FEATURE: Less is More (Caloric Intake, That Is)
It’s a tough world out there, lots of temptations. Molten chocolate fudge tortes, mango margaritas, bacon cheeseburgers, you know what I'm talking about...
Recent research, fresh out of Harvard Medical School, Cornell Medical School and the National Institute of Health found two genes in mammalian cells that may be the “gatekeepers” for “cellular longevity.” When these cells experience specific kinds of “stress” like caloric restriction, these genes work extra hard to protect cells from “diseases of aging.” This research does not bode well with my fantasy of being a State Fair fried-food-on-a-stick-eating centenarian.
But isn’t stress a bad thing?
True, stress is not good for overall health. But this particular type of cellular stress may be good. Why? When calories are restricted, mitochondria, important for the survival of cellular life, go into overdrive. Signals are sent through the cell membrane, enzymes are activated, and the mitochondria grow stronger. When these cells are strong, energy-output increases and the cells' aging process actually appears to slow down. This process also appears to be activated by exercise.
Hmm... exercise and caloric restriction, the building blocks of a healthy long life? You don’t say!
Here are three things to remember when temptation in the shape of candy, bbq-flavor, and the Super-sizing call to you:
Go for it!
Not what you thought I’d say? Sometimes it’s better to indulge our cravings (in moderation) than deny them for long. Taking that bite of cake may satisfy you. Mentally denying the cake may make the cake extremely powerful. Do you really think buttercream frosting knows what to do with all that power?
Substitute!
Want a scoop of Ben and Jerry’s and a Mint Julep on the side? How about a rich piece of caramel, and if that doesn’t do it, a nice piece of dark antioxidant rich chocolate. Sometimes all we need is a taste!
Fill up with water, or water-rich foods.
If I know I want to indulge, I usually find someone to share with me, that way one ice cream sundae is instantly cut in half. Another trick is to fill up on salad, an apple, water or soup first. Creating a sensation of fullness keeps those sweet and salty craving focused on taste. Sweets are like brightly colored accessories and animal patterns, use sparingly.
For further reading on the Harvard Study follow this link.
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