More and more studies have shown that caloric restriction is the one intervention known to increase longevity in laboratory animals. A calorically restricted diet includes all necessary nutrients but has some 30 percent fewer calories than usual. The diet extends the life span of rodents by 30 to 50 percent. But what if you are not a youngster any more and started reducing energy consumption in the late adulthood? Will you live longer? Scientists report that benefits of the reduced-calorie diet proportionate to the remaining life span, speculating that the same will be true in people.

For some reason I suspect, based on constant increase in obesity rates, that we are far from giving up our fatty-sweet tooth in order to live longer. Better to live a short but full life, right? Only if your life is filled with ailments like high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, certain types of cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Not a happy list, isn't it. So, what CAN you do to improve the quality of life with it lasting longer only as a bonus?

1. Cut down drastically on night eating.Eating between 25 to 50 percent of daily calories between dinner and the next morning is closely related to obesity.

2. Stop binge-eating, especially carbohydrates since they are easily consumed, digested, absorbed, and stored in layers of body fat. If you’re a binge-eater who typically consumes 5,000 to 15,000 calories in one sitting, you’re destined for obesity. Snacking more often can help. The best bet is to eat 5 times a day with 4-hour intervals. And please, don't skip your breakfast!

3. Avoid working late shifts if you can. Working between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. will most likely cause you to eat more and take longer naps than day workers. Weight gain is inevitable.

4. Avoid, or at least minimize taking prescription drugs that contribute to weight gain. Some of the more common ones are corticosteroids, female hormone treatments like oral contraceptives and antidepressants like lithium. Unfortunately, using insulin and insulin-stimulating drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes (diabetes caused by obesity) leads to weight gain more times than not. Check with your doctor before giving up these medications. You may also try talking to a qualified naturepath about your condition and try some techniques created by nature.

5. Make educated choices for your meals! Sorry, but tried and true defense against obesity are your favorite fresh fruits and vegetables. They have survived through evolution, and most do not require any effort to cook. Eat'em fresh, they are delicious!

6. Get up and move! At least occasionally. Cardiovascular activity three times a week (or more) will keep your body -- and your mind -- in shape!

The bottom line is - Be Full of Life for a Long Time to Come!