Scientists have studied worms and even dogs and showed that eating about 25 percent fewer calories resulted in a longer life. Now I’m not saying that we’re exactly like worms or even dogs but we can take a few lessons from these findings.

Eating fewer calories over a period of time slows down the aging process. Just take a look at all of the over 100 year olds that have been in the Guiness Book of World Records. I’ve never seen an obese or overweight person that has made it to the age of 100. Most of my patients close to or over the age of 100 have been lean for their height and in general don’t frequent fast food joints or fill up on high fatty foods. Now that’s not to say that they haven’t enjoyed themselves over the years or partaken of cake and ice cream on occasion but for the most part, they’ve made healthy food choices throughout their lives.

My great-grandmother lived to 91 and she was still active way into her 80’s. She started losing her sight when I was just born so she never got the chance to really see me but even in her old age she could chase us down. There was no hiding from Grandmommie. She couldn’t see us but she could sure hear us. During the summers at my grandparents’ house, my sister and I would try to sneak out the house and play outside but she could always hear the screen door squeak open. We thought we were so smart back then. But it was my great-grandmother who was the smart one. She stayed active and ate healthy—starting each morning with grapefruit and hot tea. I often think about my great-grandmother when I see patients who’ve lived almost a century and are still active. I thank my great-grandmother everyday for giving me such a good example to follow.

In addition to less calories, exercising adds additional benefit to your overall cardiovascular health. Now back in the day, my daily exercise routine included playing touch football with the neighborhood kids in our backyard or racing down the hill against my best friend. Now with my hectic schedule, the only racing I do is around the house trying to keep up with my one year old son. When I want to get in a good workout I follow my bodyweight program for a total body workout.

So remember, fewer calories coupled with exercise leads to healthier and longer living