There have been some interesting observational studies about excess calorie/sugar intake that correlates caloric restriction with longer life span. Most of these studies were in animals such as mice. Another observation was during the great depression, average life span was increased by 6 years than what expected - postulated to decrease food intake (except those stories about people committed suicide after losing their life saving in stock market).
One common factor in animal and human studies was a protein called IGF1 (insulin growth factor 1) which is increased in response to our eating. IGF1 seems to promote cell growth which is important in cell repair but excess of it may also induces cancer growth.
The fastest way to reduce IGF1 is by fasting. I do not recommend fasting unless you are under your doctor's supervision. However, I suspect that reducing overall amount of calorie/sugar intake will reduce excess IGF1 production. Sugar/calories were hard to come by when we were roaming in the African prairie million of years ago. Now, you just have to stop at your gas station and get a large cup of soda.
My patients often told me that they do not eat much - in fact some of them just eat once or twice a day. However, when I reviewed their food diary, we found that they ate mostly the wrong things (high calorie food). My recommendation is to discuss with your physicians on how much calorie should you eat per day and stick to it. In general, we eat more calories than we should.
PS: please read on my previous blog about exercise as well. I am convinced that eating less calorie and more exercise are the most mundane advice I could give you but also the most effective in getting you healthier and live longer.
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