Calorie Restriction Diet Plan

Unlike many other diets, the Calorie Restriction Diet Plan isn't about losing weight or looking good in a bathing suit. Its focus is to extend your life and slow the aging process by eating fewer daily calories. Participants scrutinize how many calories they eat, aiming for approximately 20 to 30 percent fewer calories than recommended for their height and weight.

Scientific Study

In a scientific study done on monkeys and published in the "Journal of Neuroscience," calorie restriction extended the lifespan of the primates. The monkeys on the calorie-restricted diet also had better fine motor performance as they aged.

Aging

The theory behind why calorie restriction slows down the aging process is that when you limit your calories, your body gets more efficient, according to Dr. Mehmet Oz. Additionally, eating fewer calories reduces the toxic waste that comes out of your energy cells, Oz said, so the individual cell lines live longer. A long-term calorie-restriction diet allegedly can increase someone's life expectancy by 4 to 17 percent.

Nutrients

A vital part of keeping your calorie-restricted diet plan healthy is consuming enough vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients. Calorie-restricted diet plans encourage eating plenty of vegetables, both green leafy and nonleafy. Vegetables are typically the major component of proper calorie-restricted diet plans, according to the Calorie Restriction Society.

Choose proteins that contains all essential amino acids, which are typically animal proteins or paired plant proteins. You can pair plant proteins, such as combining beans and grains, to get complete amino acids. A proper diet also includes monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil and avocados, and a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon and flax oil.

Calories

A set calorie limit hasn't been prescribed for a calorie-restriction diet, as it depends on body composition, genetics, age and daily activity level. A typical recommendation is approximately 20 to 30 percent fewer calories than normal. Talk to your doctor about what a safe level of calorie restriction is for your body and lifestyle.

Risks

Without talking to your doctor first, a calorie-restricted diet plan can have risks. Not eating the right types of foods could lead to vitamin deficiency, according to Oz. Additionally, eating a calorie-restricted diet is not safe for older adults or those who are lean, he said. Side effects include menstrual irregularities, reduced bone density, loss of muscle and hormonal changes.