Weight Loss & Diet Plans

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Pritikin

Nathan Pritikin, PhD, developed the Pritikin diet in the 1970s. It’s similar to the Ornish program, with no more than 10% of calories coming from fat. Pritikin does allow some lean meat and seafood that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Basic concept

Recommended Related to Diet & Weight Management

The Toss-Your-Scale Diet Plan

By Geneen Roth If you trust yourself more, you could end up weighing less. My friend Sue is naturally thin. She weighs the same now as she did in high school, when she was captain of the cheerleading squad. I hate that. She eats sandwiches with two pieces of bread, adds a couple dozen fried onion rings, and downs it all with Coke Classic. But before you decide you would not wish good things on Sue, let me add: She is a great example of the dilemma we face when we rely on a...

Read the The Toss-Your-Scale Diet Plan article > >

Pritikin encourages eating natural, nutrient-rich, high-fiber foods. Daily exercise is part of the program.

How it works

The theory is that when you limit fat to 10% of your daily calories, there’s no need to count calories. Eat often to keep from feeling hungry-six or seven meals a day. You can eat as much as you want of whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. Exercise every day: for example, take a 45-minute walk.

On the menu

Whole grains
Unprocessed vegetables
Unprocessed fruits
Nonfat dairy products
Egg whites
Lean meats
Omega-3 fatty acids (fat like that found in fish) in very small amounts

Off the menu

White pasta
White bread
Egg yolks
Caffeine
Processed foods
Most fats

For more information, see the topic Weight Management.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 06, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.