Main Street Gym Health Blog: Eat Less Live Longer

For years there has been evidence that a diet extremely low in calories extends the life span of species from mice to monkeys and a recent study confirms positive results for humans on this type of diet. People that eat fewer calories are less likely to be obese and will cut their risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and numerous other diseases.

Although moving to a calorie-restrictive diet may prove to increase your life span, you want to make sure the food you eat is nutrient rich. What is not discussed in these studies is that these people where eating nutrient dense, low caloric foods and still receiving appropriate nutrition. When you restrict your caloric intake, you also restrict your nutrient intake, which can leave you feeling tired and run down. Due to the lack of nutrients in the American food supply (fruits, grains and veggies), supplementation is key to getting proper nutrition. This is what you should look for in a good meal replacement: 30% protein, 40% carbs and 30% Fat. This ratio is what your body needs for ideal performance.

Undenatured Whey Protein- in the U.S., dairy-based supplements like whey protein have to be heat pasteurized. This kills off bad stuff like bacteria, but destroys the good digestive enzymes and nutrients responsible for the absorption of the protein. When buying whey protein, it needs to be freeze-dried to preserve the nutrients and enzymes. Buy Undenatured Whey Protein from New Zealand.

Fructose- not to be confused that "high fructose corn syrup" is a simple fruit sugar that your body uses for energy. Most meal replacement supplements contain flavoring systems that are 30% of the total product. This means that they use a lot of artificial flavorings to make their product taste better. This is really bad! When your taste buds sense that there is a lot of sugar coming to the stomach, your pancreas releases a lot of insulin. If there is no sugar coming to balance out the insulin then you will get a diabetic response.

Omega-3-6-9 Fatty Acids- act as building blocks in cell membranes and produce hormone-like substances necessary for energy metabolism and cardiovascular and immune health.

So if you want to live longer and healthier, reduce your calories and increase your nutrients.

Mike Murgatroy - Owner - The Main Street Gym

If you would like to learn how to incorporate this in your life, you can contact "The Main Street Gym" at 556-2200 or click HERE