World's oldest man eats two meals a day

Sunday Sept 27, 2009 (foodconsumer.org) ---The world's oldest man from Montana, who turned 113 last Monday, said he has eaten two meals a day for the last 35 years, USA Today reports.

Walter Breuning, at 5 foot 8 and 125 pounds, only eats a big breakfast and lunch every day, but no supper.

Breuning was quoted as saying "You get in the habit of not eating at night, and you realize how good you feel. If you could just tell people not to eat so darn much."

Caloric-restriction has been known to extend lifespan in many animals.  Studies suggest that eating 30 percent less calories may extend your lifespan by 30 percent. 

Intake of calories depends on a person's age, body size and energy expenditure among others.  In general, women need about 2000 calories and men need 2200 calories.

It is not clear exactly what Breuning eats.  But according to USA Today, he eats a lot of fruit and drinks lots of water each day.  For breakfast, he eats eggs, toast or pancakes.  He also drinks some coffee for breakfast and lunch.

Breuning was cited as saying that he never takes any medications except one baby aspirin a day.  And he has felt good and healthy his entire lifetime.

The world's oldest man said his longevity has something to do with his diet. But he also suggests that working is just as important.  He still worked at the age of 99.

He has now lost his vision, but he keeps his mind active by listening to the radio and talking with all of the people who visit the Rainbow Retirement Center who are interested in knowing more about him.

By David Liu davidl at foodconsumer dot org and edited by Rachel Stockton rachels at foodconsumer dot org