Calorie restriction (CR) is a success formula adopted by many for ensuring a healthy living and increasing longevity. In fact, some animal research studies conducted during recent times have conclusively shown nearly 40% increase in average life span – although it is still unclear whether CR will extend the human life span.

Calorie restriction refers to reducing calorie intake to achieve better health. Calories may be defined as a measure of the energy released when the body burns any fuel including fat, protein, carbohydrates etc. The recommended minimum daily caloric need is 1200 calories per day for women and 1800 calories per day for men.

Healthcare professionals indicate that excessive calorie intake may result in various health problems including cancer, heart ailments, quickening of aging process and obesity.

Thus, proper calorie restriction is necessary for preserving good health and increased life span. A calorie restriction diet means reducing your calories intake to 20-40% lower than usual, while still obtaining all the necessary nutrients and vitamins. Again CR is not recommended during growing years as it can endanger your health and seriously impede your physical developments.

Of course, everyone knows that consuming fewer calories than you burn can lead to weight-loss without exercise. There is, therefore a tendency amongst many to opt for calorie restriction and avoid physical exercise. But this may not be the right course to take for weight reduction or to gain physical fitness.

Healthcare professionals will tell you that when you restrict calories, your body may burn some amount of muscle along with the fat. You may succeed in attaining your target weight but end up with certain other complications. It is suggested that regular exercise combined with strength training, will curb this muscle loss.

With many benefits of cardiovascular and other physical exercises, there is no reason why you should skip exercises unless you are physically incapable or disabled. The proper course would be to fix a calorie target and monitor the calories consumed and the calories burned. Also, plan your exercise and eating schedule so that you eat something a few hours before you begin your exercise. This way, you will feel energized and not dissipated after the workouts.

Please be aware that the benefits of physical exercises go beyond weight management. Regular physical activity is imperative for maintaining fitness levels and to keep you physically agile and mentally alert throughout the day. Daily physical workouts help reduce the risk of several diseases like heart diseases and stroke, high blood pressure, non-insulin dependent diabetes, obesity, body pain, weakening of bones and muscles, osteoporosis etc.

In fact, it is believed that there are some psychological benefits of exercise as well as they can boost your levels of self-confidence and the way you feel about yourself.

It is reported that persons who lose weight through caloric restriction, unaccompanied by regular exercise may eventually suffer from bone density problems.

To sum up, restricting number of calories consumed along with doing regular exercises will be the sanest course to ensure weight loss acquire physical fitness and lead a long and healthy life. It is unwise to opt for either calorie restriction or physical exercises and renounce the other as both are equally essential.