Title: Longevity with a Pescatarian Lifestyle: Featuring Judi Nwokedi

Judi Nwokedi pictured above :

Welcome to another edition of the Skinny Chef Weekly Blog! Today, we're exploring the fascinating world of the pescatarian lifestyle with Judi. Here are three compelling reasons to consider making the switch:

1. It's Versatile

A pescatarian diet provides your body with the essential building blocks to thrive. By swapping out meat for seafood, you significantly increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote better heart health. According to the JAMA Internal Medicine journal, pescatarians have a 43 percent lower risk of getting colorectal cancer than meat eaters, likely due to the omega-3 fatty acids from fish. This diet also helps protect against type 2 diabetes and keeps your blood pressure in check.

You don't need to be a seasoned chef to whip up seafood-inspired recipes. Even kitchen newbies can create culinary adventures for their palate with quick and easy meals that fit into everyone's busy lifestyles. Imagine a hearty bowl of fish soup on a cold winter evening or a fresh shrimp pasta that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare after a hectic day at work.

2. It's Tasty and Delicious

Pescatarians never get bored in the kitchen and never compromise on flavor. Picture a mouth-watering, flaky piece of glistening hake with fresh zucchini fries—a quick and easy meal for a cozy evening in, without all the calories to worry about.

3. Longevity

Studies have shown that seafood can help protect against age-related cognitive decline and improve brain function. Do pescatarians live longer? Yes, they do! Thanks to the rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, this diet offers a variety of health benefits, including the potential for a longer life.

Now, Let's Hear from Judi Herself!

Alright, enough about what the Skinny Chef thinks! Let's hear it from Judi herself—a mother, chair at the Gauteng Tourism Authority and Free Women Films, Chair of Nkosi's Haven, and a respected C-Suite Executive.

Skinny Chef: "Hey Judi, thank you for taking the time to share your personal story about your lifestyle, fitness, and health. So, please share with us what you think has contributed to your youthful looks and longevity?"

Judi: "Hey Rodi! I've always played sports. Our family home was the center for sports and recreation in Greenhaven on the Cape Flats. I was running around on cricket pitches, soccer fields, and softball and baseball diamonds from the time I could walk. My preferred exercise has always been water sports."

Skinny Chef: "Okay Judi, that kind of makes sense why you are a pescatarian!"

Judi: "I grew up in Cape Town and lived in Sydney, Australia. My lifestyle consisted of early morning runs and swims, regardless of winter or summer."

Skinny Chef: "So tell us, what is your fitness routine now?"

Judi: "These days, living in Joburg, my exercise regime varies. I try new forms of exercise and sprinkle and enhance my fitness programs with new activities. Depending on my work schedule, I do hot yoga at least three times a week. I love spinning with the best instructor in Joburg, Dario, at Virgin Active. My fitness regime is integrated into my lifestyle and work life. I prefer swimming, cycling, and salsa.

Skinny Chef: "Oh yes, of course, you salsa! That just reminded me, I used to run into you at Six Cocktail Salsa sessions in Melville! Not that I partook—I was merely a spectator!"

Judi: "That's the other thing—I've always danced. I started with classical, then flamenco, then contemporary, and now mainly salsa. Salsa is the hardest exercise I've done; it's the closest I've gotten to gymnastics. Growing up during apartheid, it wasn't an option. I do everything on water. I'm a certified scuba diver, jet skier, and stand-up paddler. Emmarentia Dam is where I do all things water! Water, for me, is the elixir of life. We need water for all our activities; without it, human life cannot exist."

Skinny Chef: "Wow, Judi! So, let's talk food!"

Judi: "Food, glorious food! I love entertaining at my home with long tables and Sunday lunches! I've always eaten whole foods—fruits and vegetables, no sugar in my tea or coffee. For at least 25 years, I've followed a vegetarian, vegan, and now pescatarian diet. I've adjusted my diet to match my stage in life, and it has worked wonders during menopause. I'm in tune with my body and eat what it tells me it needs. I don't consume products from cows and chickens—milk is for lactating babies, and that's where it should end! These days, I hardly cook because my son Chenoa is a MasterChef who can whip up any delicious meal using fish or just vegetables. Lifestyle determines diet!"

Skinny Chef: "Wow, Judi, thank you so much for sharing. This has definitely been insightful and educational! There you have it, folks—Judi has shared her personal experience, and I hope we've all learned something here! That's all we have for this week. Thank you all for reading the blog. Feel free to leave comments. Same time, same place!"