If you haven’t heard of calorie restriction you’re probably bristling at the thought of it. It sounds so, well, restrictive.

But consider the alternative. Did you know how restrictive obesity can be? A November 7, 2007 Chicago Tribune article cited a study of 1.2 million women. The article opened with these words: “One of the largest medical studies ever undertaken has confirmed what many public health officials already feared: Being overweight can give you cancer.”

That makes calorie restriction sound more appealing doesn’t it?

Actually, I don’t much like the term “calorie restriction” even though that’s the formal name of this dietary approach. I much prefer my own term: “calorie liberation.” Because that’s what ultimately happens when you increase your awareness of calories – you become liberated from them.

As for the benefits, there are many:

* Increased longevity.

* Reduces free radicals so your cells are stronger.

* Prevents autoimmune disease and slows down the aging of the immune system.

* Improved thyroid function.

* Reduced risk for cancer.

* Lower blood pressure.

Prior to becoming diagnosed with celiac disease I lost 40 pounds and my immune system was wearing out. After my diagnosis and going on a gluten-free I was determined to keep the weight off. I calculated how many calories I needed per day to maintain my weight and I never exceed that amount.

Rarely do I get hungry. When you eat small amounts of food throughout the day it kick starts your metabolism somehow and your body doesn’t go into famine mode and hoard fat. The best part is that when you stick to a specific budget of calories you learn how many calories are in foods and that’s half the battle.

It’s just like money. You look at the price tag before purchasing something, right? This prevents you from overspending. Using the same principle with food helps keep the fat off.

Once you know how many calories are in the foods that you eat it becomes almost effortless. You quickly reach the point where you don’t have to measure everything and add up calories. It becomes intuitive. Your body adjusts to the reduced caloric intake. It’s almost impossible for me to exceed my daily calorie budget because my body would feel so stuffed. It’s like a little hatch closes once I reach my limit.

And when you’re eating less calories you’re cooking less, using fewer resources, throwing away less packaging. You’re living light, both literally and figuratively.

Want to try a calorie restriction diet that’s actually fun and easy to learn? Go to http://www.sixworddiet.com This little 60 page booklet has been flying off the shelves. Why? Because you get to eat whatever you want, 12 times per day. You’re eating so often you forget your calories are restricted. Now that’s liberation.