tony89 , No you're absolutely correct, undereating isn't an option. And if you're working out you actually need to eat back those calories. But it's the 'type' of calories that you'r eating that make the difference. Basically for an individuals weight, height, there will be a daily calorie ideal intake, that can be adjusted depending whether you need to put on or lose weight. I always say everything in moderation, restrictive diets don't work and denying certain things only leads to cravings and binge eating.
Age is just a number in my book. I've always been active, I used to be involved in competative sport: Cross country running, competitive horse riding, swimming, shooting, these days I'm a watersports junkie and am actually currently doing my health, fitness and nutrition qualifications - so yeah I'm learning ALOT and doing tonnes of research into various related topics. I don't have much interest in the gym junkies, but am more interested in the special sectors of society as I think that's where you can see the most benefit.
Ideas and how people look at things change literally from week to week. But people need to be looked at individually. I look at the human body as more of an engine these days, you give it what it needs to function and be capable of doing the things it needs to do, no more, no less.
ETA - you two can stop talking about me, I'm right here you can direct question directly to me.