Not everyone who follows a calorie-restricted diet is hoping to lose weight. Some consciously choose fewer calories in hopes of living longer, as previous research has shown calorie restriction is an effective longevity-booster in rats and mice.

But new research suggests calorie-restriction alone may not crown you a centenarian, unless you simultaneously pay attention to your protein intake. Hmm, how much protein does 113-year-old Tomoji Tanabe eat? In animal longevity models, longer life is connected to lower levels of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1). When scientists compared IGF-1 measurements among short and long-term calorie restricters, regular exercisers and even a sedentary, Western diet group who changed nothing, IGF-1 levels were similar. Then the white coats took at look at long-term, strict vegans.

Vegans had significantly lower levels of IGF-1, even those heavier and fatter than calorie restricters. The vegans consumed about 10 percent of their calories from protein, while calorie-restricters were downing protein in the 23-24 percent zone. Here's the kicker, when six of the calorie-restricters agreed to try lowering their protein intake, their IGF-1 levels lowered dramatically in only three weeks. So to get in the running for Oldest Living Soul on the Planet, type of calories, not total calories may be key.

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Oprah finished her 21-day vegan cleanse last Sunday. She reports she's been enlightened by the diet recommended by Kathy Freston in her new book, Quantum Wellness. No animal products, sugar, caffeine, alcohol or gluten. Try that for a day!

After you radically change your dietary habits for three weeks and become 'awakened', what's next? I think Oprah gave us a big clue when blogging that she nearly blew her 21st day with a craving for Bordeaux 82. Twenty days of vegan eating and she had an urge for wine. I know what you mean, Oprah, I impulse-purchased a chocolate bar with almonds last night and it's speaking to me through the kitchen cabinet right now.

Perhaps Oprah will enjoy more vegan fare in her future. Perhaps she'll stay away from certain foods more than before. Maybe enlightenment simply means being conscious from whence it came -- as the steak knife slides into a bacon-wrapped filet mignon. At a minimum, her experiment and vegan blog awakened Oprah's audience to the world of vegan.

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Conscious eater -- these two words from Kathy Freston's new book Quantum Wellness piqued Oprah's curiosity and has her jumping into a 21-day vegan cleanse. If Oprah's on board, Preston is about to sell a whole lot of books. The Cattlemen and Dairymen must not be pleased.

Oprah describes in her blog how she always thought being a conscious eater meant not eating to ease an anxiety-ridden day, chewing slowly, picking a healthier alternative instead of a handful of chocolate-covered raisins. I know the unconscious eating Oprah is referring to -- if there's a box of Mike And Ikes lying around during a high-stress moment, I've been known to grab handfuls. But Freston's consciousness is framed differently -- it speaks to "spiritual integrity" -- she says eating most meat sold in this country means eating meat from animals that have been treated inhumanely. Also, raising animals for slaughter carries a serious environmental toll.

Veganism is a mysterious word to most people, but it shouldn't be and it won't be for millions after Oprah is through with her cleanse. Hanging out with vegans and vegetarians opens your palate to a host of new flavors and healthy, wholesome foods. Oprah fans will learn all about dishes 'those strange vegans' enjoy. More people will be trying chunky mushroom soup with wild rice and pecans -- Oprah had that for lunch last Sunday. In the spirit of Oprah's vegan cleanse, here is a gallery of vegan dishes to try, compliments of the popular vegan recipe section at VegWeb.

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Can a vegan diet (a no-meat, no-eggs, no dairy way of eating) be healthy? It can be, says American Dietetic Association spokesperson Keri Gans, but only if you're willing to do your homework.

You can't exist solely on salads and soy milk. And you can't eat too many carbohydrates or excess amounts of nuts and seeds. A poorly planned vegan diet can lead to unhealthy weight loss or weight gain and can fall short on key nutrients too. Here's what you don't want to miss out on.

Protein
Plant foods will work but you should eat a variety of foods, including whole grains, beans, and nuts to replace the proteins in meat, milk, and eggs.

Calcium
Milk and cheese contain a lot of calcuim so if you plan to give these items up, pump up the dark, leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli and add to your diet some figs, almonds, and soy foods. Most vegans need fortified foods (such as soy milk or orange juice) and a supplement to get enough calcium.

Vitamin D
When the main source of D -- that would be milk -- is cut out, the sun can come in handy, although it's nothing to bank on for those in winter climates and those who are dark-skinned. A supplement or fortified foods are essential for this one too.

Vitamin B-12
Break out the fortified foods and a supplement once again since this essential vitamin is available only in animal foods.

In sum, a basic multivitamin and a good variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and a few fortified products can cover the vegan bases. So, yes, a vegan diet can be healthy. It just takes commitment, research, and a lot of practice.

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Kenneth G. Williams. That's him in the picture. Pretty big guy. More than just a little ripped. Body builder. Vegan.

Wait, what?!? A bodybuilding vegan? That's right.

Williams hasn't always been a vegan, in fact back when he first got started in body building he was very much into the usual fare of meat, eggs, and dairy. But then one day, in the middle of the night, he had "a moment" and has been a vegan ever since.

Just goes to show that you don't need to eat meat to feel "tough" and to be healthy and fit. If you want to eat meat, then by all means go ahead. But if you've been leaning towards vegetarianism or veganism then don't let stereotypes be the thing that holds you back.

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