Bright 62-year-old Athena credits her anti-inflammatory diet for her young vitality and perfect skin. “Aging is natural; but, we can age gracefully by choosing the correct foods.” She says. Her code is a diet heavy in anti-inflammatory foods meant to fight oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
Athena’s meals center on vibrant fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and spices including turmeric and ginger. She steers clear of processed meals, added sugars, and trans fats—all of which aggravate inflammation.
Often a smoothie made with spinach, frozen berries, almond milk, and a spoonful of powdered flaxseeds, breakfast for Athena is Lunch is a bowl of lentils flavored with turmeric mixed with a fresh garden salad. She likes grilled mackerel for dinner together with sweet potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts on a side.
A handful of walnuts or a slice of avocado toast sloppily topped with chili flakes is Athena’s preferred snack. She enjoys also drinking green tea all day. “It’s peaceful and loaded with antioxidants,” she explains.
Athena stresses, “the key is consistency.” She counsels others to start with little changes, such as substituting fresh fruit for sugary snacks or adding a teaspoon of turmeric to their dishes. “It’s about progress, not perfection.”
Athena not only has better health but also feels empowered by following an anti-inflammatory diet. “Eating well is a form of self-care,” she notes. “You can never start giving your health top priority too late.”
