5 Thought Friday

5 Thoughts for the week focusing on my experiment with caloric restriction!

1.       What I am currently reading, viewing, or listening to:

• 5 habits to live longer including caloric restriction: Excerpt from a podcast with Dr. David Sinclair. Check out THIS 8-minute video! In summary:

  • No Smoking

  • Eat less and less often (caloric restriction)

  • High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

  • Choose wisely the type of food you eat e.g. plant-based, olive oil, etc.

  • A good night’s sleep is critical

  • ….and he threw in a sixth for good measure, surround yourself with good friends/community.

2.       Gratitude Practice (for improved happiness):

• Grateful for my wife Irene, who is not only supporting my April experiment on caloric restriction at night but is also joining me! See #3 below.

3.       Wellness ideas to consider:

• I am experimenting with a new intermittent fasting technique by eating breakfast and lunch only, then fasting till the next morning. The first few days were challenging, but starting to get adjusted. I will continue for the month of April (sans weekend planned outings) due to the following benefits so far:

  • I have eliminated night-time snacking habits (fingers crossed) and quickly lost almost 2 kg the first week

  • My sleep has been exceptionally deep and full of vivid dreams

  • Our household food cost bill has decreased. While I am not on a budget when it comes to eating healthy foods, it never hurts to save a few $$$. Take note I am an accountant by trade!

• I was inspired while watching a recent Huberman Labs podcast, in which he spoke about shifting food patterns to see what works. We are all unique so experiment with what works for you!

4. What I’m eating, drinking, buying, or whatever else is on my mind:

• Immune Support tea from Marks & Spencer. Here is a photo but in full transparency, I have no idea what ingredients are in the tea … but it tastes nice.

5. Quote(s) I am Pondering:

• “Calorie restriction has been shown to work in every animal except humans,” says Dr. Sinclair, and “there are now literally hundreds of experiments in animals showing lifespan extension by calorie restriction.”

• My bet is that management of caloric intake and how often/what we eat will lead to a much healthier, longer life.

Happy Friday!

Mike