Actress Davinia Taylor has revealed she has more than halved her biological age from 47 to 20 through a combination of diet, intermittent fasting, and strength training. The former self-proclaimed party girl says she now takes her health and wellbeing seriously and noticed a massive difference after making simple lifestyle changes. She discovered her biological age had dropped by 17 years after having her body's cells tested.
Taylor identifies inflammation as a common enemy in ageing, urging followers to 'put out the inflammation fire'. She attributes chronic inflammation to ultra-processed foods, particularly vegetable oils such as rapeseed, sunflower, and soybean oil. She recommends replacing these with olive, avocado, or coconut oil, or butter. Taylor also advises intermittent fasting to promote autophagy, the body's natural repair process, and emphasises the importance of healthy fats like smoked salmon and avocado.
Strength training is another key component of Taylor's regimen. She notes that muscle mass peaks around age 30 and declines thereafter, but resistance workouts can counteract this. 'If we do not do any muscle-building exercises and sit around eating rubbish, then we will lose muscle mass, develop weaker bones, stiffer joints and poor balance,' she said. She also highlights the mental health benefits, including boosting dopamine levels to make exercise more enjoyable.
Taylor overhauled her diet, which previously consisted of salads, low-fat dressing, lean meat, and whole grains, leaving her exhausted. She now prioritises protein, healthy fats, and a small amount of carbs. 'Protein powers biological functions – our hormones, immune system, structural support and muscle development,' she explained. She encourages aiming for progress, not perfection, and starting wherever and whenever possible.
