Pritiken Diet Review

 

In the late 1950s, Nathan Pritiken (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. Pritiken developed the Pritiken Diet Program based on his experience and opened the first Pritiken Longevity Center in 1976 so that he could help other people with similar medical problems restore their health.

The Pritiken 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. Individuals following the diet are encouraged to eat six or seven meals each day, and are not required to restrict portion sizes. The diet excludes nearly all processed grains and sources of animal protein. In addition to these dietary recommendations, the Pritiken Diet Program includes regular exercise. Program participants are required to walk for at least 45 minutes each day.

Why do people follow this diet?
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 Pritiken Diet Program to shed unwanted pounds.

What do the advocates say?
Proponents of the Pritiken 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 Pritiken Diet, combined with a structured exercise program, produces weight loss, and lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

What do the critics say?
Some nutrition professionals argue that the Pritiken Diet is too low in fat. Because dietary fat is so severely restricted, Pritiken 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.

Balanced Review: Vegetarian or mostly-vegetarian diets are not sustainable for most people unless you are committed to becoming a vegetarian. This diet is also indicative of most diets: they focus purely on food, while downplaying the importance of exercise and behavior modification. There is also little said about the mental battle in dealing with significant lifestyle change.

Robert Pritiken's books are an excellent reference to decreasing fat consumption.