How to Eat Less to Slow Aging

There are many diets that claim to slow aging. Research has shown that a calorie-restricted diet can slow aging of many processes in the body. I've used a type of low-calorie diet to lose weight, but the principle remains the same - to reduce the number of calories you eat. Here are some tips start a calorie-restricted diet and ways to eat less to slow aging.

Speak with Your Doctor. Although it's a good idea to talk with your doctor before beginning any weight loss or exercise program, it is especially important if you are going to make drastic changes to your diet. Even if you choose to go slowly with one or more of the methods below, you should talk with your doctor to be sure your health won't be affected.

Take Small Steps. Make changes to your diet slowly. Once you adjust to a small change, repeat the step or steps of your choice. These methods are not meant to be used one time only, they are meant to be done over and over, a little at a time, until you reach your calorie goal.

Types of Foods. When eating less, be sure to choose nutrient dense foods, those that are nutritious yet lower in calories. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good, as are lean meats and fish as well as homemade soups. I choose homemade soups as you control the amount of salt. Even though you want to eat less to slow aging, your body still needs proper nutrients to function properly.

Counting Calories. You can count calories to eat less. If you are going to drastically reduce your calories, speak with your doctor first to be sure you aren't going to harm your body by eating too little. If counting calories causes too much stress, you risk increasing abdominal fat levels when cortisol stress hormone levels get too high. Fat in this area can harm organs and sabotage your plans when eating less to avoid aging.

Don't Eat until You're Full. This is a sign you've eaten too much. If you eat slowly, you give your body more time to notice when you've had enough instead of just finishing everything off your plate. Be sure you eat equally from a variety of nutritious foods instead of finishing just one or two items before stopping.

Portion Control. Another way to prevent overeating is to eat smaller portions. The best way to do this is by putting smaller portions on your plate in the first place and then avoid second helpings. You may want to eat five or six smaller meals throughout the day to keep from getting too hungry. Be sure you don't go over your total food intake for the day.

Get Enough Calories. Those who live long-term with a calorie-restricted diet to eat less to slow aging are sure to take in around 1800 calories a day in order to get enough nutrition for their bodies.

Eat Less to Slow Aging. If research is correct, a calorie-restricted diet can help slow aging processes in your body. Since most people tend to eat too much anyway, these steps to reduce your food intake can be helpful to anyone, even if your main goal isn't just to eat less to reduce aging.

SOURCE:

Washington University School of Medicine; Calorie Restriction Appears Better than Exercise at Slowing Primary Aging; ScienceDaily