Although research on aging and longevity began well before the 1930s, it was at this time that Dr. Clive McKay, a professor at Cornell University, made a connection between calories and the aging process. In 1935, McKay was able to extend the lifespan of a group of rats 30 percent by reducing their calorie intake by 40 percent. The concept of calorie reduction, also called CR, not only extended the rat's lifespan, but also improved their quality of life when compared to a control group. The principles of the longevity diet plan bases its teachings on this and subsequent scientific research.
Identification
Brian M. Delaney and Lisa Walford, co-authors of "The Longevity Diet," stress the Longevity Diet is more a lifestyle plan aimed at extending your lifespan than a simple list of menu items. Known also by names such as the Calorie Restriction with Optimal Nutrition or CRON diet, the High-Low Diet and the Walford Diet, the Longevity Diet encompasses foods that have a high nutritional, but low caloric value, and emphasizes flexibility, offering general guidelines for living rather than a set of strict rules. As a result, is up to you to decide how closely you wish to embrace this lifestyle diet.
Features
The Longevity Diet incorporates features of healthy eating guidelines and standards of measuring success with which you may already be familiar. Delaney and Walford state that food choices follow those consistent with a low glycemic index diet. Body mass index, or BMI, and body fat percentage help establish weight loss goals and ensure you do not fall below minimum standards for maintaining health. Biomarkers, such as blood and urine tests, bone density analysis, strength and endurance testing and balance and cognition tests continually monitor your health and serve as indicators of success.
Time Frame
Although your ultimate goal is to is to reach and maintain a BMI of approximately 21, the CR Society International recommends setting a time frame of one to two years in which to achieve this goal. According to the CRSI, sudden weight loss can flood your bloodstream with a variety of fat-soluble toxins, is counterproductive to achieving your goals and can reduce, rather than extend your lifespan.
Foods
Food choices that adhere to Longevity Diet guidelines include low glycemic, nutrient-dense foods. According to Optimal Living, a CRON informational site, your diet should include, in this order, large amounts of low-calorie, high-fiber vegetables and fruit; small amounts of lean meat, fish or other protein sources such as nuts, beans, soy or egg whites.
An example daily meal plan may include a breakfast consisting of orange juice, a poached egg, a slice of mixed-grain bread and a cup of coffee. Lunch may include a cup of cottage cheese mixed with nonfat plain yogurt topped with wheat germ, an apple and a whole-wheat English muffin. For supper, choose a skinless chicken breast, baked potato and steamed spinach, followed by a dessert of an oat bran muffin, a few dates and a glass of low fat milk.
Warning
According to the CRIS, you should not follow this type of diet plan if you are under the age of 21, as calorie restriction can interfere with physical growth as well as the development of your brain. In addition, the CRIS cautions against following this diet if you are pregnant, nursing your newborn or are planning to become pregnant.
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