The Perricone Diet is an anti-aging diet developed by Nicholas Perricone, M.D., a dermatologist, best-selling author and adjunct professor of medicine at Michigan State University. Unlike most diets that promise weight loss,The Perricone Diet focuses on nutrition, supplements and Perricone's own skincare line which he claims will reverse or slow down the aging process, resulting in a healthier and more youthful self.
The Perricone Diet's prescription for youth focuses on following an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle. Inflammation has been shown to be associated with not just the visible effects of aging but also with certain age-related conditions, like heart disease, arthritis and colitis.
Perricone's basic premise is that wrinkles are caused by inflammation or swelling. Moreover, an inflammatory response is in direct response to the foods we consume, specifically sugars, alcohol, flours, beef, soda and a laundry list of others.
By following the outlined plan, you are guaranteed the Perricone Promise, a longer life and a younger appearance.
Perricone is the author of several books including "The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet," "Dr. Perricone's 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health and Longevity," "The Clear Skin Prescription," "The Perricone Promise," "The Acne Prescription," "The Perricone Prescription" and "The Wrinkle Cure."
The Diet
The Perricone Diet is a stringent eating plan with clear instructions for what to eat, how much to eat and when to eat. In general, the diet advocates a whole foods diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, organic produce, nutrient-rich carbohydrates and small amounts of unsaturated fats.
The diet recommends eating three meals and two snacks, all of which include only foods from the eating plan's "green light" list.
Foods that are allowed are low-glycemic vegetables like lettuces, asparagus and broccoli, wild Alaskan salmon, a variety of fish like tuna and shellfish, yogurt, eggs, turkey, whole grains like rolled oats, barley and quinoa, raw and unsalted nuts, avocados, olives, numerous spices like turmeric and cinnamon and copious amounts of green tea.
Forbidden foods include sugar, caffeine, alcohol, cereal, most breads, soda (including diet), pasta, rice, pickled or fermented foods, hard cheese, high-glycemic vegetables like carrots, corn, and peas and fruits like mangoes, grapes, raisins and watermelon.
The rules for the Perricone Diet do not just stop at what you can and cannot eat but when you can eat certain foods. For example, the diet requests that protein, a staple feature of all meals and snacks, is consumed before consuming the carbohydrate.
Exercise
Twenty to 30 minutes of daily moderate physical activity is encouraged. Brisk walking, jogging, Pilates, yoga and other forms of exercise are suggested.
Supplements
The Perricone Diet also outlines a complete menu of supplements to be taken every day. A recommended list of 10 to 25 supplements, in addition to Perricone's skin-care products, are suggested.
The Perricone's Diet top 10 supplements are omega-3 fish oil, alpha lipoic acid, astaxanthin, carnitine, acetyl L-carnitine, conjugated linoleic acid, coenzyme Q10, chromium, gamma linolenic acid and dimethlaminoethanol.
All the supplements and skin-care products can be purchased online on Perricone's website.
Review
While The Perricone Diet does make sweeping claims about its ability to erase wrinkles and reverse the process of aging, the diet is commended for its healthy, albeit strict, eating plan. Studies have shown that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids offer protective benefits against heart disease and neuro-degenerative conditions like Alzheimer's. In addition, its reliance on plenty of fresh produce, lean protein, healthy fats and avoidance of saturated fats, nutrient-void carbohydrates and processed foods is a benchmark-eating plan advocated by health and nutrition experts.
Where The Perricone Diet falls short is its restriction of certain fruits and vegetables and its expense. Taking all the products and supplements suggested by the diet is an investment that will add up quickly and steeply.
Because of the diet's reliance on supplements, it is important for all potential Perricone dieters to consult with their medical practitioner before starting the program.
Member Comments