Flawed Nutritionally

Robert Pritikin does an excellent job promoting both the Pritikin foods and his Longevity Center, but his science leaves a bit to be desired. Pritikin endorses a diet of 75-80% carbohydrate for everyone regardless of their individual biochemistry or metabolic distinctiveness. There is no mention of the importance of essential fatty acids. It is a well established fact that essential fats be part of our diet, otherwise, why would they be called essential. Our bodies don't manufacture them, so they have to be obtained from the foods that we consume. Pritikin puts quite a bit of emphasis on the "enemy" cholesterol. The fact is that 80% of all heart attack victims have normal cholesterol levels and cholesterol is only a marginal risk factor for heart disease. Pritikin talks about the benefits of whole grain bread which for the most part is merely colored white bread. It is still refined flour, and marginally better than white. His knowledge of the distinction between organic sodium from natural foods and inorganic sodium (NaCl) from table salt and how it is metabolized in the diet is an embarrassment. Furthermore, eggs and butter have been proven to be nutritionally based foods with vital nutrients. Eggs, which Pritikin stigmatizes as a cause of coronary heart disease, has been vindicated and is heralded as a valuable, complete source of protein, omega 3 fatty acids, lecithin and many other nutrients. His endorsement of microwaving foods is a good reason why nobody should consider the Pritikin Longevity Center, if in fact that's the way they prepare their meals. Lastly his statement about aerobic exercise being only effective when performed for 20 minutes or more is rediculous and indicates his lack of knowledge in exercise physiology. Yes, I agree some people have benefited short term with an ultra-low fat diet, but long term this is not a sensible program.
Dr. Glenn B. Gero, [...]

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The definitive explanation of the Pritikin Program

Superb. This book covers every aspect of the Pritikin program, from diet to exercise to relaxation techniques.

The book is divided into three parts. An introductory part is followed by a detailed discussion of nutrition including fats, cholesterol, salt, protein, fiber, and carbohydrates.

The final section goes into detail, almost 300 pages, about how to follow the Pritikin program. A chapter on attitude is followed by the classification of foods into three categories ("go, caution, stop"). Next is a discussion of what foods to buy and stock in the kitchen, followed by over a hundred pages of menus and recipes. The next two chapters explain how to stick to the program in difficult situations like restaurants, holidays, and trips. An excellent chapter on exercise is followed by a discussion of stress-reduction.

Even though this is not Robert Pritikin's latest book, "The New Pritikin Program" is still the best and most complete explanation of what the Pritikin Program is.

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