Re: Introduction + lab rat offer

[Guest guest]

Hi :

WELCOME. Congratulations on making the decision to become really

healthy!

Since you ask, here are my suggestions for what to do right now.

1. Go to your doctor and ask for him/her to do all the regular tests

on you. Tell them that you want these numbers as a benchmark for

future reference. And file them where you will be able to find them

again later. (If you do not do this you will not be able to see

later the difference CRON has made to your health).

2. Read everything that is in the files, links and database here.

(Click on 'Files' 'Links' and 'Database' at top left of page.)

3. Read Dr. Roy Walford's book 'Beyond the 120-Year Diet'. It is

considered THE authoritative source of information around here. And

Dr. Walford THE authority on CRON.

4. Eating as little as you are is probably too little. There is no

rush, especially at your age. For a moderately active 26 year old,

130 pound, female you would probably need ~1800 calories to maintain

your weight. So you should **gradually** move your caloric intake

down from that level. 1600 calories would be far enough to drop your

intake initially. Then after a few months to 1500. Then later to

1400 until your health biomarkers are excellent - perhaps

approximately equivalent to those in the WUSTL study.

5. Do not forget about the ON part of CRON. It is just as important

as the CR part. I see you already realize this as you are tracking

your nutrients at CRON-o-Meter.

You will find there are differing opinions about the appropriate fat

intake. In my opinion 10% to 20% of your calories should come from

fat. With the lowest possible levels of saturated and trans fats.

I am not aware of problems associated with excessive B12 intake. But

since it only comes from animal products it suggests you could reduce

that by reducing your intake of animal foods.

I have a constant battle getting my iron intake down to an

appropriate level. But I do not have an issue with anaemia.

Have fun.

Rodney.

>

> Hi dear CRON fellows,

>

> (didn't know how to write and decided to make it cold turkey)

> I am 26 and started CRON 5 days ago. I have been averaging,

according

> to CRON-o-Meter, 1140 kcals a day, and something around 80% of

> vitamins and minerals. Oh and I am 130 lbs (59.5 kg), BMI 21.2.

>

> I am writing to " offer myself " for experiments ;-) I mean, I love

> making experiments, but I am not that creative, I am writing down

> everything that I am feeling, eating or thinking, and also my sleep

> patterns.

>

> Any ideas?

>

> And I also have some questions:

>

> (1) How do you eat RDA of Iron? I try very hard and still don't

cross

> the 70% line (supposing 18 mg as 100%) and I have Talassemia, which

> is a genetic blood condition that makes my hemoglobins live less,

ie

> I am always anemic so I better eat enough Iron!!)

> (2) Is there a problem eating too much B12? Something as 1000%. I

ask

> this because, the only thing that seems to higher my Iron intake is

> seafood, which are very very high in B12.

> (3) How much fat do you think is necessary? I usually consume 10

> gr/day

>

> Thank you very much in advance!

>

> and nice to meet you

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to the group and the CRON lifestyle. I'm sure you'll find it very

rewarding, healthwise.

You wrote:

" I have been averaging, according

to CRON-o-Meter, 1140 kcals a day, and something around 80% of

vitamins and minerals. Oh and I am 130 lbs (59.5 kg), BMI 21.2. "

I agree with Rodney that you probably are not taking in enough energy, and the

fact that you are short on your necessary nutrients bears that out. With a

little practice (and careful food selection) you will be able to get 100% or

more and still be in a calorie restricted state. Remember that CRON is not a

short-term fix for something, like a weight loss diet is. You will lose weight,

but (especially with your BMI) you shouldn't rush it or force it.

You also said:

" I am writing to " offer myself " for experiments ;-) I mean, I love

making experiments, but I am not that creative, I am writing down

everything that I am feeling, eating or thinking, and also my sleep

patterns. "

I think we all have a little of that " experimental " spirit in us here. That's

the beauty of it -- you are your own experiment! The foundation of any

experiment is measurement and documentation. Rodney's suggestion of getting a

thorough physical, including blood work, is excellent, and will give you the

benchmarks you will use to chart your progress. Definitely weigh yourself every

day, take your pulse, blood pressure, and keep a record.

How do you eat RDA of Iron? Eat foods that contain iron! It's really that

simple. As we have already said, you've got at least 300 calories or so that

you should probably add to your daily allotment, so simply add a serving or two

of iron-rich food. Any nutrition tracking program or book should be able to

give some good suggestions in that regard.

And, be sure to keep us posted with your progress. Good health to you!

chris