I got a head start on my 2025 New Year’s resolutions: A few months before the new year began, my sister and I were joking about how we were going to “age backward.” That playful conversation inspired us to make some lifestyle changes: We revamped our diets, added hot yoga to our fitness routine, adopted a new skincare regimen, and even started making juice shots to fight inflammation.
Not long after, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Ian Smith, a New York Times bestselling author, about his newly released book, “Eat Your Age: Feel Younger, Be Happier, Live Longer.” It felt like serendipity — I’m all about aging gracefully!
I received an advance copy of the book and read it carefully as I prepared to interview Smith. It feels like a comprehensive guide to living your best life, filled with case studies, meal plans, and medical advice. As Smith describes, the book is designed to help readers defy the effects of aging and enhance their quality of life.
When I was first assigned the interview, I have to admit I was nervous. Smith is a renowned physician and was a longtime contributor to the “Rachael Ray Show.” However, my nervousness quickly turned to excitement as I dived into the book. The health and wellness market is already crowded, so I was curious about why Smith chose this particular approach. Why structure the book as a guide to wellness through different decades of life, starting in your 30s? I also absolutely needed to know more about the 15 key ingredients in his recipe for “Glorious Aging.”
As a chef and nutrition educator, I’m all about a great recipe and strongly believe in food as medicine. Yes, food is delicious, indulgent, and fun, but at its core, it’s fuel — and it has the power to heal.
Smith believes that too many people approach aging with the wrong mindset, associating it with fear and decline. Instead, he advocates for viewing aging as an opportunity, saying, “You can harness the positive energy of aging and have a really productive life well into your 80s and 90s.”
This philosophy ties directly to his recipe for “Glorious Aging.” According to Smith, wellness is multifaceted — it’s not just about diet and exercise. It also encompasses a positive mindset, the people you surround yourself with, and having a sense of purpose. Studies show that these elements contribute to longer, happier lives.
Naturally, some components of his recipe reflect classic medical advice: Stay hydrated; reduce salt and stress; and increase your intake of water, vegetables, vitamin C, and antioxidants. What’s remarkable is that this recipe applies throughout all decades of life, and it’s never too late to start incorporating these habits.
Smith explains that eating your age is the “sense that you are eating foods that are most beneficial for your decade of life.” He says that while this won’t reduce your chronological age, it can lower your biological age — essentially allowing you to age backward. Apparently, my sister and I were onto something! By making small, meaningful changes as suggested in the book, you can help your body feel younger and improve your quality of life.
I could barely contain my excitement — Yes! Absolutely yes!
The book offers something for everyone, but I wanted to know if Smith had a specific message for the Black and Brown communities in Harlem. He began by expressing his deep affection for the neighborhood, which he once called home and still visits frequently. His advice was clear: We need to be more strategic about how we eat.
“There are ways to eat healthy food that are affordable and delicious,” he explained. “Yes, fried foods are flavorful because there’s flavor in fat, but we need to open our minds and palates to try foods we haven’t embraced before.”
If you’re looking for a way to start the New Year on the right foot, “Eat Your Age” by Dr. Ian Smith deserves to be a part of your plan. The book breaks down each decade of life, offering a road map for living well, from the nutrients you need and potential hidden health concerns to the most effective exercises for your stage of life. It’s an approachable, non-intimidating guide to achieving wellness and embracing glorious aging.
I’ve already shared this book with my sister and parents, and it’s been a game changer. Dr. Ian also released a companion recipe book, “Eat Your Age,” based on the TASH method: Tasty, Affordable, Simple, and Healthy.
Smith’s new book is available and his virtual boot camp, which began earlier this January, is free. To join, email eatyourage@gmail.com.
Here’s to good health and glorious aging in the new year!
Eileen Barett is a private chef, culinary teacher, and owner of Aromas Boutique Bakery in Harlem. She writes about health, nutrition, and how to eat with intention.
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