The Pritikin Diet is the polar opposite of the Atkins Diet.
However, this diet is not as popular as the Atkins Diet.
The Pritikin diet plan promotes a diet that is high in carbs and low in fats. The diet was originally developed by Nathan Pritikin and further enhanced by his son Robert Pritikin. The Pritikin theory states that because food is readily available man has the tendency to “over consume,” leading to weight gain, heart disease, colorectal cancer, and other diseases.
This diet re-orientates the diet toward high-fiber, unprocessed carbohydrates and low-fat protein sources, and a significantly reduced fat intake and regular daily exercise.
The Pritikin Diet is designed to improve the overall health of dieters as well as reducing risk factors for dietary related diseases.
According to the Pritikin Diet, in order to feel satisfied a human must consume enough food until they have ingested a certain amount of physical weight. The diet also contends that fat is a necessity of good health.
Fat contains more calories per pound than carbohydrates, and eating fat is seen as choosing more calories for the same amount of “fullness” according to the hunger satisfaction theory.
Dr. Pritikin’s theory states that the body does not know whether the bulk ingested consists of fat or anything else; the body only knows whether it has obtained enough bulk to feel sated.
The Pritikin diet is full of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, and non-soluble fiber that all help promote good health. Process foods should be completely avoided, because they are low bulk and high-calorie.
The Pritikin Diet can have many health benefits for many individuals.
Health professionals have agreed that a diet low in fat and high in fiber can prevent many medical problems, including heart disease and cancer. The diet can also health benefits to individuals who already have those health problems and other conditions.
This diet is highly effective when used for weight loss, and is ideal for weight management. Extensive scientific studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the Pritikin Diet.
The Pritikin diet is much different from the popular Atkins Diet.
The Atkins diet is one that is high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates, while the Pritikin plan is low in fat and protein and high in complex carbohydrates, such as corn, rice, and wheat.
Pritikin’s diet is based on foods such as fruits, vegetable, beans, and low-fat dairy products.
The diet also contains four levels, which are each based on calories. The level is used in conjunction with the weight of the dieter, how much weight a person wants to lose, and how quickly they want the weight loss to occur. The caloric intake is different for each level of the Pritikin Diet. For the first level, the caloric intake is 700 calories, 850 for second level, 1,000 for the third level, and 1,200 for the last level.
The higher levels of the diet are usually best for obese dieter, and dieters that want to lose a lot of weight.
The Pritikin Diet also contains many guidelines that dieters must follow if they want to be successful. Dieters should eat one to three pieces of fruit per day, including one citrus fruit. A serving of orange or yellow vegetables two to three times a week is also recommended for success.
The diet also promotes eating several large servings of green vegetables per day, which may be eaten raw or cooked. It is also advisable to eat to small servings of whole-grain products per day, including breads, cereal, rice, and pasta.
Three servings of protein-concentrated foods, such as fish, poultry, and nonfat milk and yogurt should also be eaten each day. One if the most important elements of the Pritikin Diet is an exercise program.
The Pritikin Diet encourages different types of exercise routines, including walking, swimming, cycling, and using indoor machines that stimulate these activities.
These types of exercise are recommended for optimum weight loss.