Jane Seymour, the celebrated British actress, defies the conventional aging process, maintaining a youthful appearance and vibrant health as she approaches her 70s. She attributes her remarkable condition not to mere chance, but to a disciplined approach to diet, exercise, and overall well-being. Her holistic regimen focuses on nourishing her body with wholesome foods, engaging in targeted exercises, and nurturing a positive mindset.
Dietary Principles: A Focus on Fresh, Whole Foods
Seymour's diet revolves around fresh, homegrown vegetables and lean protein sources. She emphasizes a balanced approach, prioritizing nutrient-rich options while allowing for occasional indulgences in moderation.
Emphasizing Vegetables and Homegrown Produce
Seymour cultivates a diverse garden, yielding a variety of vegetables from avocados to zucchini. She incorporates these fresh, homegrown ingredients into her daily meals, ensuring a constant supply of essential vitamins and minerals. By growing her own produce, she controls the quality and freshness of her food, minimizing exposure to harmful pesticides and additives.
Lean Protein Sources: Fish, Chicken, and Occasional Steak
While largely avoiding red meat and animal fats, Seymour incorporates lean protein sources into her diet, such as fish, chicken, and occasionally, a small portion of filet steak. Salmon is a frequent choice, providing essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-health benefits.
Moderation and Mindful Eating
Seymour practices mindful eating, paying close attention to portion sizes and avoiding overconsumption. She limits her intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats. She also revealed she enjoys eggs from her own hens and wine in moderation. She says almost "never" gets drunk, but sometimes drinks a glass of wine at a meal. Needless to say, avoiding excessive drinking has a wide range of health benefits, but it can be even more important as you age, as over time, the body slows down its ability to digest alcohol. Excessive drinking can also contribute to the aging process by dehydrating the skin and adding wrinkles.
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Meal Timing and Snacking Habits
Seymour typically consumes one main meal a day, usually at lunchtime, opting for lighter fare in the evenings. When craving a snack, she reaches for pistachios, her "naughty treat," or prepares homemade crispy sweet potato "chips" or toasted pumpkin seeds with Tamari Lite.
Breakfast Habits
"I almost always never have breakfast," the "Dr. Quinn" alum explained about her diet. Jane Seymour as Dr. Quinn and Joe Lando as Byron Sully. "I will have liquids and my vitamins. I’ve got this vitamin combination that has collagen. I’ll have that in the morning and either black tea, coffee or water.
Exercise Routine: A Blend of Strength, Flexibility, and Cardio
Seymour's exercise regimen incorporates a variety of activities that promote strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. She emphasizes consistency and mindful movement, tailoring her workouts to her body's needs and limitations.
Strength Training: The Perfect Workout and Gyrotonics
Twice a week, Seymour engages in 'The Perfect Workout', a form of endurance training that involves slow, controlled movements. This method encourages efficient muscle engagement, yielding results with just two 20-minute sessions per week. She also practices Gyrotonics, an exercise system that strengthens and lengthens muscles through circular motions, incorporating breathing exercises similar to yoga.
Ballet-Inspired Movements and Pilates
Having trained as a ballet dancer in her youth, Seymour incorporates ballet-inspired movements into her fitness routine. She also practices Pilates, focusing on core strength and alignment. These exercises enhance flexibility, posture, and overall body awareness.
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Walking and Outdoor Activities
Seymour enjoys brisk walks along the beach near her California home and engages in outdoor activities like golf. Walking provides cardiovascular benefits and promotes overall well-being, while golf combines physical activity with social interaction.
Importance of Core Strength
"If you have core strength, you are less likely to have back injuries or back problems," she said. "You are also more likely to look better up close. You’ll be able to stand more properly… The core is everything. And looking back at my ballet training, that was all about the core."
Mindset and Lifestyle Factors: Cultivating a Youthful Spirit
Beyond diet and exercise, Seymour emphasizes the importance of mindset and lifestyle factors in maintaining a youthful spirit.
Staying Hydrated and Getting Enough Sleep
Seymour prioritizes hydration and adequate sleep, recognizing their crucial roles in overall health and well-being. Staying hydrated keeps the skin supple and radiant, while sufficient sleep allows the body to repair and rejuvenate.
Appreciating the Present Moment
Seymour believes that "the secret is to be in the moment and appreciate what you have." This positive outlook fosters a sense of gratitude and contentment, contributing to overall well-being.
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Staying Active and Engaged
Seymour remains actively engaged in her career, hobbies, and social connections. This sense of purpose and connection keeps her mind sharp and her spirits high.
Adapting to Age and Injuries
Seymour acknowledges the importance of adapting her fitness routine to her age and any physical limitations. Having undergone surgery for a herniated disc in her 50s, she exercises with care, listening to her body and avoiding movements that could cause further injury.
Listening to Your Body
"I’m very careful about doing the right technique," she said. "If I can’t do too much, if I can’t stretch too much that day, that’s fine. I just do as much as my body is comfortable doing because I don’t want to injure myself. I had back surgery a long time ago. That’s a nemesis for me. So I listen to my body."
Focusing on Proper Technique
Seymour emphasizes the importance of proper technique in her workouts, ensuring that she performs each exercise correctly to maximize its benefits and minimize the risk of injury.
Breaking Down Common Misconceptions
Seymour's approach to health and fitness challenges common misconceptions about aging and dieting.
Avoiding Fad Diets and Extreme Measures
Seymour advocates for a sustainable, balanced approach to diet and exercise, avoiding fad diets and extreme measures that can be detrimental to long-term health.
Embracing a Realistic Body Image
Seymour embraces a realistic body image, focusing on maintaining a healthy weight and level of fitness rather than striving for an unattainable ideal.
Staying Active Daily
The former Bond girl also noted that it’s important for her to stay active daily. However, she listens to her body about what it needs each day.
Small Movements
"Small movements make a huge difference," she said. "Also, the muscle at the front of the leg is incredibly important to stretch out very carefully, especially if you run, walk a lot, or you’re climbing. That muscle tightens up, and it directly affects your lower back."
It's Never Too Late
According to Seymour, it’s never too late to try a workout routine that suits your lifestyle.