Pritikin

Reviewed By:
Lynn Grieger, RD

Pritikin Diet basics

A very low-fat, primarily vegetarian diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables that results in improved cardiovascular health as well as weight loss.

The Pritikin Diet was developed as a means to treat heart disease; weight loss is an additional benefit. Processed foods such as pasta and white bread, animal proteins, eggs and most types of fats are eliminated in favor of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The revised Pritikin Diet encourages the use of "healthy" fats high in omega-3 fatty acids, in limited amounts.

Upside of the Pritikin Diet

• Healthy food combinations of less fats and more fruits, vegetables, grains.
  
  
• No portion control with these healthy foods.
  
  
• Good for heart health in addition to weight loss.

Downside of the Pritikin Diet

• Low-fat diets may be unsatisfying and can lead to overeating.
  
  
• Many people cannot cut down on certain food groups as much as the Pritikin plan requires.
  
  
• The recommended foods are not convenient for people who dine out a lot.
  
  
• This fiber-rich diet can produce a lot of gas.

Is the Pritikin Diet for You?

This chart can help you see how the Pritikin Diet fits your goals and lifestyle concerns.

Sample Pritikin Menu

A day on the Pritikin Diet might look like this:

Breakfast:

• Oatmeal with mango
  
• Nonfat yogurt
  
• Grapefruit
  
• Half a cup of sodium-free vegetable juice

Lunch:

• Barley-bean soup
  
• Tomato stuffed with tuna
  
• Skim milk
  

Dinner:

• Tofu and mixed vegetables lightly sautéed in a little olive oil
  
• Brown rice or millet
  
• Green salad
  
• Peach

Snacks:

• Vegetables and fruits
  
• Rye crackers or other whole grains
  

Lynn Grieger, RD on the Pritikin Diet

If you have heart disease or a strong family history of heart disease, this diet is one of the best steps toward prevention you can take.

iVillagers on the Pritikin Diet

"I started this diet about 10 years ago and lost over 100 pounds. I also started to exercise and was running 10 miles a day. I credit the diet plan with giving me the energy and stamina necessary. I am not hungry, and I have learned many new creative ways to cook." -- An iVillager

"I was on the Pritikin diet years ago. I had to run all the time to keep weight off, felt sluggish at times and my resistance went down. I also lifted weights and could not gain lean muscle mass." -- An iVillager

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