Low Calorie Diet

A low-calorie diet can help you shed pounds, the cornerstone of such popular diets as Weight Watchers, but new research also suggests that it can extend your life. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin conducted a two-decades long study on rhesus monkeys and found that the animals lived a longer life when their caloric intake was sharply reduced. When executed properly, another positive benefit is less illness including cancer, heart disease, heart disease and brain atrophy.

Determining Proper Calorie Intake

• The scientists at the University of Wisconsin slashed the monkey's caloric intake by 30 percent, which continued to provide an adequately nutritious diet for organ function. The result was a longer life expectancy and a lower incidence of disease.

  For humans, a 30 percent calorie reduction can seem unreasonable, however the calorie restriction movement (or CR) sees people exist on as little as 800 calories per day. One of the scientists who led the University of Wisconsin study attempted to cut his caloric intake by 20 percent and could only sustain the reduction for a few months because the diet was so arduous.

  However, introducing a low calorie diet within a healthy low range is an effective weight-loss and maintenance regimen. Base your intake on your age and physical activity before you arrive at a number. A calorie calculator such as the one found at mayoclinic.com will help you determine your proper intake.

What to Eat

• For best results eat fruit, vegetables, lean meat and low-fat dairy. These foods are naturally low in calories and fat. Vegetables, fruit and nuts are high in fiber that fills your stomach faster and leaves you feeling satisfied for a longer period of time.

  Become an expert at reading food labels. Always check the calorie counts; drinks such as fruit juices, energy drinks and the like can have very high calorie counts.

Staying on a Low-Calorie Diet

• Remaining on a low-calorie diet for an extended period of time is possible but can be challenging. One way to stick to your low-calorie plan is to keep your favorite low-calorie, high-fiber foods on hand at all times. Allowing yourself one "cheat" day can help you stick to your plan the rest of the week.

  Staying focused on the reason why you are on a low-calorie diet can help you stay the course. Whether it's for weight loss or to extend your life, leave small notes or images that will remind you why you decided to take this journey.