I’m 71 years old but people think I’m in my 40s and it’s thanks to my diet secret that adds years to your life
A WOMAN who is in her 70s, but looks 30 years younger has shared her secrets to looking youthful, after revealing that she only started working out in her forties.
Wendy Ida, 71 said that in her forties she was overweight, but as her mum and aunts were also out of shape, she assumed it was genetic, and there was nothing she could do about it.
She decided to try out the gym, after learning that many of her colleagues went before or after work, and with the help of a trainer, learned how to lift weights.
The mum told Parade: “My body started to change and at 42, I was healthier than I had ever been in my life.
“My mindset completely changed too. I became more fun, laidback and carefree. I was finally living.
“I was so inspired by how fitness changed not only my body but my entire mindset that I decided to pursue personal training myself.
“I wanted to help others reinvent their lives the way I had reinvented mine.”
When she was 57, Wendy decided to start bodybuilding, and at 60 became a two time Guinness World Record holder, one for doing burpees and the other for being the oldest fitness trainer with multiple disciplines.
Wendy said one of her biggest secrets to keeping in shape, is her diet.
She said she eats mostly plant based foods, as well as some fish.
The bodybuilder said: “While I don’t follow a specific diet per se, this way of eating is in line with the Mediterranean diet, which has been scientifically backed to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and can add years to your life.”
Wendy said that it’s never too late for people to start their fitness journey, and said that her best advice is to find someone who can teach you the correct exercises to do in the gym.
She said that strength training is particularly important for people as they get older, as it is crucial for bone health.
Wendy said that she trains in the gym six days a week, alternating between upper body and lower body strength training.
She added that she gives herself one day off a week, as rest is important.
Wendy said that for those who are intimidated by the gym, activities like gardening, swimming and walking are great ways to get your body moving.
She added that to keep her mind active, she also likes to learn new skills, like speaking Spanish.
She said: “Trying new things keeps you on your toes.
What is the Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet encourages an eating pattern that includes food staples from the countries that live around the Mediterranean, such as Spain, Greece, Italy and France.
The diet is primarily a plant-based one with some contributions from animal-based products – mainly fish and poultry with a limited quantity of dairy products.
The diet also includes plenty of seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as beans, legumes, wholegrains and low to moderate alcohol consumption, typically red wine.
Despite the UK being some distance away from the warm Mediterranean climes, it’s possible to adopt this style of eating without making massive changes.
Rather than being a strict ‘diet’, the Mediterranean diet is more a set of guiding principles that influence how you select, prepare and eat food.
“Ageing does not have to mean becoming weaker or frail.
“Ageing can mean getting stronger and sharper.
“What’s most important is to simply start. That first step can change your life.”
Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.