Pritikin Diet Review

From eDiets

Summary

<>In the late 1950s, Nathan Pritikin was diagnosed with heart disease. Soon after, he adopted a low fat, high fiber diet and began a moderate exercise program. Subsequent medical examinations revealed dramatic improvements in his health. Mr. Pritikin developed the Pritikin Diet - Program based on his experience and opened the first Pritikin Longevity Center in 1976 so that he could help other people with similar medical problems restore their health. The Pritikin Diet is almost completely vegetarian, and encourages the consumption of large amounts of whole grains and vegetables. It is high in fiber, low in cholesterol, and extremely low in saturated fat and total fat, containing less than 10 percent of total daily calories from fat. The diet excludes nearly all processed grains and sources of animal protein. In addition to these dietary recommendations, the Pritikin Diet Program includes regular exercise. Program participants are required to walk for at least 45 minutes each day.

Many individuals follow this diet to help prevent the onset or progression of various medical conditions, most notably heart disease. Although not principally a weight loss diet, many people follow the Pritikin Diet Program to shed unwanted pounds. Proponents of the Pritikin Diet point to the large body of scientific literature that demonstrates the benefits of a low fat, high fiber diet in the prevention of many degenerative diseases, including cancer and heart disease. In addition, numerous clinical studies conducted at the Pritikin Longevity Centers have shown that the Pritikin Diet, combined with a structured exercise program, produces weight loss, and lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Some nutrition professionals argue that the Pritikin Diet is too low in fat. Because dietary fat is so severely restricted, Pritikin dieters may not be able to consume a sufficient amount of the healthy fats, especially the omega 3 fats. In addition, absorption of the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) may be impaired with such low intakes of dietary fat.

Suited for

Vegetarians

Foods

Allowed on the program are unprocessed fruits and vegetables, lean animal foods, non fat dairy foods, low fat carbohydrate foods. Dining out is possible if it is a vegetarian restaurant. There is no alcohol and no caffeine.

Support

The Pritikin diet is self directed, with no outside support, except the Pritikin Longevity Centers. These facilities are very expensive, but if you have the money and time it is well worth it. However, if cost is a factor or you would like on going support, eDiets now offers assistance with numerous food plans and also provides weekly meal plans, a virtual fitness trainer, member chat rooms, online support and counseling from Registered Dietitians and Registered Dietetic Technicians, and 24/7 access to nutrition, exercise and motivational information.

Resources

Books. Beyond Pritikin : A Total Nutrition Program For Rapid Weight Loss, Longevity, & Good Health by Ann Louise Gittleman; The Pritikin Program for Diet and Exercise by Nathan Pritikin; NEW PRITIKIN PROGRAM by Robert Pritikin; The Pritikin Principle: The Calorie Density Solution by Robert Pritikin; Living Beauty Detox Program: The Revolutionary Diet for Each and Every Season of a Woman's Life by Ann Louise Gittleman; Pritikin Permanent Weight Loss Manual by Nathan Pritikin.

Thoughts

May be difficult to follow long term, unless you are committed to becoming a vegetarian. People may find it difficult to give up animal products and dairy. Robert Pritikin's books are an excellent reference to decreasing fat consumption. If you have heart disease or a strong family history of heart disease, this diet is one of the best steps toward prevention you can take.