Meet Emme, model
What she's known for: Being a successful plus-size model, a reality-television host, and a spokesperson for FloraGLO Lutein, a supplement ingredient that promotes eye health. "I eat a variety of foods," Emme said. "I like to eat foods that help my complexion and my eye, bone, and muscle health."
(Check out this tasty way to boost your intake of sight-saving lutein.)
Diet and exercise are a couple of reasons Emme looks great. But not everyone's RealAge is lower than his or her chronological age, and Emme is in that group.
Her current age: 47
Her RealAge: 48.4
How she reacted to finding out her RealAge: "I was very surprised and not happy," Emme said. "I tested a year older even though I work really hard to lead a balanced physical, emotional, and spiritual life. I work out, and I thought I ate well. I want to retest in a few months to see how well I'm doing!"
Emme is serious about trying to lower her RealAge. She has been studying her Grow Younger Plan as if it were written by Ponce de Leon. "After learning how important they are to our diet, I bought lentils -- but I had no idea what to do with them. I now have had them twice since I took the RealAge Test, and I must say that I have a handle on lentils."
(Warm up tonight with this lentil-rich recipe: Squash, Chickpea, and Red Lentil Stew.)
Emme knows what to do to lead a healthier life, which could lead to a lower RealAge, but she admits that it's not easy doing what she needs to do in order to accomplish her goals.
What challenges her: Being consistent in applying good habits and getting enough sleep each night is a challenge for Emme. "This is something I have to force myself to do instead of working late, watching a movie, or reading into the evening," Emme said.
(Set the mood for sleep with these do's and don'ts.)
What keeps her healthy: Emme believes that it is essential to drink more water than average. "Many of us are walking around dehydrated and are cranky and unable to focus," Emme said."
(Check out how much water you really need for good health.)
Exercise helps Emme focus. "I mix it up," Emme said. "I do yoga once a week and walks in nature are a must. I throw in a fitness boot camp or a spin class once a week. I have learned about being consistent moving my body every day. It's really important for my mind, body, and spirit to be connected and to work properly and, most of all, to feel balanced."
