The Caloric Restriction Society or CR Society emphasizes the importance of preparing meals that focus on vegetables that are dense with nutrients, fruit, lean protein and healthy fat sources such as nuts and avocados.
I recently learned about the group, which is dedicated to promoting calorie restriction, when I did research on caloric restriction for this blog. What I also learned since I wrote the last post was that experiments on calorie restriction with animals actually began in the 1930s, 50 years earlier than I thought.
More research was completed in the 1960s but the most extensive research was carried out for 2 years, inside Biosphere 2. Remember that. It was a giant, sealed greenhouse in Arizona where 2 physicians and seven others lived for two years inside this hermetically enclosed structure. They farmed for a living. They couldn't grow enough plant food to support a standard diet, but despite having less to eat, their diet was rich in vegetables and there was no junk or processed food.
The results were that their cholesterol and blood pressure numbers improved and these are two biomarkers for aging.
As a result and according to some, calorie restriction is the only proven, researched back technique scientifically proven which extends lifespan and the quality of the later years. According to others there should be concern about the negative effects of calorie restriction.
For instance, in a one year study on a calorie-restricted diet, 19 participants in a 2006 study lost about 2.2 percent of their bone density in their lower spine and hip. Granted, this was a small number for a test but even the CR Society warns that long term calorie restriction can trigger adverse effects such as loss of energy and increased sensitivity to cold.
Others believe calorie restriction could exacerbate someone who is prone to an eating disorder and they could become anorexic.
My executive summary of a calorie restriction diet is to think about the concept but moderate the action. The total daily calorie amount recommended was 1800 calories. That may work for some and not for others. My recommendation is to cut out the processed foods and the sugar and animal fat. See where that takes you in terms of improving your blood pressure and cholesterol. If you want to do more restricting, first consult with your physician and then work with a dietician.
What is your thinking about calorie restriction?
Do you think that is an approach that will work for you? Let us know your thoughts. Scroll down to comments and share them with other readers.
To your balanced health success
Ruthan brodsky
Comments