How I Stay Healthy In My 40s And Beyond

 I was brought up to enjoy and appreciate good food.  

As a runner in 40s I watch what I eat.  There are so many confusing health information and fad diets nowadays. 

I live mostly on rice, fruits and vegetables.  This diet has kept me looking young ( like I'm still thirty-something ) and healthy without any major illnesses. 

Last time I was in a hospital?  When I gave birth my son 21 years ago. 

I eat a lot of carbs which is considered bad for you nowadays.    

Carbohydrates are your body's main source of energy.  You need both complex carbohydrates like brown rice, wheat bread, fruits and vegetables and simple carbohydrates like white rice, white bread.  They consist of 80 % of my groceries.  Rice, vegetables and fruits are my staple.  

When shopping for vegetables, it's most important to buy fresh, preferably organic and whatever is in season.  Since it's winter, root vegetables are delicious right now.  I recently made a beet salad with dried cranberries marinated with olive oil and fresh basil.  Pictured are some of the dishes I typically eat with other healthy foods.  

Your body needs some protein to repair tissues and build cells.  I'd say my protein intake is about 15-17% diet. I'd eat more of it when training for a marathon.  Nuts, tofu, beans, eggs and very small amount of animal products are in my grocery cart.   

Healthy fats in small portions are all your body needs.  I use canola, sesame and olive oils for my cooking.  Foods like avocados and nuts also have good fats.