Bold claim: aging is not a destiny—it's a choice you can influence with what you eat and how you live. This is precisely what 39-year-old fitness coach Zarina Manaenkova asserts, sharing her daily diet as a route to look and feel younger, potentially achieving a biological age of 25. She states that her latest lab results put her biological age at 25, despite a 39-year-old passport. Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly breakdown of the foods she highlights and why they might matter, along with practical tips to apply them in everyday life.
What Zarina suggests to eat to look 25 at 40
1) Fatty red fish
Fatty red fish are touted for easy digestion and a rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids. This category includes anchovies, herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, bluefin tuna, oysters, and mussels. Beyond their dietary fats, these fish are nutrient-dense powerhouses, delivering high-quality protein, vitamins such as B12 and D, and minerals like selenium. The combination supports heart health, brain function, skin vitality, and immune resilience.
2) Fresh colorful vegetables
Aim for a rainbow on your plate. Colorful produce is associated with phytonutrients that help protect against chronic disease and may support longevity. Harvard Health Publishing emphasizes that the pigments accompanying different colors contribute to disease prevention and overall health. Zarina also recommends including nuts for gut health, noting the gut–brain connection and the potential for a radiant appearance driven by a healthy microbiome.
3) Probiotics
Probiotics are highlighted as a cornerstone for healthy aging. Zarina specifically mentions fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and pickles, which feed beneficial gut bacteria. She evokes personal memory of winters in her family’s USSR/Kazakhstan heritage, where these foods were a seasonal staple. The underlying idea is that a balanced microbiome supports digestion, nutrient absorption, and inflammatory regulation, all of which influence how young and energetic one feels.
Important caveats
- This content is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For concerns about aging, nutrition, or lab results, consult a qualified healthcare provider.
- The article relies on user-generated content from social media and has not been independently verified by Hindustan Times.
Practical takeaways
- Incorporate two to three servings of fatty red fish per week if you have no contraindications and can access sustainable options.
- Build meals around varied colorful vegetables; include at least one cruciferous or leafy green daily to maximize phytonutrient intake.
- Introduce fermented foods regularly, but start slowly if new to probiotics to gauge tolerance and digestion.
Final thought: beauty and vitality are influenced by daily habits, not magic pills. By combining a nutrient-dense diet with regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and stress management, you create a foundation that supports a younger-feeling body and mind. Do you think these specific foods could meaningfully impact biological aging in your routine, or would you prioritize different nutrients based on your goals? Share your thoughts in the comments.
