Lengthy earlier than Bryan Johnson grew to become well-known for his excessive biohacking—present process numerous checks, following strict consuming habits, and taking dozens of dietary supplements within the title of dwelling endlessly—Valter Longo was obsessive about longevity.In a latest profile of the scientist within the New York Occasions, Longo, who’s a professor of gerontology and director of the USC Longevity Institute in California, says he desires to reside 120 to 130 wholesome years. His drive for longevity aligns with a rising curiosity in extending well being span, the variety of years lived freed from illness, versus life span—which refers back to the variety of years lived.The Italian life-style has lengthy been thought of the gold customary for longevity, with the deal with the Mediterranean eating regimen, walkability, and neighborhood. Sardinia, Italy, is likely one of the 5 authentic Blue Zones—the place individuals reside the longest, healthiest lives. Classes from the residents of Sardinia have been the main target of one of many episodes of Dan Buettner’s latest Netflix documentary, Dwelling to 100.Longo, who was born and raised in Italy, factors out that at the moment, “Virtually no one in Italy eats the Mediterranean eating regimen.”Italy’s youth are going through weight problems due to what Longo calls the “toxic 5 P’s—pizza, pasta, protein, potatoes, and pane (or bread),” Jason Horowitz writes. Longo fears Italians will reside lengthy however not healthfully if this sample continues to dominate the tradition.Learn how to reverse it? Longo, creator of The Longevity Eating regimen, is a proponent of the unique Mediterranean eating regimen, which consists of plant-based meals and nuts. He has his personal recipes for longevity on his web site, which embrace candy and bitter sardines, stuffed artichokes, cabbage patties, and onions in walnut sauce.He additionally champions one other comparatively new idea within the area—fake fasting or a fasting-mimicking eating regimen. This refers to limiting meals consumption, which is meant to assist the physique reap the advantages of fasting with out absolutely abstaining from meals. In line with Longo’s web site, the protocol features a eating regimen low in carbohydrates and protein and excessive in fatty acids. “The Fasting Mimicking Eating regimen patented recipe permits your physique to stay in a fasting like mode, which triggers a set of protectionist measures that the physique has developed throughout pure choice,” his web site reads. “This permits the physique to optimize its efficiency, rejuvenate its cells, and thrive underneath demanding circumstances.”Story continuesResearch has discovered each advantages and disadvantages to intermittent fasting, however its continued reputation demonstrates the lengths individuals will go to with the hope of extending their lives.For extra on the best way to reside longer:This story was initially featured on Fortune.com