At a century old, Bernadette Duault commands admiration with her dynamism. His secret? A simple routine that she has applied for decades to keep fit and light.
In Côtes-d’Armor, Bernadette is the very embodiment of aging well. Walker in hand, she takes her weekly walk through the aisles of the Quintin market to meet her favorite traders. Autonomous, alert, curious about the world and passionate, this former mountaineer radiates a vitality that many envy, proving that it is possible to maintain one’s energy and zest for life whatever one’s age.
Her daughter Chantal confirms this with pride: at 100 years old, Bernadette still “projects herself”, a sign of high morale and solid inner balance. But then, what is the key to this fulfilling longevity? When the podcast People of the Corner asks her about her fitness and health secrets, Bernadette doesn’t talk about sophisticated beauty rituals or draconian diets. His philosophy is that of simplicity and naturalness: vegetables, steamed. This has always been her slimming and healthy tip, accompanied by homemade soups rich in comforting fiber, fresh fish for proteins and omega 3, and, for the pleasure of the taste buds, a little goat cheese for calcium.
This ancestral habit nevertheless contains scientifically proven virtues. Steam cooking preserves up to 90% of the vitamins and minerals in foods, compared to only 40 to 50% for cooking in boiling water. Antioxidants, these precious anti-aging allies, remain intact. Without added fat, this cooking method also promotes better digestion and stable weight.
Nutritional studies confirm that steamed vegetables retain their polyphenols and flavonoids, compounds directly linked to the prevention of cellular aging. The gentle heat of the steam, which never exceeds 100°C, also prevents the formation of potentially harmful compounds generated by cooking at high temperatures.
Beyond the plate, Bernadette cultivates a positive state of mind, essential to her development. “Every day is a challenge“, she confides with a smile. This centenarian composes her menus by feeling, in harmony with the seasons, transforming each meal into a moment of self-care.
The tranquility of its Breton village, the singing of birds and the maintenance of social ties contribute to this balance. Proof that a long and happy life is based on accessible pillars: eating healthily, remaining open to others and cultivating serenity. An inspiration for all those who seek to combine fitness and pleasure on a daily basis.
