The Pritikin diet makes big claims. Proponents believe that this simple diet can help you lose weight and prevent health problems.1 Scientific studies have backed up some of these big promises. The lifestyle changes the Pritikin diet advocates are associated with better heart health.2
In this article, we’ll investigate the truth behind the bold claims which advocates of the Pritikin diet make. We’ll look at what the Pritikin diet involves, the science behind it, and how to best practice it.
The Pritikin diet became popular when inventor, nutritionist, and independent longevity researcher Nathan Pritikin published his book The Pritikin Program for Diet and Exercise.3
At the time, the programme seemed unusual. It involves eating low-fat, high-fibre foods and regularly exercising, which was controversial amongst the post-war American public. However, today, most of the eating habits that the Pritikin diet advocates are widely accepted and part of mainstream nutritional advice.4
The original Pritikin diet has been modernised by Nathan Pritikin’s son, Robert. Robert Pritikin suggests that adherents to the Pritikin diet prioritise eating foods with low calories for their size, like broccoli.
The Pritikin diet advocates a ten-step plan for healthy eating, which is as follows5:
Food that the Pritikin diet advocates, includes:
Other recommended dietary behaviours include:
Last updated: 23 April 2021
Joined Holland & Barrett: Apr 2019
Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry
Bhupesh started his career as a Clinical Toxicologist for Public Health England, advising healthcare professionals all around the country on how to manage clinical cases of adverse exposure to supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and agricultural products.
After 7 years in this role and a further year working as a drug safety officer in the pharmaceutical industry, Bhupesh joined Holland & Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019.