The Pritikan Diet

For followers of the Pritikin Diet, it is more of a lifestyle than a diet perse. However, saying this, it can easily be applied on a short-term basis and the result will be weight loss - as you are not allowed to have any fat whatsoever or refined sugars.

Having reviewed this diet, I must admit that it is very similar to my eating practices.

It is based on consuming an abundance of vegetables, salads, controlled portions of wholemeal products such as bread, pasta and rice and approximately 100 grams of fish, chicken or meat a day.

Pritkin suggests that animal foods be a garnish more so than a centre of the meal.

Dieticians have slammed this diet as 'extreme' because of the restriction of fats and sugars, but it is a good way of learning to eat wholesome foods without the need for fats - especially in cooking and as a spread on bread.

You can eat as many cooked and raw veggies and soups as you like. If you follow the Pritikin Diet to its full extent, you are only allowed one serving of dairy food, grains and fruit per day. Why fruit? I would say it is because of the sugar content - that's a bit extreme.

It is a very low in fat, cholesterol and salt diet and not recommended for people who are low in iron, calcium and zinc - although a supplement will help in this case.

According to the Pritikin Health Association's Newsletter, if a person embarks on a four-week course, combined with 30 minutes of exercise a day, ailments like high blood pressure and cholesterol will fall dramatically, as well as your weight.

There are many 'Pritikin'- based products on the shelf, which are also vegan (no animal products - dairy or meat), so shopping is not too difficult either. Eating out may be a little disconcerting if you are not familiar with the ingredients in certain dishes so it is a good idea to educate yourself.

Good restaurants will accommodate special dietary needs. If in doubt a grilled piece of chicken and steamed veg with a salad is always your best bet.
Also, 1 would also like to suggest you grab a book called Eating Well. It is a guide to Melbourne's cafes, restaurants and takeaways that sell and serve food that cater to people's different dietary needs.

Coffee shops often sell slices of Pritikin cake, this means it has no fat or sugar, just wholemeal flour, grains, dried fruit and fruit juice. See Recidpes for my version.

This is what you'd be eating today if you were on the Pritikin Diet:

Breakfast:
Whole orange or half a grapefruit
Bowl of hot whole grain cereal
Skim Milk
Lunch:
Hearty Bean and Veg Soup
Large Mixed raw salad with oil-free dressing
Crusty wholemeal bread or crackers
Piece of fruit

Dinner:
Streamed vegetables
100gm serving of meat. chicken or fish that is grilled or cooked without oil
Brown rice
Piece of fruit

Snacks:
Bread or rice crackers, fresh veggies (carrot and celery sticks) fresh fruit (if you don't have any during lunch or dinner).


- Angie K - caring for your health and well being
info@grocersonthego.com.au