Dr. Robert Pritikin is the son of Nathan Pritikin who designed the original Pritikin Diet when he was diagnosed of a heart disease at the age of 50. Nathan then founded the Pritikin Longevity Center.
In this book, the New Pritikin Program Pritikin junior tells us how most of us are wired to become fat and reveals what we can do to fight this innate tendency.
The Pritikin weight loss breakthrough: an overview
The book starts off by explaining why even the most health conscious amongst us cannot make wise food choices. It is not due to the lack of willpower, but due to the inherent ‘fat instinct’ which is a genetic key in humans. As a result of this fat instinct, the body resists restrictive eating and dieting. The moment there is a short supply of fatty food, the body believes that it is being starved which in turn triggers the desire to eat fatty foods. Understanding the triggers that set off the fat instinct and learning to handle it can help followers lose weight quickly and lead a healthy life.
The diet program is low in cholesterol, predominantly vegetarian, nearly free of fat and high in fiber. Little wonder that it accomplishes weight loss!
Limited serving sizes and six meals a day is the routine suggested by the Pritikin diet. Followers are asked to take in 5 servings of unrefined complex carbohydrates like oats, wheat, peas, beans, brown rice, potatoes or chestnuts. Processed grains, white bread and white rice are taboo. Red meat and poultry are also off. Fish is allowed in small quantities.
Exercises are an important part of the weight loss plan. The book recommends at least 45 minutes of rigorous walking everyday to achieve weight loss.
The Pritikin Diet review
The challenge is tough. To survive a diet that is almost void of fats and simple carbohydrates is a gargantuan task for any individual. Even so, the fundamental principle of taking in foods rich in fiber is laudable. Fiber increases feelings of fullness and is healthy for the body. It helps stave off heart diseases and prevents the clogging of the arteries. Since the eating plan is combined with exercises, the diet plan is sound and health.
Pritkin Diet Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Encourages the intake of nutritious food
- Calls for a lifestyle change
- Could decrease the risk of common conditions like high cholesterol, high blood sugar and resulting diseases
- Based on substantial research
- Emphasizes the importance of exercises
Cons:
- Not sustainable as the plan is highly restrictive
- Could lead to the deficiency of fats in the body
- Could lead to problems associated with low fat content like dry skin, brittle hair
- Could increase food cravings
- Does not appeal to people who eat animal products
In conclusion:
The diet has the right message but is too stringent and restrictive to be realistic. It requires great will to practice this unexciting diet for long periods of time. Besides, a diet that eliminates any food group (fats, in this case) must be taken with a pinch of salt. The body does require all its macronutrients – even fats, in small amounts.
