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Calorie Restriction - Eat less and Double Your Lifespan
Calorie-Restriction is the most well known and scientifically accepted way to increase life span. Researchers at Cornell University first identified the phenomenon when they discovered mice fed a low calorie diet lived longer. This single seminal study launched a wave of similar experiments on a variety of animals that confirmed the connection between a low calorie diet and lifespan. The findings have yet to be confirmed in humans, however, evidence suggests that eating a diet low in calories can have profound and lasting health benefits.
A 2004 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed that individuals who had been on a low calorie diet had superior lipid profiles and fasting insulin levels than those on ordinary diets. The study concluded that the calorie restricted group had a much lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.
Adopting a calorie restricted diet (CR) involves building meals of low calorie but highly nutritious foods. A CR diet is not anorexia, the goal is optimal health, and adequate nutrition should be ensured. The test subjects in the 2004 study ate 10-25% fewer calories than average.
What can you do to cut your caloric intake by a quarter? It's easier than you think. Avoid calorie dense foods with little nutrient value. These are things like ice-cream and candy bars. Eat more complex carbohydrates like brown rice, beans, and legumes. Center your diet around the high fiber, high vitamin, low calorie foods we know as fruits and vegetables. It takes only small steps like substituting fruit for pie at dessert, having a carrot instead of a cookie as a snack, or eating squash instead of potatoes at a meal. Check out the recipe section for even more ideas. As you slowly start to adopt practices that decrease your calories but increase your nutrients you will start feeling better and effortlessly incorporate the diet into your life. Join the discussion forum to get tips, advice, ask questions, and share your great ideas on a low calorie lifestyle.
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