The Longevity Diet: Bryan Johnson Eats 3 Meals In 6 Hours—With Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Updated Apr 23, 2025 | 02:00 PM IST

SummaryBryan Johnson ditched rapamycin over side effects, now focuses on a 6-hour, 3-meal superfood diet rich in olive oil, supplements, and plant protein to pursue longevity.
What does Bryan Johnson Eat To Stay Young?

Credits: YouTube and Instagram

Bryan Johnson, the 47-year-old tech entrepreneur who is known for his anti-ageing techniques and for his quest to reverse his biological age has finally ditched the medicine that has kept him young. He had recently been featured in Netflix documentary Don't Die: The Man Who Wants To Live Forever, where he has shown his various attempts on achieving more time on the planet, his quest for longevity.

To live 'forever' he had been consuming 13 milligrams of immunosuppressant rapamycin for the last five years. However, he has now given it up after he found out that the side effects outweighed the advantages.

As per the opinion article published in Impact Journals, titled Rapamycin for longevity, it can extend maximum life span nearly three-fold. It can also prolong life in normal mice as well as in yeast, worms, and flies, and prevents age-related conditions in rodents, dogs, nonhuman primates and humans. It has been FDA-approved for humans and has been used safely for decades. In 2006, it was suggested that rapamycin could be used immediately to slow down aging and all age-related diseases in humans. However, another study published in Oncotarget, titled About-face on the metabolic side effects of rapamycin, it can lead to metabolic defects, including hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance and increased incidence of new-onset type 2 diabetes.

Now without the medicines, what all does Johnson do to keep his quest for longevity going? He focuses on what he eats!

ALSO READ: Can You Reverse Aging? Man Claims Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Made Him 10 Years Younger, With Some Downsides

The Diet For Longevity

On a podcast with Jay Shetty on his show On Purpose, he revealed that he ensures his daily diet is roughly of 2,500 calories per day and his meals are all between 6 am and 11.30am. The NHS also recommends that an average man needs 2,500kcal a day.

His day starts with 54 supplements and an hour in the gym. He also revealed that he has never had cheat meals in his life ever. "Now the idea of eating a piece of pizza or a whole pizza or like a doughnut or something just makes me sick. Because if I'm going to do it, there'll be like five seconds of maybe enjoyment and then you've got like an entire day of misery."

What does he eat? He consumes "A lot of broccoli, cauliflower, lentils, hemp, pea protein, hemp protein, berries, nuts, seeds."

What Are The Three Meals In 6-Hours He Eats?

The Supper Veggie

This consists of broccoli, cauliflower, black lentils, ginger, and garlic.

The Nutty Pudding

This is made with macadamia nuts, walnuts, flax seeds, pomegranate juice, and berries, combined with pea and hemp protein.

A Mix Of All

The third meal can vary, but it usually includes a mix of all, vegetables, berries, nuts, and seeds.

ALSO READ: Bryan Johnson Launches New Religion 'Don't Die'- Here's How To Become A Member

The Extra Virgil Olive Oil On The Side

He also revealed that additionally, he also consumes a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil with each meal and 6g of pure cocoa. "We’ve tried to construct a perfect diet, so every single calorie I consume has a specific objective," he says. This is a "stack superfoods across the board".

He is currently consuming 80 grams of protein, after he struggled at 120 grams of protein. His gut health could not take it.

Johnson also compared extra virgin olive oil to Ozempic, due to its potential health benefits and benefits in weight management and glucose control.

In one of the episodes of All The Diary Of A CEO podcast, he said, “What things can I do in my life that are easy and actionable, and have a high impact? Extra virgin olive oil is very close to number 1. It is better than Ozempic. It is.”

Johnson says that both Ozempic and extra virgin olive oil can stimulate the release of GLP-1, which is a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. The extra virgin olive oil is a high-quality oil that is extracted from the first pressing of olive and is thus considered the purest and healthiest oils due to its rich nutritional profile.

“There is a study, where people lost 5.2 pounds consuming EVOO for nine weeks (in addition to what they are currently eating). I think the quantity for the study was 45 ml daily or something like that; it is between 30-60 ml daily. But there's things, for example, like it reduces by over 60 percent invasive breast cancer, it reduces your blood sugar levels by 60 percent post a meal and your oxidised LDL levels. The bad thing is that your body is causing damage by 80 percent post a meal. So, I have a tablespoon (of olive oil) with every single meal and it is like the super of superfoods," he said.

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Your Menstrual Cycle Affects How You Eat—Here’s What to Eat During Each Phase

Updated Oct 28, 2025 | 05:00 PM IST

SummaryYour body’s needs change throughout your menstrual cycle, and so should your diet. Our nutrition expert explains how eating the right foods during each phase, menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal can balance hormones, reduce cramps and fatigue, and support overall health.
what to eat during menstrual phase

Credits: Canva

With growing awareness of how the female body changes each month, and the help of apps that make tracking easier, more women are beginning to understand how to live in sync with their cycles. According to Dr. Uma Shankar Sharma, Medical-In-Charge at Kailash Institute of Naturopathy, Ayurveda, and Yoga, what you eat during each phase of your menstrual cycle has a major impact on your hormones, energy, and mood.

What Are the Different Phases of the Menstrual Cycle?

Though biology books often describe a 28-day cycle, in reality, most women fall anywhere between 23 and 35 days. Within that span, the body passes through four phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. Each phase involves different hormonal changes and physical shifts that influence how you feel and function.

Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle begins with the menstrual phase, when the uterine lining is shed as bleeding. Next comes the follicular phase, when the body prepares an egg for release. During the ovulatory phase, a mature egg is released, and in the luteal phase, the uterus thickens in anticipation of pregnancy. If conception does not occur, the cycle restarts, as per Cleveland Clinic.

What to Eat During Every Phase of Your Menstrual Cycle

Food choices play a key role in maintaining hormonal balance, energy, and overall wellness. Dr. Sharma explains that Ayurveda recommends eating according to the body’s changing doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, throughout the month. Aligning your diet with these shifts can ease cramps, bloating, and fatigue, while helping restore nutrients lost during menstruation.

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–4)

At the start of your period, Vata dosha is heightened, and your body needs warmth and comfort. Dr Sharma suggests choosing simple, nourishing meals like steamed khichdi (made with moong dal and rice), warm porridge with ghee, and lightly cooked leafy greens. Gentle spices such as cumin, coriander, fennel, and ginger aid digestion, while ghee or sesame oil supports nutrient absorption. Avoid cold, raw, or fried foods, which can worsen pain and slow digestion. A warm cup of ginger tea can help soothe cramps and ease bloating.

2. Follicular or Postmenstrual Phase (Days 5–14)

As your energy returns, Kapha dosha rises. Focus on lighter, fresh meals that recharge your system, think fresh fruit, steamed vegetables, whole grains like millet, barley, or quinoa, and soft-cooked lentils. Dr Sharma says, “Soaked nuts and seeds provide essential minerals. Mild spices like turmeric, coriander, and ginger help keep digestion active and support nutrient absorption during this rejuvenating stage.”

3. Ovulatory Phase (Days 14–17)

During ovulation, Pitta dosha dominates, and your body functions at its most active. Cooling and hydrating foods are best during this time. Dr Sharma suggests eating fresh fruits such as watermelon and cucumber, drinking coconut water or diluted juices, and including sprouts and plant-based proteins like tofu or paneer. Avoid spicy, oily, or sour foods that can increase internal heat or irritate digestion.

4. Luteal/Pre-Menstrual Phase (Days 18–28)

As Pitta remains strong and Vata begins to rise again, your body benefits from grounding, nourishing meals that help calm premenstrual discomfort. Complex carbohydrates such as sweet potato, squash, oats, and cooked greens can support stable energy levels. Foods rich in magnesium, like bananas, seeds, nuts, and dark chocolate, can help ease cramps, bloating, and mood swings. Staying hydrated, sipping herbal teas, and including healthy fats throughout the month help maintain a steady, balanced cycle.

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Can You Train Yourself To Eat Less For Your Metabolism? Neurologist Shares 10 Lifestyle Changes That Can Help

Updated Oct 27, 2025 | 06:20 PM IST

SummaryOvereating can happen to the best of us. Sometimes the food is just too good, other times you simply don’t realize you ate so much. However, this can quickly become a habit that can badly affect your health, so how can you avoid this? Here are some habits that can help you avoid overeating.

(Credit-Canva)

When it comes to eating, it is very easy to overdo it and cause problems for your health. Eating too much food is not just about gaining weight, but it can cause lot of issues for your metabolism as well as cause harmful reactions. According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, overeating can cause a reaction known as heartburn, where the acid that breaks down your food gets pushed up towards your esophagus. Other problems that may arise could be bloating, organ strain, abdominal discomfort, etc.

All of these issues could be avoided if one controls one's eating habits. However, can you change the way you eat and train your body to avoid overeating? According to Dr Sudhir Kumar, Hyderabad-based neurologist, you can.

10 Habits That Can Help You Avoid Overeating

In a recent post on social media platform X, Dr Sudhir listed 10 ways one can teach one's body to avoid overeating and protecting their metabolism.

Tweak Your Eating Space

You can trick your brain into eating less by changing your environment. Try using smaller plates and bowls—it makes smaller portions look more satisfying. Keep food out of sight; if you don't see it, you won't think about snacking impulsively. Also, keep serving dishes in the kitchen, not on the dinner table, to make it harder to grab second helpings.

Slow Down How You Eat

Give your brain time to catch up with your stomach. Eat slowly and chew your food well. Make a point of putting your fork or spoon down between bites. It takes your brain about 15 to 20 minutes to register that you're full, so slowing down gives this "fullness signal" time to register, helping you eat less overall.

Handle Social Eating Smartly

When you're eating with friends or family, you tend to eat more because meals last longer. To manage this, serve yourself a fixed portion before you sit down. Then, focus on the conversation instead of reaching for more food. If you stay at the table for a long time, sip on water instead of continuing to eat.

Build Your Meal Strategically

Eat your food in a specific order to help manage your blood sugar and keep you feeling full longer. Start with vegetables or salad, then move to protein, and finish with carbohydrates. This order prevents rapid sugar spikes and avoids the quick hunger that comes after eating simple carbs like bread or sweets first.

Prioritize Filling Foods

Make sure every meal includes a source of protein like eggs, pulses, yogurt, or fish, and fibre from vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Both protein and fibre are excellent at increasing the feeling of fullness, which naturally cuts down your total calorie intake. Try to limit high-calorie, non-filling items like refined carbs and processed snacks.

Don't Ignore Sleep and Stress

Poor sleep and high stress directly affect your hunger. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep nightly, because lack of sleep increases the hormone that makes you hungry, called ghrelin, and lowers the hormone that tells you that you're full which is called leptin. Manage stress with things like walking, deep breathing, or meditation. Chronic stress often leads to emotional eating and intense cravings.

Move Your Body More

Moving doesn't just mean a full workout. Take a short walk (10–15 minutes) after meals; this is a great way to stabilize your blood sugar and help digestion. Avoid sitting still for hours; taking short standing breaks and small movements throughout the day actually improves how your body uses insulin.

Use Water to Your Advantage

Drinking water can subtly help you eat less. Drink a glass of water before meals; this can modestly reduce how much food you eat. Always avoid sugary drinks and juices, as they add lots of calories without making you feel full.

Focus Only on Eating

Sit down and eat without screens, no TV, phone, or laptop. This helps you pay attention to your body's signals of hunger and fullness. Before and after you eat, quickly rate your hunger on a scale where 1 is starving, and 10 is painfully full. Aim to stop when you feel comfortably satisfied which is around a 7.

Plan Your Portions

Don't eat snacks straight out of a large bag; pre-portion them into small containers. Use smaller utensils, like a teaspoon for desserts, to naturally slow down your eating speed. Finally, don't skip meals! Getting extremely hungry almost always causes you to overeat later in the day.

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Diet, Not Lack Of Exercise Is The Real Reason For Rise In Obesity, According To Study

Updated Oct 28, 2025 | 03:00 AM IST

SummaryA new global study involving over 50 institutions across 19 countries has revealed that increased calorie intake, not reduced physical activity, is the main driver of obesity. Published in PNAS, the research used IAEA’s energy database to show that diet quality and overconsumption, particularly of ultra-processed foods, outweigh sedentary lifestyle effects.
Diet, Not Lack Of Exercise Is The Real Reason Of Rise In Obesity, According To Study

Credits: Canva

The debate between what is more important or the driving factor behind the rising cases of obesity may be solved now. Thanks to the new research led by over 50 institutions across 19 countries that revealed it is diet, or in simpler words, the calorie consumption and not the lack of physical activity that is a dominant factor driving obesity.

The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The study is more so important because it challenges the belief that sedentary lifestyle is the primary cause of driving the obesity rates high.

What Did The Study Find?

The study found that higher calorie intake actually plays a much larger role in obesity than reduced physical activity. Despite decades of research into the causes of the obesity crisis, the relative importance of diet versus physical activity has remained uncertain,” said Herman Pontzer, professor of evolutionary anthropology and global health at Duke University, and one of the study’s authors. “The IAEA’s Doubly Labelled Water Database has allowed us to finally test these ideas on a global scale and bring clarity to this major public health challenge.”

What Is IAEA? Why Does It Matter?

IAEA stands for the International Atomic Energy Agency. The research recently published used IAEA's Doubly Labelled Water (DLW) Database, which is one of the world's largest collections of energy expenditure data. The dataset was able to provide the researchers a look into the balance between energy intake and energy output across the populations and economies.

Is Global Obesity On The Rise?

In 2022, nearly 1 in 8 people worldwide were living with obesity. This is a number that has doubled more in adults and quadrupled among adolescents in the past three decades. Obesity also increases risk of many chronic illnesses and diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and also certain cancers.

While industrialized societies see soaring obesity rates, traditional and farming communities experience much lower levels of obesity, a contrast often attributed to more physically demanding lifestyles.

This is where this recent study plays a big role. The study found that this assumption does not fully hold true. Even though physical activity across population, or the energy expenditure, that is the total calories burned daily is not significantly lower in industrialized population, their body size is larger. So, if not the energy output, then what is the reason? The answer lies in the diet.

How Was The Study Conducted?

The researchers analyzed data from 4,213 adults aged 18 to 60, representing 34 populations across six continents. Participants included hunter-gatherers, farmers, and urban dwellers. Using the DLW technique, the researchers measured total energy expenditure (TEE), basal energy expenditure (BEE), and active energy expenditure (AEE).

Although people in industrialized nations had higher total energy expenditures due to their larger body sizes, their activity levels, when adjusted for body size, were only slightly lower than those in traditional societies. This slight difference explained less than 10% of the overall increase in body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage. The main driver was higher calorie intake, often from ultra-processed, high-fat, and high-sugar foods.

Findings: Diet Matters More

“For public health professionals, these findings emphasize that improving diet quality, and reducing consumption of high-calorie, ultra-processed foods, may be far more effective than focusing solely on physical activity,” explained Cornelia Loechl, Head of Nutritional and Health-related Environmental Studies at the IAEA. “It underscores how impactful scientific data can guide better health policies.”

Thomas M. Holland, a physician-scientist at RUSH University in Chicago, who was not involved in the study, added: “This research reminds us that while exercise remains essential for overall health, obesity appears to be more closely tied to what and how much we eat. Economic development offers access to more food, but also increases exposure to obesogenic diets.”

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