Ranulph Fiennes, who holds the record for the longest unsupported polar journey and completed the first unsupported crossing of the Antartic continent, has just published a book with Little Brown Press called Fit for Life.

Fiennes justifyably criticises the diet of the West, where 40% of calorific intake comes from fat, contributing to heart disease and bad health. Fiennes cites that 65% of Americans are overweight and 44% are clinically obese.His remedy and recipe for long life and fitness includes adhering to an eight hour cycle, whereby one eats drinks and digests from 12 noon to 8pm, assimilates the energy into the body from 8pm to 4 am The body then disposes of waste between 4 am and midday. Fiennes advocates the mediterranean diet pyramid and suggest one to two glasses of wine per day as an antioxidant, to help prevent heart disease and blood clotting. He claims wine should be taken before the meal rather than as an accompaniment. He quotes the age old reputation of the Tokaj Aszu wines of Hungary over their remarkable reputation for helping to remedy a variety of illnesses for over 300 years.

For those who seek ultra-fitness and still enjoy food and drink 'Fit for Life' is a sound, if daunting guide.