Letters to the Editor
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Meu Deus, only in N. America
nuff said. Is it alway all or nothing in this country?
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No simple answer
I can agree with most of the sentiments expressed in this article, but I can also find ways to support the restricted calorie lifestyle. To that end, I would mention that not everyone has a love affair with food. For some, the simple pleasures involved in consuming small portions of whole foods with awareness are plenty, and life offers myriad other ways to partake of nourishment. I like sundaes, but I'm not a maniac about them. I'm not trying to set myself up as some kind of ascetic superhero, but rich food doesn't do all that much for me. I think I could be one of those who adapts fairly well to a lifestyle whose focus is shifted away from the sensual pleasures of dining. And I'm just saying that for those who would agree, then why not? I wouldn't scoff at an extra twenty or so years.
For those whose quality of life would plummet if they adopted this lifestyle, those for whom this choice would truly be experienced as deprivation, then no, I don't see it as a good choice. But for those who would not experience a loss of quality, let them take on this interesting challenge and see what comes of it.
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Thank-you
My printer is acting up and I am stuck late at the office. This article cheered me right up. Made me even more excited to go home, have a glass of wine and whip up a kitchen-sink omelette with roast vegetables and ham from last night's dinner. Somehow, you have made my leftovers seem quite decadent. Thanks!
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respondez
I wish I could introduce J-M, my French co-worker, to a CR advocate.
My friend and I were teasing J-M about his prodigious appetite for super-fat butter, cream, cheeses, etc., and his slim physique. I told him, "Yeah, but if there's a famine, you'll be the first to go." He gave me a Gallic shrug and responded, "Pfffh...Yes, but if there is no food, why would you want to live?"
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Let's just hope
that the Calorie Restriction Society does not sponsor a food drive this holiday season.
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AHHHH!
Google this: NYT red wine mice
then read the article on reservatrol which might (and I did say might) provide the results of caloric restriction with all the food thrown in!
As an artist I find there is always something new and so living a very long time in good health is attractive to me. This is from someone who has occasional bouts of depression so do not accuse me of being a polyanna.
Also has any of you examined the effects of compound interest over long priods of time?
Otherwise enjoy the holidays!
Be well
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It's old had
I'm unsure why broadsheet is commenting on Calorie Restriction diets. It's old hat, and hat I really don't think is related to any gender issues. I have my opinions in it certainly - I rather live 80 years eating what I want to eat rather 120 years torturing myself with a diet of alge. I think it's demeaning to women who suffer from bulemia and anorexia to compare their plight with those who practice a controlled a diet such as calorie restriction. Not all diets are diet disorders. At some point it would be nice to see Broasheet make something other than overly broad generalization. There are so many legitimate issue to cover.
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Not only
did I enjoy this subject, but I enjoyed the delicious writing. My favorite line was "How much time do they have to fiddle around with measuring their diets? Oh that's right, forever." (or something like that.) Excellent!!
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Ask yourself
Can you take the stairs without being winded? Are you capable of a long walk without looking for the nearest place to sit down? I always think it's better to use fitness as an indicator of health instead of weight and/or diet.
I used to answer those first two questions with a no. I can now answer them with a yes. I'm still not at the weight I should be, but I'm getting there. To some extent I don't believe in the concept of CR, however, I do occasionally check to see at what level I'm eating (but eliminating the bad habits actually makes 1500 easy to keep). After decades of being unhealthy and overweight I've changed my lifestyle. It's important to not think of it as a diet. Every time I did, I failed. Almost three years into this new lifestyle I'm on a continuing downward trend. I haven't lost a pound a week overall (close though), but unlike other times I haven't gained it back.
I still go out with friends, but simply make better choices from the menu when I do. I still have a couple of drinks now and then, but again, better choices. Having said all that, eating well isn't cheap. It's a fact that to eat fresh fruits and vegetables costs more than it should (if we're all supposed to eat well). Canned fruit and frozen vegetables will do, but you lose nutrients. Lean meats generally cost more than cheap cuts and often require more skill to cook. I did the soy/vegan route for a while - another option that costs more. I also bought a treadmill so the weather wouldn't be an excuse for not walking (too cold, too much snow, icy, pouring rain, even too hot). I actually now work at a company that will pay for a gym membership if you desire it.
The years when I was struggling more financially I can imagine that some of the choices I have now wouldn't be so easy. I admit that I'm one of those people that the headlines scream about the rising cost of health care (being that my BMI likely still puts me in the obese category). I'm also someone with good blood pressure, low cholesterol, decent blood sugar, few sick days and only one illness in the 30+ years since having my tonsils out. The amusing part was that it was in the early days of adding exercise into my new lifestyle - and not knowing when too much was too much.
The turkey dinner can be fine. Take more turkey, less potatoes, tons of veggies and salads. And since it is a holiday take a small piece of pie for dessert. If eating out, let nobody force leftovers on you. If eating in, do your best to push them on others. Yep, I know those are opposites!