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By Gigi of forever 29
Video en bas:
Transcript:
Hello, Twenty-Niners. How is everyone doing today? Gigi and Dr. G are ready to tackle another exciting episode aboard the Gigi Forever 29 Train. Today's topic is fantastic: “You Are What You Eat” After this episode, we hope some of you will think twice before choosing unhealthy foods or overindulging them. The phrase 'you are what you eat' first appeared in the 1825 work "Physiologie du Gout, meaning "Physiology of Taste, or Meditations on Gastronomy Transcendental," by French author Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. He famously said, “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are” (Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es). In other words, to be healthy and fit, it is essential to consume good food. Our journey together encourages us to feel forever 29 at any age. So, everyone, welcome to this enlightening episode! Remember, our goal is to inspire each other to maintain a youthful spirit, believing that age is just a number and that a healthy diet is essential. I've experienced renewed energy since I embraced a more nutritious diet filled with fresh salads and vibrant vegetables, mainly through the Mediterranean approach. So hop on, and let’s listen together!
Thank you, Mike. I completely agree with you. I've noticed a significant difference in my life since I made lifestyle changes, and I want to encourage all of you to know you can do it, too. Remember, our goal is to inspire one another to stay youthful and to believe that age is just a number.
Today’s episode is about how we can empower our health by being mindful of what and how we eat. Let’s dive in, Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, a French lawyer and politician, famously said in 1825, "Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are." This quote highlights that our food choices reflect our health and significantly influence our well-being and identity.
The concept emphasizes that nutrients are vital in shaping physical and mental health. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can lead to better health outcomes, while poor dietary choices can contribute to various health issues.
Brillat-Savarin's insight is still relevant today, as modern nutrition science continues to explore the significant impact of diet on our bodies and minds. So, indeed, we are what we eat! Isn’t that right, Dr. G?
Dr. G
Absolutely! Hello, everyone. I am thrilled to have you on board for this enlightening topic. “We are what we eat.” Indeed, food plays a significant role in our lives, from health reasons to feeling part of a social relationship. So, ask yourself this question: Can changing your eating habits help to improve your overall health? The answer is a resounding yes!
Research now supports that eating well could increase lifespan by about ten years! Certain foods have been scientifically proven to speed up aging and cause the development of severe health conditions.
Whether overeating salt or eating too many cookies, your current habits could create inflammation and increase your weight. In your fifth decade, this could have a catastrophic effect on your health.
For example, Anti-inflammatory foods have been well-studied to reduce inflammation in the body. Most doctors and nutritionists agree that we should eat more of them.
If you suffer from an autoimmune disease, diabetes, heart disease, gut disorders, or any other inflammatory condition, incorporating more of these simple foods into your diet is a brilliant idea.
Our bodies undergo various changes as we age, shifting our nutritional needs significantly. While many foods can contribute positively to our health, some may negatively impact our well-being, particularly after age 50. Here’s a detailed look at ten popular food categories you might want to avoid as you enter this new phase of life. But you still want to remain on the Gigi Forever 29 Train.
Number one. Processed Foods: Processed snacks and ready-to-eat meals often contain high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. These ingredients can lead to higher blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. Opting for whole, unprocessed foods can provide better nutrients and support overall health.
2. Sugary Snacks and Desserts: Foods high in refined sugars, including candies, cakes, and pastries, can lead to weight gain and increased risks of diabetes and heart disease. Instead, consider satisfying your sweet tooth with fruits, which provide natural sugars, essential vitamins, and fiber.
3. Deep-Fried Foods: French fries, fried chicken, and doughnuts are often laden with unhealthy trans fats, which can raise harmful cholesterol levels and contribute to heart disease. Baking or grilling foods instead of frying can significantly benefit your cardiovascular health.
4. Excessive Salt: Foods high in salt, such as processed meats, canned soups, and salty snacks, can cause fluid retention and high blood pressure. Seeking low-sodium alternatives and using herbs and spices for flavor can help you maintain healthier blood pressure levels.
5. Full-Fat Dairy Products: While dairy can be a good source of calcium, full-fat options like cream and certain cheeses can also be high in saturated fat, which is linked to heart disease. Consider switching to low-fat or plant-based dairy alternatives to keep your dairy intake healthy.
6. High-Calorie Beverages: Sugary drinks, including sodas and specialty coffees, can add empty calories to your diet without offering nutrition. These drinks can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Staying hydrated with water, herbal teas, or infusing water with fruits can be a healthier choice.
7. **Red and Processed Meats**: Eating a diet high in red and processed meats has been associated with several health risks, including certain cancers and heart disease. Lean proteins such as fish, poultry, and legumes are great alternatives that provide essential nutrients without negative health impacts.
8. **White Bread and Pastries**: Refined grains in white bread and pastries lack essential nutrients and fiber, leading to sluggish digestion and increased blood sugar levels. Whole grains, such as wheat bread and brown rice, can offer better health benefits.
9. **Sugary Breakfast Cereals**: Many breakfast cereals marketed as "healthy" are often loaded with sugar. These can lead to spikes in blood glucose levels, leaving you feeling hungry soon after. Look for whole-grain cereals with little to no added sugars, or consider oatmeal a nutritious option.
10. **Alcohol in Excess**: While moderate consumption may have some benefits, excessive alcohol intake can lead to a myriad of problems, including liver disease, increased cancer risk, and cognitive decline. If you choose to drink, moderation is vital; consulting your doctor for guidance can be helpful.
Making informed dietary choices can significantly impact your health and quality of life after 50. Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods while minimizing processed and unhealthy options can help you maintain energy levels, manage weight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases as you age.
Gigi
Thank you, Dr. G. That was excellent advice. "We are what we eat," and we can all agree. Transitioning to a plant-based diet can significantly reduce the risk of developing numerous chronic diseases over a person's lifetime. Plant-based diets require fewer natural resources for production than meat-based diets. Generally, plant-based foods produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and require less energy, land, and water.
Taking care of our planet is very important to me, and it’s essential to understand that our health and the health of the Earth are closely connected. However, I want to clarify that I’m not suggesting everyone should become vegan. I enjoyed consuming animal products. But I also recognize the consequences, so just like with alcohol intake, it’s essential to do it in moderation. We don’t need to eat meat daily; society categorizes everything besides the meat, the poultry, or the seafood on our plates as a side dish. After all, a side dish is supposed to accompany the main course. Isn't it?
Let’s pause here for today. Don’t miss part two, which will conclude our episode titled “You Are What You Eat.” Until then, stay blessed, young, and vibrant, and be mindful of what you put on your plate.
Switching from a mixed diet to a vegetarian one can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 500 kilograms of CO2e per year and up to 900 kilograms for a vegan diet. Regarding the environment, our well-being depends on protecting our planet and maintaining a healthy diet.
Here’s a win-win: Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds while consuming less meat and dairy can significantly reduce our environmental impact and promote health.
As I've mentioned, protecting the environment is a collective effort, so spreading awareness and avoiding food waste is essential. Food must be grown, processed, transported, distributed, prepared, consumed, and sometimes disposed of, and each step creates greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. About a third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are linked to food.
I’m not suggesting that everyone should become vegan—I enjoy consuming animal products, too. However, I am aware of the consequences. Just like alcohol intake, it’s best to consume meat in moderation. We don’t need to eat meat every day. Society often labels everything else on our plate as a side dish, but a side dish is a smaller portion served alongside the main dish.
Just think about it: Typically, a 'side' is a smaller portion served alongside a main dish, often featuring meat, poultry, or seafood.
Dr G
Gigi, you're right. We must change our mindset and ask ourselves if our current habits are worth it. Just like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, relying heavily on meat products for our main meals can hinder our enjoyment of our golden years—or even shorten them.
Over three years ago, Gigi and I decided to change our diet. While we aren't entirely vegan, we still enjoy filet mignon, salmon, lobster, shrimp, chicken, and other meats. However, we only consume meat or poultry once a week and twice on rare occasions. Our portions are now less than half of what they used to be. We share our main course when we dine out, which we do less frequently. We’ve also eliminated soda from our diet. We designate Sundays as our “cheat day” for meat consumption, but you can choose any day that works for you.
I want to emphasize that it’s essential not just to claim you’re 29 but to feel and embody that age truly. This podcast is designed to motivate you to stay youthful and remind you that age is just a number. It's up to us boomers on the Forever 29 train to keep pace with Gen X and Millennials while being role models for Gen Z. We hope they’ll join us when their time comes.
What about you, Mike? How long have you and Donna been working on this? We know you've slipped up a few times, but we admire how Donna has consistently maintained her moderately healthy diet.
Mike
We've been working on this for over ten years now. Donna has been great at it, and you're right; I've struggled with consistency several times. Let me tell you, life is much better when you remove certain foods from your diet. I'm speaking to Generation X as we enter our fifth decade—this can significantly impact our health. As Dr. G mentioned, our nutritional needs change as we age because our metabolism slows down, and our immune systems often become less effective.
Additionally, some of our favorite foods can increase the risk of developing severe conditions such as stroke, cancer, and dementia. As the risk of these disorders rises with age, we shouldn't make it worse by consuming too many harmful foods. That's why we've followed Gigi's guidelines and stayed on track.
Gigi
We are what we eat, folks. This adage from the French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, published in 1825, holds today, just as the reality of climate change is undeniable. His now-famous quote from the masterpiece *Physiology of Taste*—"Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are"—was accurate then and is even more so now. We should all take our food choices seriously.
Thankfully, many restaurants now offer various gluten-free and vegan options and different types of avocado toast instead of traditional ham or turkey sandwiches. By choosing avocado toast over meat, you contribute to environmental protection and improve your cholesterol intake.
I hope you enjoyed this discussion and continue to promote a healthy lifestyle. Remember, this podcast aims to motivate you to stay young and healthy, reinforcing the belief that age is just a number. Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to our conversation. God bless! And don’t forget to like, share the podcast, and subscribe if you haven’t done so yet.
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