A longevity doctor and yogi shares their top 5 daily habits that can improve anyone's life.
Dr. Monisha Bhanote, with over 30 years of experience in health and wellness, is a longevity doctor and physician who specializes in cellular health. Her expertise translates into practical knowledge on how to live a long, healthy life in today's world.
Bhanote, the author of "The Anatomy of Wellbeing," emphasizes the importance of intentional living in her book. She explores various longevity practices to improve health outcomes and optimize wellbeing.
Here's how she structures her life with longevity in mind.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
'It's really about this intentional lifestyle'
CNBC Make It: What are some of your practices for staying healthy?
The holistic approach to the body includes culinary nourishment, mindful movement, brain health and neuroplasticity, and optimizing sleep with truly restorative sleep.
I construct my life around the idea of intentional living and being mindful of our ability to take care of our bodies, which impacts our health and disease prevention.
Are you doing anything specifically for your brain?
I have a few practices that help me maintain my mental health.
I have been avoiding ultra-processed foods for a long time, as they contain a lot of food chemicals and additives that our bodies cannot break down, leading to inflammation. As a result, I am very careful about the food I consume.
I cultivate my own produce through hydroponics and have a variety of fruit trees, including guavas, persimmons, and moringa.
I am including practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to improve my neuronal connections.
I am increasing my fitness activity by being intentional about the type of movement I'm doing. While I used to engage in activities that were not suitable for my body in my teens and 20s, I now consistently move my body. One of my major physical activities is walking four or five miles a day.
What are some ways to integrate socializing and interacting with others into your daily routine?
I spend a significant amount of time on virtual calls for my social fitness, and I also travel frequently.
I speak at an event almost once a month, which allows me to connect with people, learn about their lives and the world, and gain a global perspective.
While it's enjoyable to communicate face-to-face, there are times when you can't be present. Instead of texting, it's better to pick up the phone and have a conversation.
What are some foods you consistently include in your daily diet?
While I typically follow a plant-based, gluten-free diet, I make exceptions when traveling to Europe or Asia, where food production often adheres to higher standards and traditional methods, allowing me to indulge in gluten-containing foods.
The quality and authenticity of ingredients have a significant impact on how my body processes them.
My primary concern is obtaining the maximum amount of phytonutrients and antioxidants in my diet.
I consume a variety of seasonal foods, including soups and smoothies, to obtain a large amount of nutrients in one sitting. I enjoy incorporating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, such as berries and greens, into my diet to ensure I am consuming a wide range of nutrients. Different colored foods contain unique compounds that benefit my health.
I often consume a variety of salads. Typically, individuals consume Iceberg lettuce with tomatoes and cucumbers. However, I enjoy showcasing my unique salad creations.
A salad that embodies the #CellCare philosophy is my preferred choice, featuring a harmonious mix of phytonutrients, polyphenols, and vital nutrients that promote cellular health. My salads typically comprise dark leafy greens such as spinach or kale, along with protein sources like baked tofu or a serving of black beans.
I add fresh mint and cilantro to my salad, which provides detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits, and includes a variety of colorful vegetables such as radishes, cucumbers, purple cabbage, and shredded carrots. I also add blueberries or pomegranates and a serving of avocado with a mix of sesame, hemp, and sunflower seeds.
My objective for every meal is to consume 10 different fruits and vegetables. Regardless of whether it's a sandwich, wrap, or salad, I scrutinize my plate to ensure it's a vibrant array of colors. While quantity is important, my primary focus is on achieving diversity. This diversity is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
This one is just a fun one. What are you currently reading?
I prefer podcasts and audiobooks over reading. Currently, I'm in the middle of listening to "The Energy Bus."
This book focuses on managing relationships and energy levels, as we have limited energy to accomplish tasks. How can we effectively manage our energy and live our best lives?
The 5 daily habits of a longevity doctor
Here's a summary of Bhanote's daily practices for maintaining her health and wellness for longevity.
- To maintain a healthy body, it is important to eat nutritious food, exercise mindfully, engage in brain-healthy activities, get enough sleep, and maintain social connections.
- To maintain good brain health, it is recommended to avoid ultra-processed foods and focus on consuming primarily home-grown fruits and vegetables. Additionally, practicing meditation and walking four or five miles a day can also contribute to brain health.
- Virtual connections and networking at speaking engagements are crucial for social fitness.
- Each meal includes 10 different types of fruits and vegetables that make up a plant-based, gluten-free diet with a variety of colors representing the rainbow.
- For her media diet: Podcasts and audiobooks
To earn extra money online, sign up for CNBC's course on passive income streams, starting tips, and real-life success stories.
Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive expert advice on work, money, and life.
Make It
You might also like
- One of the most Googled houses in the world, the Chicago-area house from 'Home Alone,' has just sold for $5.5 million.
- A psychologist claims that TikTok is causing harm to children on an industrial scale.
- I won't be consuming these 6 foods that can accelerate the aging process and shorten my lifespan, as advised by a plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience.
- In order to succeed in 2025, the best advice from a career coach is to be proactive.
- Fourteen colleges provide bachelor's degrees in AI, with only one Ivy League institution among them.