‘I’m 63 but look 20 years younger – it’s all down to diet and sleep’

Ageing – none of us like it but we all have to deal with it.

There are many things people turn to in a bid to rid wrinkles – but a doctor claims Botox and plastic surgery are not the answers.

Dr Mark Hyman, 63, from Massachusetts, claims he’s managed to look 20 years younger by simply eating the right food.

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He thinks – as long as you eat wisely – you can actually reverse the process of ageing.

And it turns out a lot of people seem to believe him, as his theories has helped him gain up to 2.3 million followers on Instagram.

His book Young Forever is all about anti-ageing, and he said food can have a big impact on what you look like.

The doctor claims that converting to mostly whole foods helped him to be in the “best health of his life”.

Mark sticks to a strict Pegan diet, which comprises of 75% vegetables and fruits.

He said there’s a particular focus on berries and non-starchy foods.

The food he eats are low on the glycemic index, and other foods that embody this quality include cherries, oranges, dried apricots, grapefruit, pears, apples, plums and peaches.

Mark claims “about three-quarters of your plate should be covered in veggies” – and people should also opt for “deep colours”.

According to the expert, those wanting to look young should also “load up” on healthy sources of fat.

He told LadBible: “Whole foods such as nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocados, pasture-raised eggs, and small wild fatty fish such as sardines, mackerel, herring, anchovies and wild salmon contain healthy fats.

“For oils, use extra virgin olive oil (at low or no heat), avocado oil (for higher-heat cooking), and organic virgin coconut oil.”

Mark also believes, when it comes to snacks, nuts are your best option.

As for meat – he said people should never treat it like a main course, and plant-based eaters should also axe fake meats from their diets.

Mark said people should also stick to strength-based exercises when it comes to keeping fit if you want your body to feel 20 years younger.

This is because “preserving muscle, building muscle, and optimising function are the keys to the fountain of youth”.

In particular, he recommends weight training three days a week – and claims the routine will have a “profound impact” on both your body and mind.

“Exercise strengthens our memory and makes us sharper, happier, and more resilient,” he added.

“Studies show that vigorous exercise is a better anti-depressant than Prozac.”

Even though he said there are things you can do each day to aid your complexion, he said another important thing to consider is sleep.

He said people don’t understand how important rest is to ensure you maintain a youthful glow.

For the pro, eight hours is a good amount to ensure you’re kipping each night.

Mark said: “Lack of sleep drives most of the hallmarks of ageing, especially inflammation, mitochondrial damage, and altered hormonal and nutrient-sensing pathways.

“The most powerful way to stay healthy and connect to your purpose is to be part of some type of community.”

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