Low-Calorie Diet Q+A

Dec. 8, 2003 -- -- Researchers say humans may be able to extend their life span by severely limiting caloric intake while packing in the nutrients. What's it like to try this type of nutrition plan?

Paul and Averill McGlothin shared their experience on 20/20 and are answering questions from ABCNEWS viewers regarding their nutrition choices. For more information, contact the Calorie Restriction Society at www.calorierestriction.org

Question: How do you handle hunger? Small meals often, snacking or what?

— Alyce Ann Jula AberHamburg

Answer: We accept occasional hunger as part of this lifestyle. The hunger sensation is not extreme, and it makes us glad: it's a signal that we are doing what we intend — eating less fuel than our bodies might crave, so we are more likely to attain our health and longevity goals. We definitely like it better than the bloated feeling of being satiated.Another cause for joy is that when the body is fed fewer calories than it "expects," it goes looking for more. That takes the form of the cells' digesting inclusions that they "didn't bother with before." This results in a clean-up, a sort of cellular level detox. We love it! Our bodies are so smart.

Q.:How do you maintain a low weight, yet still consume enough calories to sustain an exercise program? Also, what research has been done to link the benefits of CR with taming Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which I was diagnosed with 11 years ago.

— Cathy

A.: An intake of 1,800 calories is plenty for me to sustain my (Paul's) weight at my level of exercise activity. I weigh myself regularly and if my weight slips lower than my target of 131, I increase my caloric intake until my weight is stable. I run about 60 miles per month and weight lift. While the CR lifestyle appeals to me, I don't think I would be consuming enough calories to remain strong while exercising.