Pritikin diet information
The Pritikin diet was developed in the late
1950s by Nathan Pritikin (founder of the Pritikin Longevity
Center in California). The Pritikin diet was initially developed
as a program to prevent heart disease and is a low fat high
fiber diet. The Pritikin diet includes regular exercise, with
a minimum of a 45 minute walk per day. Diet is based upon
choosing meals that contain 400 Calories or less per pound.
This method is easier than calorie counting but requires some
mathematical approximation. Processed foods such as pasta
and white bread are eliminated in favor of whole grains while
most fats are exchanged for fruits and vegetables. The diet
is mainly vegetarian and there is no need to restrict portion
sizes. The Pritikin diet encompasses a very healthy range
of foods and generous portions that should fill you up without
any danger of weight gain.
Pritikin Diet: Reasons for
- No portion restrictions
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Nutritionally safe
- Encourages healthy eating
- Can be helpful for heart conditions
Pritikin Diet: Reasons against
- Excludes foods such as animal fats and some dairy products
- Difficult to follow long term as it is quite restrictive
- Still involves some calorie counting
- Diet is low in calcium
Pritikin Diet: Verdict
This diet is safe and is a good method of
prevention of heart disease. This diet is a healthy option
that offers a chance of long lasting weight loss. It is also
a very good option for the vegetarian dieter.
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