HEALTH REPORT
Eat Better Live Longer
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to age so much better than others? Dr Damian Kristof reveals the secrets of their success.
might consider stepping away from the concept
The New Year often sees us making resolutions for feeling and looking better. Unsurprisingly, eating properly, losing weight and getting fit are usually at the top of the list. The question then arises: which is the best diet? The answer is, not necessarily the one that a friend is following or that is currently fashionable; the best diet is the one that works for you - The You Diet. Travelling through Sardina in September last year
of a diet altogether, and instead adopt a lifestyle which achieves sustainable long-term health, rather than short-term results. Lessons for longevity Since 2016, my co-host Marcus Pearce and I have enjoyed the privilege of taking small groups of people to Europe’s Blue Zones, as part of the 100 Not Out Longevity Experience. These locations are known for the exceptional longevity of their residents and showcase the healing power of a holistic lifestyle, of which the Mediterranean lifestyle is an outstanding example. The Mediterranean lifestyle is not just about diet – it encompasses movement, connection, purpose and spirituality, elements which all foster a healthy, fulfilling life. It is a way of living that nurtures body and soul and creates a sustainable approach to achieving health and wellbeing. First-hand experience Longevity is not about complexity; it is about simplicity – food that nourishes the body, meaningful relationships which
with Dr Ivo Pirisi (Sardinia’s foremost longevity and Blue Zones PhD Nutrition expert), he reminded us that the Sardinian/Italian Mediterranean diet doesn’t consist of six or seven courses. He shared with Marcus Pearce and me that this was a deviation from the rules established for centuries to suit a culture that enjoyed food as food became easier to access. When we reflect on the divergence of lifestyles and diets, perhaps consider how we see a meal being designed. Diet or lifestyle?
The Mediterranean lifestyle is not just about diet – it encompasses movement, connection, purpose and spirituality, elements which all foster a healthy, fulfilling life.
When you commit to a diet, it is important to follow its rules. For example: • a vegan diet excludes all animal- and insect- derived products; • a pescatarian diet allows
provide purpose, and regular activity that strengthens vitality. Witnessing the experience of hundreds of people thriving well beyond a typical life expectancy proves this message: that living an exceptional life is less about following rigid diet rules, and more about embracing a balanced lifestyle. Dr Damian Kristof is a nutritionist, naturopath and chiropractor, who presents and speaks widely on longevity and all things wellness. He runs Vida Lifestyles in Melbourne and is the host of the podcast 100 Not Out.
Come with us... Would you like to travel with Damian and Marcus to the European Blue Zones? Join us for the 100 Not Out Longevity Experience. Ikaria: August 22-31 Sardinia: September 2-11 Come to one - or both! Details: www.100notout.com
fish, but excludes chicken, red meat, dairy and eggs; • a ketogenic diet requires you to maintain ketosis, a state where your body burns fat for fuel; • a Paleo diet eliminates processed foods, and
• a carnivore diet focuses solely on animal-derived foods. Deviating from the guidelines of your chosen diet can disrupt its effectiveness and upset the body’s balance. For example, following a high-fat, high-protein diet without achieving ketosis may be harmful. Similarly, a vegan diet with inadequate protein can cause nutritional deficiencies. To avoid these potential pitfalls, you
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ISSUE 73 • 2025
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