A calorie restriction diet is thought to be a method to increase life span through reducing the number of calories consumed daily. The idea has been around since the 1930s, and recent studies have shown that a nutrient-rich, calorically reduced diet slows the aging process, decreases age-related mortality and increases longevity.

Obviously following a calorie restriction diet can have numerous health benefits. From improved cardiovascular health to a general sense of well being, this diet may be the one and only diet worth looking into.

Grace Giovanni, 68, of Cupertino has followed this diet for the last three years.

“I’m not your typical dieter, and I only agreed to follow this type of diet, because my husband begged me to do it with him,” she says. “He needed to lose weight, and if my joining him on his calorie reduction diet could possibly add years to his life (and mine)—I was more than willing to give it a try.”

The result was a total combined weight loss of 83 pounds (22 for Grace and 61 for her husband, Tony.)

So what does this diet entail? First of all, don’t assume that this diet is only about reducing calories. Rather, it is about making the right food choices that include nutritionally dense foods that will lead to a daily deficit in your overall calorie consumption.

It is a flexible program that guides people toward healthier eating and living without leaving them with a feeling of deprivation. When people realize they are following this diet to extend their life span, they are more inclined to stick with it. There’s something about a long-term goal of extending one's life that really kicks people into gear. 

Forget about reducing calories to lose weight. Once you get the hang of the changes required in a calorie reduction diet, you’ll be able to easily increase your health through the foods you eat. So throw out those diet books and calorie charts, and get started with a calorie reduction diet. You will inevitably add several happy, healthy years to your life!

Here are some guidelines to follow when implementing a calorie restriction diet:

• First and foremost, be patient with yourself. If you fall off the wagon, it’s OK. Just get right back on and keep moving foreword.
• Most calorie restriction diets allow 1,400-2,000 calories per day.
• Incorporate whole-foods into your diet.
• Choose nutritionally dense foods that will fill you up longer. Eat the rainbow (spinach, kale, carrots, cabbage, strawberries, bananas, kiwis).
• Eat six mini meals to keep your metabolism revved up all day.
• Instead of continuously deducting one food item from you diet every day—think about replacing that special food (fruit topped with whipped cream or a plate of fresh veggies served with your favorite dressing). You won’t feel as deprived, because you are simply replacing one food for another.
• Don’t forget about protein! Protein fills you up and helps repair and rebuild muscle tissue.
• Exercise for 30 minutes four to seven times a week.

If you would like to look further into a longevity or calorie restriction type of diet, you can visit Whole Foods in Cupertino or the Cupertino Library. They have several books to choose from.