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In the late 1950s, Nathan Pritikin was diagnosed with heart disease. Soon after, he adopted a low-fat, high-fibre diet and began a moderate exercise programme. Subsequent medical examinations revealed dramatic improvements in his health. Mr. Pritikin developed the Pritikin Diet Programme based on his experience and opened the first Pritikin Longevity Centre 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 fibre, 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 Pritikin Diet Programme includes regular exercise. Programme 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 Pritikin Diet Programme to shed unwanted pounds.
What do the advocates say?
Proponents of the Pritikin Diet point to the large body of scientific literature that demonstrates the benefits of a low-fat, high-fibre diet in the prevention of many degenerative diseases, including cancer and heart disease. In addition, numerous clinical studies conducted at the Pritikin Longevity Centres have shown that the Pritikin Diet, combined with a structured exercise programme, produces weight loss, and lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
What do the critics say?
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.
Are there any groups or books associated with this diet?
The New Pritikin Program: The Easy and Delicious Way to Shed Fat, Lower Your Cholesterol, and Stay Fit by Robert Pritikin, New York: Pocket Books, 1991.
Pritikin Program for Diet and Exercise by Nathan Pritikin and Patrick McGrady, New York: Bantam Books, 1987.
Pritikin Diet Program website
www.pritikin.com
