The Calorie Restriction Diet

Much more than a weight loss plan, the calorie restriction diet (CRON) aims to slow aging through limiting daily calorie intake. CRON supporters believe you can improve your health through limiting calories.

What it is: The Calorie Restriction, Anti-Aging Diet limits daily calorie intake with the intention of slowing aging. Research on calorie restriction has suggested that consuming fewer calories can extend lifespan.

How it works: The CRON diet consists of consuming round 1700-1800 calories a day based on age, weight and level of exercise.

What you do: This is obviously a calorie counting diet, where you stick to personal calorie requirements by preparing low-calories meals and snacks. It is not recommended to lose more than 1 pound/week, so daily calorie intake should slowly be decreased.

Benefits: In addition to long-term life expectancy, CRON advocates believe that restricting calories results in health benefits such as fewer colds, better sleep, improved energy and mental clarity.

Downside: Since the CRON website only offers around seven days of meals, you have to become familiar with the calorie content of different foods. Eating out often is also difficult. Anti-aging diets are purely theoretical and more studies are being conducted as to why restricting calories in animals has resulted in longer life.