Rovenia Brock
Rovenia Brock, PhD, age 51, Bethesda, Maryland
Q. People must constantly ask, "What's your secret?" because you look the way you do. So, spill.
A. After 50, modesty is a waste of my time. I look good because I live a consistently healthy lifestyle. I work at it, approaching it from the inside out.
Q. What's the biggest anti-aging mistake women make?
A. The perpetual dieting thing, where you're always on some weight-reduction plan instead of just living the right way. I believe your body ages prematurely when you're always losing and gaining. But it's never too late to be the best you can be by changing your diet and exercise habits for the better.
Q. What's your exercise regimen?
A. I work out four to five days a week, always taking Sunday and Monday off. I'll do a half hour of brisk walking and then 30 minutes of strength training with my trainer. That's so important, because we start losing bone and muscle mass as we age. Plus I looked great in the backless dress I wore for my wedding almost five years ago.
Q. How do you avoid weight gain?
A. I did the yo-yo thing with weight until I was in my early 40s. I lost it for good when I decided to reduce everything I eat by 50 percent. I always leave food on my plate -- it's the "lean plate club," not the "clean plate club."
Q. When was the last time you went to a drive-through?
A. Last weekend. There's a McDonald's around the corner! I'll have the Asian chicken salad with half the dressing or a small hamburger, the fruit-and-walnut salad, and water.
Q. Do you drink?
A. I'm a mojito connoisseur, but when I have one, it's only one.
Q. What are the best snacks for midlife women?
A. Protein-rich snacks help you build more muscle, which offsets age-related muscle loss. Favorites of mine are ostrich sticks by Ostrim; they taste like healthy Slim Jims. I also love edamame, which contains phytoestrogens that can help balance that drop in estrogen you experience around menopause.
Q. What's your favorite anti-aging meal when you don't want to cook?
A. I pick up roasted chicken -- which has muscle-building protein -- from the grocery store. And spinach sauteed in garlic and olive oil, and tomato slices with balsamic vinegar. The veggies are rich in antioxidants.
Q. What do you think over-40 women can relax about?
A. Eating chocolate -- it's okay! Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that protect against free radicals and keep your heart healthy. Godiva Belgian dark chocolate ice cream is my unguilty pleasure of choice. I try to limit myself to one or two tablespoons, but I'll admit that I've been known to eat an entire pint. That only happens about once a year.
