Unfortunately, there’s no magic potion (or ingredient for that matter) that can reverse ageing – it’s simply a part of life. That said, science tell us that diet and lifestyle factors have a huge impact on not only how we look, but our overall mental state and energy levels too.
With that in mind, these 4 food hacks will keep you fighting fit and, in turn, help you age gracefully.
1. Always think colour!
I’ve bet you’ve heard the saying that you eat with your eyes first, so let your eyes (and your tum) indulge in all colours of the rainbow. The more colours you consume, the wider range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals and polyphenols you’ll eat, which are all needed to keep you in tip-top shape.
Don’t get stuck in a rut of eating the same lettuce, carrot and tomato salad though! Think broader and introduce some deep leafy greens such as spinach, rocket and kale, bright orange carrot, sweet potato, peaches and turmeric, and make sure to get some purples and blues in with crunchy cabbage, beetroot, eggplant and sweet blueberries.
The Chargrill Charlie’s Rainbow Nourishing Roast Salad is a perfect example made up of roasted eggplant, sweet potato, beetroot, carrot, tossed with fresh spinach and topped with crumbled feta.
2. Don’t forget protein
If when you think of protein you imagine shakes at the gym… think again. While protein is necessary for muscle and strength building, protein is used first in the body to build structural elements such as hair, skin, nails and eyes – all parts of our appearance we want to keep radiant and youthful.
Inside the body, however, protein is absorbed to help with hormone function, enzymes and antibodies which will keep both your body and your mind operating like a well-oiled machine. In fact, I like to think of protein as beauty food – not muscle food.
What are my fave sources of protein? I reach for wild oily fish, grass-fed beef and lamb, pasture-raised chicken, and the best… eggs (the whole egg, not just the white!). If you’re a vego, plant proteins are great too. Reach for hemp protein and hemp seeds, tempeh and sprouted legumes.
3. Healthy fats
While fats were thought of as the enemy for a while, good fats are essential for hormone function, brain health and as with protein, the strength of your hair, skin and nails.
A good avocado is by far my favourite source of monounsaturated fat, and it pairs deliciously with any kind of salad. Polyunsaturated fats, which are great for heart health (cardioprotective), memory and brain cognition as we age, are oily fish like wild salmon, mackerel and sardines, nuts and seeds – try walnut, Brazil flax, chia and hemp!
The kinds of fats to stay away from are the processed kinds. Unnatural fats like vegetable oils (canola, soybean and sunflower) which although are still polyunsaturated fats, can be toxic to your health. Instead, stick to the gold standard of oils – extra virgin olive oil. This beauty is packed with brilliant polyphenols and phytochemicals and right across the science-board is linked to better health and less disease. Who can argue with that?
Why not take your morning chia pudding to the next level? My Blueberry Ginger Chia Jars will kickstart your day and your anti-ageing process, packed with healthy fats and bright blueberries. Dig in!
4. Add a little love
While diet and of course exercise, is just one piece of the anti-ageing pie, we’re starting to see just how important other lifestyle factors are when it comes to ageing gracefully.
‘Blue Zones’ have long been studied for being areas in the world where people live the longest, and while they have varying diets and traditions, one thing remains the same – they have a sense of community, helping each other and working together as a whole.
So, make sure that while you’re whipping up these delicious new foods, you indulge with your friends and family and spend quality time with them.
Wanna tap into the fountain of youth? Chargrill Charlies have three new anti-ageing salads that cover all the beauty-bases to help you age gracefully.
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