Pritikin Diet

Nathan Pritikin, diagnosed with heart disease at the age of 42, developed the Pritikin Diet based on a low-fat, high-carbohydrate eating plan. He later died of cancer--but with no signs of heart disease. His son took over the Pritikin Longevity Center in Florida. The Pritikin diet has gained a reputation as a heart-healthy diet. The "Exercise and Heart Disease" publication reported the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service's announcement in 2010 that Medicare would cover the Pritikin intensive diet-and-exercise programs for those with a history or risk of cardiovascular disease.

About the Diet

The Pritikin Plan is a diet low in fat and cholesterol and high in dietary fiber. Fewer than 10 percent of calories comes from fats. The amount of fat allowed is much lower than the average American diet and less than recommended by federal guidelines. Although the diet is somewhat deficient in protein, the Pritikin Plan is low in calories and nutritionally balanced. In addition, the Pritikin Plan recommends 45 minutes of daily moderate exercise.

Diet Food

The Pritikin Plan is almost a vegetarian diet that encourages diverse amounts of fruit and vegetables based on eating many servings of foods from each group daily. The diet includes whole grains such as wheat, oats, brown rice, and dried beans and peas. Refined grains are limited. Dark green, leafy and orange or yellow vegetables are recommended in addition to fruit and fruit juices. The calcium-rich foods suggested are nonfat milk and yogurt or fortified and enriched soy-milk. Fish and shellfish are preferred over animal protein. Water, vegetable juice, caffeine-free coffee and tea should replace caffeinated beverages. Limited amounts of eggs, nuts and alcohol are allowed.

Expectations

The low-calorie diet is not only meant for permanent weight loss, but also is intended as a lifestyle change toward better eating habits that will promote heart health. The high-fiber content in the diet may contribute to improved colon function in addition to reducing hunger. Eating smaller portions, but still receiving a balanced diet along with the suggested exercise routine, will maintain a healthy body. However, it may require discipline to stay on the diet if you regularly consume meat.

Health

The Pritikin Diet may help to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The "Journal of the CardioMetabolic Syndrome" reported a study using 67 patients with metabolic syndrome to investigate the effects of short-term Pritikin therapy. Findings showed improvement in most heart disease risk factors, including blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol concentrations. About 37 percent of subjects no longer met the criteria for metabolic syndrome as determined by the National Cholesterol Education Program.
A comprehensive comparison study of various diets and eating plans, published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition," found that a high-carbohydrate, high-fiber, low-fat diet, such as that advocated by the Pritikin Diet, would have the greatest effect in decreasing serum cholesterol concentrations and the risk for coronary heart disease.

Considerations

It is possible to lose weight on the Pritikin Diet, but many people gain back any weight loss. Yo-yo dieting carries the risk of potential health problems with repeated weight gain and loss. The high fiber content of the diet may cause some bloating, stomach swelling and abdominal discomfort.