How do you stay young? Eat less!

Studies have shown that eating smaller portions of your balanced diet could lead to a longer lifespan. In fact, scientists have known for more than 80 years, through extensive research, that a calorie controlled diet can extend your life. There have been various people who have proven such claims, namely Fauja Singh who completed the London Marathon at the grand age of 101 years old – this man took up long distance running following his wife’s death, and survived on a traditional Punjabi diet which consists of vegetarian dishes. He suggested that his long and healthy life was attributed to small, child-size portions of dishes rich in lentils, vegetables, fruit, brown bread and yoghurt.

Research has shown that there are links between fasting and increasing your lifespan – the hormone Insulin Growth Factor 1 is a hormone which causes children to develop but causes adults to age. Animals which don’t produce IGF1 can live up to five years longer than other species, and are also immune to cancers and heart disease. When we fast, we produce lower levels of this hormone, meaning our bodies switch from growth to repair. Scientists have also suggested that limiting your food intake can also reduce the levels of damaging free radicals – this leads to a lower blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. With these being preliminary signs to diabetes and a decrease in your metabolic rate, reducing your portions could lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Although fasting can be tricky, particularly if you’ve not attempted it before, it can be a great detox for your body. While you may feel dizzy or have headaches to begin with, this is just the toxins in the body being released – once these have been removed, you’ll start to notice a feeling of vitality and wellbeing that you didn’t have before.