We're taking a cue from Nigella Lawson, who says that if she were to lose 20 kilos, she'd look 10 years older. Why losing weight might not be the best way for you to look years younger. Plus, nine more tips that can take a decade off your appearance

PROMITA MUKHERJEE
promita.mukherjee@mid-day.com

'Cheerfulness and contentment are great beautifiers and are famous preservers of youthful looks', claimed British novelist Charles Dickens. TV chef Nigella Lawson would agree. In a recent interview with an Australian magazine, the 'domestic goddess' famed as much for her luscious curves as for her casual approach to cooking, was quoted as saying that she "could never deprive" herself, given her love for food and cooking. Never mind those recent unflattering photographs of Lawson in a burkini on Bondi Beach, in Australia, floating around, the 51-year-old went on to add that losing 20 kilos would "straightaway" age her by 10 years.

So, if Nigella's skin and curvy body are indications of staying younger longer, are we slowly witnessing a trend against the size-zero culture? Perhaps. But going the other extreme towards obesity is unlikely to be the answer to youthfulness either. "20 per cent of the Indian youth suffers from diabetes and metabolic syndrome," says Dr Samrat Shah, consultant at Cumballa Hill Hospital. Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that occur together and increase the risk for Type II Diabetes, stroke and coronary artery disease.

Have a Rainbow on your plate
Staying younger longer is a wholistic process that has its roots in sound nutrition. Even if you are keeping your weight in check, you still need to ensure that you are eating the right foods to ensure you're getting adequate nutrients from your diet. A good way to ensure this is to incorporate lots of bright colours on to your plate: greens, yellows, reds and even purple (brinjal is a great "super" food, bursting with antioxidants).

Eating foods rich in antioxidants (almonds, sweet potatoes) and "fat-burning foods" or complex carbohydrates, including fresh fruits and veggies go a long way in making you look younger and feeling fabulous, since metabolism slows down with ageing, and as a result the body burns fewer calories. Experts advise steering clear of processed foods, which are foods that have been altered from their natural state, either for convenience or safety reasons. Examples include foods that have been canned, frozen, dehydrated and even refrigerated. These include chips, cookie, breakfast cereals, pastas made with refined white flour and processed meats.

A good way to avoid bingeing is to opt for 'natural appetite suppressants' before a meal. Tips include drinking two glasses of water at least half an hour before a meal, eating fibre-rich foods (lentils, wholewheat pasta, lentils), eating fresh salads and soups. Eating slowly also goes a long way, as does portion control: Understanding portion size and approximate calories per recommended serving.