Annik

Maybe if he didn't add, "...goal wise." Sometimes I think many CR practitioners are into masochism. I'm definitely interested in extending my life, but first I want a life worth living.

My situation is very, very similar to yours. I am 60, 5'6" and weigh 122 lbs. I was a competitive figure skater and ballet dancer when I was younger, raised a family, and began a law practice when my children were teenagers. I practiced CR probably 20 years ago but had a severe personal trauma 10 years ago that gutted my life. I gained some weight and shut down in many ways during that period. I have re-built my life over the past couple of years and practice what I think of as a slightly modified version of CR. I consume between 700-1100 calories/day, fast for approximately 12 hours each day, exercise daily (mostly Pilates with a little low-impact aerobic exercise,) drink a glass or two of red wine daily, and indulge in a good restaurant meal once a week. I take supplements and stay out of the sun for the most part. My skin is great (no wrinkles or sagging,) my long hair is still brown, and I still struggle with that bit of a belly (which drives me crazy. I had a ruptured appendix when I was 21 and have a large vertical scar. My stomach was never as flat as I would like it to be since then.) I have familial hypercholesterolemia, so I take a statin. My overall health is great and I have a lot of energy and a healthy sex drive. I don't sleep as much as I would like (6 hours is good for me) but I haven't slept well for the past ten years.

It's a sad day when you think that living a long, happy, healthy life is "blah." What is a worthy or exciting goal for you?

My blood pressure runs between 100/60 down to 80/50. I have passed out more than once from LBP, so I have to be careful. Extended fasting is also EXTREMELY DANGEROUS when one has LBP - so be cautious. I once passed out during a 48-hour fast and was severely injured, so I wouldn't attempt that again. Perhaps Longo's mimicked fast would be better for me; I will probably try it with close BP monitoring someday soon.

I completely agree with you. Not enough is known, and for each argument, there is a counter-argument. Again, quality of life is most important, and I believe this amounts to maintaining optimal health. This does not involve self-torture, however. Honestly, some of the self-reported regimes I have read by members of the CR community are jaw-dropping. And I truly believe when it erodes ones family and social life, the whole exercise is counter-productive.

I would say ease up on yourself. If you have a meal or snack, and it means getting a restful night sleep, do it. Can you delay the time that you resume eating during the day? if you can't, don't stress about it. We want to live longer, but not at the expense of quality of life.

I don't regret my decision for a single minute.🤑

Thank you for that. I don't remember her - she died at a relatively young age. That's a shame.☹️

That sounds about right. Are they still in existence?

This was an interactive forum, much like this one. I think you're right - CRSociety didn't have one yet. I just don't remember the name of the forum.☹️ I was good (online) friends with a guy who called himself Stickfigure. He was very funny.

Thank you Saul and Todd Allen. I realized that I already have an account. It says I have a BMI of 20.9, which really surprised me. My eating pattern is so intuitive that it will be a challenge for me to record amounts (a teaspoon of this, a teaspoon of that.) But I will do it once I settle into this a little more. It will be interesting.

Honestly, I found investing in the market so stressful and unpredictable that I pulled everything out for my own sanity. Instead, I concentrate on real estate and some art. I'm better off for it!

As I've said, I've done this before (about 15 years ago) and 900-1200 kCals was always just about right. I don't even feel deprived - my body just seems to settle into that without much effort. I will also go outside of this at times - special days, a favorite restaurant -- I try not to get too neurotic about it. I'll purchase cronometer at some point just to check myself against it. I'm thinking of doing the Longo Prolon fast every few months as well. I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with it. I remember once reading that Lisa Wolford subsisted on 600 kCals (this was 15 years ago.) I haven't followed up with her progress. (I was on the CR Forum back then but I'm not sure if this is the same forum. I don't recognize any names.) I appreciate your feedback however, McCoy. I'm sure the field has evolved since 15 years ago!

I think you need to take an inventory of your priorities. For me, great food, great wine, a warm home and enjoying the company of friends and family, engaging conversation, laughter, and sensual and sexual fulfillment are the things that make life worthwhile. I also want more life - so I will do what I can to live as long as possible. As I've mentioned before, there is a lot of information on the subject of longevity - and much of it is contradictory, unproven, anecdotal - etc. I rely on my personal judgement and a good amount of intuition. For me, this is self-experimentation and being the greedy creature that I am, I want it all. So - I make it a point to enjoy every day and never take myself too seriously.

It's very concerning. Also, we have a President who has repeatedly used bankruptcy as a form of debt resolution. Who will pick up the tab for the U.S.?