The Perricone 3-Day Diet claims to help you achieve a non-surgical “facelift effect,” in just three days. Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a board-certified research and clinical dermatologist, developed the program outlined in the book “The Perricone Prescription.” This antioxidant-rich, 72-hour dietary regimen eliminates facial puffiness and increases facial firmness. It also motivates you to progress to Perricone's 28-day diet designed to enhance your overall health and appear years younger than your age, according to the diet's website.
Theory
High-glycemic foods, or foods that substantially raise your blood sugar immediately after you consume them, cause bodily and facial inflammation and skin sagging. These foods include potatoes, pizza, bagels, sugary cereals, breads and pastas. However, high-quality protein sources, such as wild Alaskan salmon, coupled with low-glycemic foods, such as dark greens, nuts and berries, initiate immediate anti-inflammatory effects, according to the diet's website.
Claims
When you follow the diet as directed, you eat wild Alaskan salmon at least twice per day. This salmon contains fatty acids that keep your skin supple, improve your memory and help your body better absorb nutrients from fruits and vegetables. Wild Alaskan salmon also contains DMAE, an anti-inflammatory constituent that improves nerve-to-muscle communication, which combats age-related facial sagging. Furthermore, wild Alaskan salmon also contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant that combats inflammation and oxidative stress. This nutrient helps to quickly diminish wrinkles. Finally, the provided daily eating regimen makes it easy to incorporate nutrient-rich, low-glycemic foods into the program that are both filling and easy-to-prepare, according to PerriconeMD.com.
Breakfast
To follow the diet, eat ½ cup slow-cooked, old-fashioned oatmeal for breakfast. Consume one three-egg omelet or a 4 to 6 oz. serving of wild Atlantic salmon. You can eat the salmon and the omelet, if desired. Drink one 8- to 12-oz. glass of spring water. Additionally, eat 1/3 cup of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries or blueberries and one 2-inch cantaloupe wedge. Do not drink any coffee. Consume green or black tea if you are a heavy coffee drinker to prevent caffeine withdrawal.
Lunch
Eat one 4- to 6-oz. serving of fresh, wild Atlantic salmon or one small can of salmon mixed with a small amount of mayonnaise and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Pair your fish with 2 cups of dark, leafy green vegetables, such as romaine lettuce. Pour freshly squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil over salad. Consume 1/3 cup berries, one kiwi fruit or one 2-inch cantaloupe wedge. Drink one 8- to 12-oz. glass of spring water with your meal.
Dinner
Consume the same green salad you ate for lunch with 4 to 6 oz. of wild Atlantic salmon. Eat one serving of berries or cantaloupe and drink one 8- to 12-oz. glass of spring water. Add ½ cup of steamed vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli or asparagus to your meal.
Snacks
Consume one daytime snack and one after-dinner snack composed of 6 oz. of plain yogurt or 2 oz. of sliced turkey breast. Also eat one small handful of almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts and one apple. You can substitute one pear for the apple during your evening snack, if desired.
Expert Insight
The Academy of Family Physicians' website voices several concerns about the safety and effectiveness of fad diets, such as Dr. Perricone's 3-Day Diet. You might experience food deprivation and intense hunger while adhering to fad diets. You might also receive insufficient nutritional intake while following a strict fad diet. Furthermore, fad diets only provide temporary success that generally prove ineffective in the long run. Rather than fad dieting, you should set small goals to eat healthier and help you achieve your weight loss goals, according to the AAFP.
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