‘No Tobacco, No Sugar': 101-Year-Old Nutritionist Has 7 Rules For Long And Healthy Life
Throughout his career, the California-based nutritionist has shared seven health tips, which he rigorously follows, to maintain his remarkable longevity.
Born in December 1923, Dr. John Scharffenberg is not just surviving but thriving at the age of 101. The California-based nutritionist has gained global recognition for living a happy and healthy life even after crossing the century mark. Scharffenberg recently shared his wisdom on achieving a long and prosperous life in an interview with Surrey Live. Despite his longevity, Scharffenberg rejected the idea that great genetics played a role in his long life. He revealed that his father passed away at 76 from a heart attack, his mother in her 60s, and he has outlived both of his brothers.
Currently living with his son in North Fork, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Scharffenberg has continued to travel the world, giving lectures as a professor at Loma Linda University's School of Public Health. Last year, he delivered talks in Madagascar and Europe, and he is scheduled to speak in Las Vegas in 2025. Throughout his career, Scharffenberg has shared seven health tips, which he rigorously follows, to maintain his remarkable longevity.
Exercise has been a key part of Scharffenberg's daily routine. The nutritionist credits his fitness and longevity to the physical work he underwent on a plot the man bought in California's San Joaquin Valley. Scharffenberg said he remained active through his pursuit to clear the land for a road and build 3,000 strawberry plants alongside 80 fruit trees.
'The time of life you get it is what's important — middle age, from 40 to 70," he was quoted by Surrey Live. 'That's when you need it, because that's the time when people usually relax, have more money, buy more food, sit around more, eat more […] and that's the wrong way to go. I did it all by myself, so I exercised a lot. I worked hard. Even though I'm a nutritionist, exercise is even more important than nutrition."
No Tobacco
Another golden rule Scharffenberg has followed sincerely is to completely avoid smoking and any form of tobacco consumption throughout his life. Mindful of the serious health challenges tobacco causes, including multiple organ damage and diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes, Dr Scharffenberg has made sure it has never entered his body.
Avoid Alcohol
Dr Scharffenberg challenged the notion that moderate drinking provides health benefits. While many claim that consuming a small glass of wine can be advantageous, the professor completely stands against it and has abstained from any alcohol consumption throughout his lifespan.
Scharffenberg recognised early that maintaining a light weight with minimal fat is the way to keep a range of medical issues, including heart problems and cancer, at bay. The nutritionist fasts intermittently, following a routine where he takes his breakfast and lunch but skips dinner. Scharffenberg doesn't eat anything until 6:30 am the next morning.
Reduce Meat Consumption
Breaking the myth that a diet must feature a host of non-vegetarian dishes for protein sufficiency and fulfilling, Dr Scharffenberg said he hasn't touched meat since his 20s. Completely cutting down on meat consumption early in life, the professor said he follows a plant-based regimen as per his Seventh-Day Adventist Church beliefs.
Eliminate Sugar
To maintain a light weight, one must cut down the calories consumed daily. Ensuring the same, Dr Scharffenberg has trimmed the sugar content from his diet to almost zero. The professor follows an effective recipe-tweaking method to achieve this goal, occasionally indulging in his wife's unique oat-based waffles with either berries or a mix of cashew cream and bananas and no sugar syrups. The doctor advises eating fruits and vital nutrients for safe sugar consumption.
Minimal Saturated Fats
Dr Scharffenberg promotes minimal usage of saturated fats, which he underlines as harmful for the body. The professor emphasised avoiding foods like butter, palm, coconut oils, cheese and red meat and gave a message to the readers, encouraging them to have an optimum diet. 'The optimum diet is the vegetarian diet. I pray that all of you will live the right lifestyle," he said.
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April 25, 2025, 12:21 IST
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