and microbiome-healing fibers. It is designed to regenerate both human and planetary health, which are inseparable,” states Dr Mark Hyman, M.D. and NYT Times bestselling author in his latest Instagram post.
Dr. Hyman provides valuable tips on promoting longevity through a well-rounded diet and lifestyle, as outlined in his book “Young Forever.”
- Prioritize Plant-Based Foods: A significant portion of your diet, roughly three-quarters, should consist of vegetables, particularly those with vibrant colors. Emphasize non-starchy vegetables, with occasional inclusion of winter squashes and sweet potatoes in moderation.
2. Embrace Healthy Fats: Incorporate whole foods rich in healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocados, pasture-raised eggs, and small fatty fish like sardines, mackerel, herring, anchovies, and wild salmon. Use extra virgin olive oil for low or no-heat cooking, avocado oil for higher-heat cooking, and organic virgin coconut oil. Nuts and seeds contribute to weight management and provide essential minerals, protein, healthy fats, fiber, and more. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, and various seeds like pumpkin, hemp, chia, and sesame are excellent choices.
3. Limit Meat and Animal Products: View meat and animal products as condiments rather than the main focus of your meals. Keep meat servings palm sized. Plant-based meals are acceptable but ensure that your protein sources come from whole foods, not processed powders, bars, or imitation meat products. To maintain adequate protein intake, especially for muscle synthesis as you age, consider supplementing with animal protein, amino acid supplements, or vegan protein powders fortified with amino acids.
4. Consume Fatty Fish: Include fatty fish like sardines, herring, anchovies, mackerel, and salmon in your diet. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids while having low mercury levels, making them an excellent choice for heart and brain health.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
