Counting Calories

First it was leggings and bubble dresses. Now calorie-counting is the latest '80s fad to undergo a resurgence. But this time, it's back as what might be the most hardcore diet regimen the world has seen. It's called Calorie Restriction, or CR to fans, where followers can consume only 1000 calories a day in the belief it can slow the ageing process.

Devotees expect to be still alive at the start of the next century, reports Britain's Daily Mail. So far, this theory is based on experiments on mice. Tests at America's National Institute on Ageing found mice fed every other day appeared to live longer than those allowed to eat at will.
Critics have voiced concerns the diet could be a justification for anorexia.

But the CR Society, based in California, insists the emphasis is on obtaining as many nutrients as possible from the few calories they allow. A typical meal includes organic egg-white omelettes, rawfood salads- or vegetable broths. Coffee and tea are out. Most devotees cut out dairy and meat as well. One glass of red wine a few times a week is allowed.

CR people avoid gyms They advise some work with weights, since CR can affect bone density, but they say CR alone gives better results for longevity. But while fans hope to live to a ripe old age, it could be a lonely experience. One woman told a magazine her husband's rigid, unflexible devotion to CR has almost broken up their marriage. And followers have reportedly ended friendships with those who didn't understand their need to live in near starvation.