A PE teacher who looks better in her 40s than her 20s has revealed the five foods she would “live off” every day for the rest of her life.

Mum-of-two Belinda Norton, from the Gold Coast, achieved the “best body of her life” aged 40 and said her top picks are oranges, carrots, broccoli, blueberry and oats.

“If I could choose only five foods to live on for the rest of my life – it would be these,” the 45-year-old said in an Instagram post.

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“These five nutrient loaded foods I consume daily. Yes, every day.”

Oats

One of her favourite foods is oats.

“Oats are a good source of many vitamins, minerals, and unique plant compounds,” Norton said.

“This grain also offers a number of potential health benefits, including reduced cholesterol and improved insulin sensitivity.”

She typically eats oats as porridge, prepares overnight oat jars so she can enjoy for work the next day or incorporate them in her homemade muesli.

Oranges

Norton said she can’t live without oranges as it’s a great source of nutrients for keeping your body healthy.

“The fibre in oranges can keep blood sugar levels in check and reduce high cholesterol to prevent cardiovascular disease,” she said.

“Oranges contain approximately 55 milligrams of calcium, or 6 per cent of your daily requirement.”

She said the fruit is best served as a “delicious” snack or “sugar hit” after lunch or work.

Blueberry

Her next favourite food is blueberry.

“It’s the most delicious nutrient loaded fruit,” she said.

“They may help lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, improve memory, aid in exercise recovery, and more.

“Blueberries are believed to have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all common fruits and vegetable.”

Norton always ensures there’s blueberries in her home every single day.

“Eat blueberries for breakfast whether it be in a smoothie, on oats, handfuls of them on the run, frozen ones in yoghurt just eat them,” she said.

“They are loaded with antioxidants and high in vitamins and researches state they have excellent anti-ageing properties due to their cognitive benefits.”

Broccoli

Norton said she can never go a day without eating broccoli.

“Broccoli is a superfood and offers disease-fighting nutrients that can decrease signs of aging, among other benefits,” she said.

“The most important is anti-inflammatory power of broccoli is tied to a reduced risk of chronic diseases.”

She referenced a study that found a higher intake of cruciferous veggies can help lower levels of pro-inflammatory markers circulating in the blood.

“Eat more broccoli,” Norton advised.

Carrots

Finally, Carrots made her top five list.

“Carrots are high in fibre and they maintain blood sugar levels at optimum,” Norton said.

“They are loaded with vitamin A and beta-carotene, as evidence states they can lower your diabetes risk.

“Carrots can strengthen your bones as they are calcium loaded with vitamin K, both important for bone health.”

Belinda’s anti-aging secrets

1. Less Cardio more light speed weights

Please try less running. I know and I appreciate a good run but I have found excessive running to be counterproductive to our best body shape. Over the years I have significantly shortened my running distances rather completing quality sessions speed sessions. I used to run and run and this created such stress in my body that I began to age faster. I run only 3km – 7km distances now unless I am completing a race. Otherwise I vary walking, sprints, or complete high-quality weight speed circuits with short run efforts in between.

2. Eat Foods that enhance skin health

Eat spinach, almonds and salmon

• Try to eat Spinach at least five times a week, in salads, added with eggs in the morning or within dinners eg. Tacos
• Snack on almonds daily – approximately one handful
• Eat salmon at least twice a week Eat salmon once a week – high in protein, fish oils and good fats for your skin
• Eat vegetables in every meal

3. Wash your face every day

Always wash your face at night; never sleep in any makeup and ensure you exfoliate your face every three days with a high quality exfoliate containing lactic acid. Moisturise morning and night.

4. Avoid ALL processed foods

Less processed foods and avoid the calorie or macro rating as it is a ridiculous way to live, especially if it involves you eating processed food. Please stop the ‘dieting fad’ it will NOT fight ageing. Food made in a factory filled with chemicals and with items that should not be consumed nor be processed within our delicate bodies. It will not create a highly functional body nor it is nutrient loaded. Think about the food you intake as it actually is – How is it made? Where did it came from? These two factors will help you to avoid it.

5. Please stop the ‘diet’ regime and start the ‘body positive boost’ regime

Eat health foods that nourish your body regularly. Eat meals six meals the size of your two fists daily.

6. Limit Sugar of all types

When the dessert crave hits that peak after dinner, slice up apple – ensure it’s deliciously fine crispy slices – and if you still crave more, dip in peanut butter or even add some flavoured almonds.

7. Walk every morning

Upon waking, get dressed and get out for a walk before breakfast, then eat upon return. It will evoke the waking of your body and your metabolism. It helps your body to revive and start up correctly in the morning. Energy will remain higher all day and you will feel a buzz of certainty about yourself.

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