Why does calorie restriction work?
More than 2,000 medical studies support the conclusion that a CRON diet can increase the average life span 30% or more. There are two major theories as to why Calorie Restriction works:

1. Low Glycemic Response—It helps control pancreatic insulin response and lowers insulin resistance. When there is high insulin resistance, blood glucose and insulin levels rise, causing damage to cells and tissues. This supports the Low Glycemic Response Corner.
   See Newsletter on Glycemic Load.
   
2. Lower Oxidative Stress—Oxidation and glycation damage are thought to be the leading causes of cell aging and death. This supports another of the Four Corners—the High Antioxidant Diet.

More than just counting calories
In short, the fewer calories we consume, the better our health, defense against illness, and overall longevity. In addition, we can delay and even avoid major killer diseases such as cancer, stroke, and diabetes by conscientious awareness of high-calorie and low-calorie foods.

However, it is important to remember that lowering one’s caloric intake is only half of the CRON equation.
Starving yourself or substituting good eating habits with supplements is not the proper way to implement CRON.

An essential part of any CRON program is the consumption of clean, nutrient- dense foods and achieving the right balance of macro nutrients (proteins, fats, and low-glycemic carbohydrates).

We don’t advocate calorie cutting alone because most people are not motivated or disciplined enough to be a little bit hungry all the time, and because it is important to support energy, muscle growth, and efficient metabolic
function so that you can maintain as rigorous a lifestyle as you choose.

Nutrient density, essential to any CRON diet, refers to the amount and quality of viable nutrients in any given food.

1. Make gradual, rather than dramatic changes. Abrupt and extreme weight loss by simply cutting calories can actually be damaging because it wreaks havoc on the metabolism, resulting in muscle loss. And because it is based on deprivation rather than positive choices, it can be difficult to maintain over the long term. Rapid weight loss can also result in cold- or flu-like symptoms if you are not consuming sufficient amounts of blood cleansing and detoxifying foods and nutrients such as greens, garlic, and antioxidants.
   
   
2. Look at CRON as an opportunity to learn about food and to discover new tastes and preferences. Calorie restriction is as much about adding new ingredients and food choices, as it is about eliminating the unhealthy ones.
   
   
3. Remember that it becomes easier over time. After you become accustomed to CRON, you will require less and less food to feel satisfied. A Four Corners CRON diet doesn’t mean a hunger diet.
   
   
4. Unlike some diets that require specially prepared portions or hard-to-find foods, a CRON lifestyle program is easy to implement, with plenty of healthy alternatives readily available at your local grocery store, health food store and even restaurants. Once you begin to educate yourself about better foods and start to change the look of your pantry, you’ll find that there are countless ways to eat less, eat better, and eat well.
   
   
5. If you are reducing your calorie intake to the point of feeling listless, faint or weak, then you’ve gone too far. Remember, any healthy lifestyle program involves regular and moderate exercise. If your diet is insufficient to sustain exercise and adequate energy levels to meet the demands of your day, then you’re not getting enough fuel or you’re not eating enough of the right foods.
   
   
6. Begin by eliminating sugar, and foods that turn to sugar quickly after eating, from your diet. These are items such as breads, pasta, potatoes, white rice, oatmeal, breads, syrups, and pastries. Cut down on desserts and snack foods, and try to limit or eliminate your intake of sweet drinks, fruit juices, sodas, coffee, and alcohol.
   
    
7. A powerful way to get started with CRON the Four Corners Way is the Fuel Fast. The Fuel Fast is a healthy way to detox, enhance performance and optimize your body weight. The Living Fuel Fast provides you with essential nutrients without compromising your energy or overtaxing your body with stimulants.
   Find out more.