The Pritikin Diet was developed back in the 1970's by New York food writer Nathan Pritikin and then brought into mainstream by his son Robert Pritikin. The diet is one which is high in fiber and low in protein and fat. The Pritikin Diet is the polar opposite of the Atkins Diet. This diet allows the individual to eat a wide variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy products.
An important component of the Pritikin Diet is that it incorporates many exercise routines but favors aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming along with other indoor machines that simulate these activities. Incorporating exercise into this diet regimen allows for optimum weight loss. The consensus among health care and weight loss professionals is that diets such as this that allows for low fat and high fiber consumption will help to prevent a wide range of medical problems, such as heart disease and cancer.
The Pritikin Diet's low fat and high fiber qualities are beneficial to individuals who are already afflicted with health conditions. It can also be effective in weight loss and ideal weight maintenance, which has been confirmed by dozens of medical studies.
What to Look for
The Pritikin Diet can have a variety of health benefits for many individuals. There are five key behaviors that a person on the Pritikin Diet should strive to maintain. These behaviors include exercising, choosing the right fiber rich foods, limiting their fat intake, eating frequently and staying consistent. Exercising under the Pritikin Diet will improve health as well as help lower weight. Choosing carbohydrate-rich food enables the dieter to lose weight without hunger. Limiting fat intake promotes health and weight loss. Limiting fat intake does not contradict the process of eating frequently. Eating frequently keeps the dieter from being hungry and prevents the triggering of the "fat instinct".
The "fat instinct" is a concept coined by Pritikin which hypothetizes that we are all couch potatos by nature and we all tend to crave high caloric foods and in turn want to conserve our energies. In outsmarting the fat instinct, it is the dieters responsibility to eat several times a day, and enjoy what they are eating, but use exercise to create new cravings for carbohydrate and nutrient rich foods and not those that will harm our bodies.
Common Pitfalls
The Pritikin Diet is generally regarded as nutritious but some people tend to complain that the high fiber intake causes flatulence and makes them feel bloated. Others have also complained that the diet is too bland and restrictive. Overweight individuals and those with serious medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes who are contemplating the Pritikin Diet should first check with their doctor. Also, persons on prescription drugs may find that their needs for these drugs will decrease; therefore it is also important to consult their physician during this weight loss process.
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