The New Pritikin Program
Pritikin, Robert. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1990.

Authors Background:

Robert Pritikin is the son of Nathan Pritikin, the founder of the Pritikin program (established in 1974). Robert is carrying on his father's legacy by directing the Pritikin Longevity Center in California. The author earned a degree in biology but has no formal training in nutrition.

Diet Claims:

Excess intakes of fat, salt and sugar are the dietary culprits for obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases. Maximum weight loss plan for women: 1, 000 calories/day; men: 1, 200 calories daily. Macronutrient breakdown of diet: 10% fat, 15-20% protein, >60% carbohydrate. Encourages stress management, positive self-talk, exercise and other healthy social support.

Foods Allowed:

Staples of the Pritikin program: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, peas and potatoes. Modest amounts of nonfat dairy foods, fish, poultry and very lean red meats are allowed.

Foods Restricted:

Most types of processed foods, high fat foods, caffeine, sugar, sweets, alcohol and salt.

Sample Menu:

Breakfast:
1/2 cup oatmeal with 1.5 tablespoon jam
1 cup nonfat fruit yogurt
1 cup nonfat milk
1 cup chickory coffee

Morning Snack:
1/2 medium whole wheat bagel
1/2 medium cantelope

Lunch:
1 medium baked potato with 1/2 cup marinara sauce
 1.5 cups mixed salad greens
 3/4 cup fresh fruit
1 whole wheat roll

Afternoon Snack:
1/2 cup raw broccoli
1/2 cup cauliflower
2 tablespoons nonfat ranch dressing

Dinner:
1 serving chicken curry
1 cup asparagus
3 cups mixed salad greens
1/2 cup wild rice
1/2 cup skim milk
1 tablespoon chutney


Nutrition Analysis of Sample Menu:*

Calories:		1199
Protein:		66 g	22% calories
Total fat:	12.5 g	9.3% calories
Carbohydrate:	208 g	69% calories

Saturated fat:	3.2 g
Cholesterol:	58.3 mg 
Sodium:		1091 mg
Fiber:		29.2 g

*Menu items were imputed into NDS 2.93 data base for analysis.

• Emphasis on eating nonfat foods may result in inadequate intake of essential fatty acids.
• Eating plan is deficient in vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin B12. Also, low in calcium, iron and zinc due to its de-emphasis on meat dairy foods.
• High volume of fiber-rich foods may cause gastrointestinal distress and decreased nutrient absorption in the gut.
• Avoidance of sugar, salt and fat, the primary flavoring agents in the American diet, may be unpalatable for some dieters.
• Daily consumption of fresh, unprocessed foods promoted by the Pritikin program may be difficult for some dieters who have little time to cook, travel often for business or dine out socially.

Author suggests a 1-2 pound per week weight loss through prescribed Pritikin diet and more exercise.

Potential Health Problems:

Potential essential fatty acid deficiency considering the very low dietary fat restriction. Possible gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea due to the high fiber content of the Pritikin program. Increased risk of osteoporosis due to inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake.