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A low-calorie, high-nutrient regimen may slow aging, but it's not easy and there are risks.

"A large percentage of people enjoy the diet, but a lot of people would trade the diet for a pill," Calorie Restrictive Society president Brian M. Delaney said.

Some CR followers weigh food, are strict about counting calories and eat the same meal daily. Meals served at the conference consisted of mainly vegetables, calorie-free or low-fat dressing, nuts, seeds, fruit and lean protein. Other CRs are more flexible. Thursday night several members dined on Mexican food.

Still others merely use the CR philosophy as a guideline because the unorthodox diet is difficult and can make social situations awkward.

"I think it's true you can extend your life, but it's difficult to do in American society," said Tucsonan and CR member Connie Taber, who is a personal chef and a single mother. "It's a mind-set and a lifestyle."

Taber, 35, said, in her experience, CR is more about eating a healthy nutrient-dense food than it is about weight. At 5-foot-2 inches, Taber says her ideal weight is about 120.

"I crave salads. I love the lobster salad at Chuy's, but you have to get it without the tortilla bowl," she said. "People ask me why I would want to live until I'm 90. When I'm 90 I want to be doing 3-mile walks with my great-grandchildren. I don't want to ever be in a nursing home. I will not sit in a bed for seven years waiting to die."

Taber's daughter is not on the CR diet, and the society advises against those younger than 21 from starting it. CR leaders say physical growth may be impaired by calorie restriction, as observed in lab animals. Also, mental development and physical changes to the brain take place in late adolescence and early adulthood, and could be negatively affected by calorie restriction.

Other potential risks listed on the group's Web site include anemia, cold sensitivity, depression, hunger pangs, menstrual irregularity, reduced interest in sex and a loss of stamina.