Perricone Diet

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A seven-step, 28-day program designed to prevent and reverse wrinkles with a special anti-inflammatory diet, moderate exercise, topical creams and nutritional supplements.

The Perricone Diet is not so much a weight loss regimen as it is a skin care program. Dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, M.D., believes that sugar and foods with a high glycemic index such as bread, bagels, bananas, pizza, pasta and potatoes lead to the inflammation that is at the root of wrinkles and aging skin. By eliminating these foods and choosing sufficient amounts of protein and foods that produce an anti-inflammatory response such as avocado, berries, dark green leafy vegetables and salmon, Perricone promises that skin will look younger and healthier.

He provides two weeks' worth of menus for three meals, plus two snacks each day and includes several recipes. He also advocates regular exercise and the use of numerous topical creams and supplements to ward off inflammation and rejuvenate skin .

Upside of the Perricone Diet

  • The foods Perricone recommends contain numerous antioxidants believed to promote overall health.

  • It won't hurt any of us to use fewer processed foods enjoy whole, natural foods.

  • Increasing evidence shows that inflammation is to blame for many health problems, including arthritis and even some types of cancer.

Downside of the Perricone Diet

  • The 28-day diet limits food choices and may take some getting used to. For example, you've got to love salmon, because eating it is an almost daily ritual on this plan. The repetition might prove too much for people with adventurous palates.

  • You've got to have a big budget -- salmon is pricey, and so are the topical creams and supplements that Perricone promotes.

Is the Perricone Diet for You?

This chart can help you see how the Perricone Diet fits your goals and lifestyle concerns.

Duration
 28-day program, which can be repeated endlessly
Restaurants
 Seafood restaurants are OK, but be prepared to ask for items not on the menu
Alcohol No
Caffeine Green tea is preferred
Special Foods The plan uses common foods, but you may need to use frozen seafood instead of fresh, depending on availability
Family Friendly Perricone encourages this eating plan as healthy for the entire family with a few modifications for young children
Vegetarian Friendly Vegans and vegetarians will have a difficult time with this program due to the use of seafood

Sample Perricone Diet Menu

A day on the Perricone Diet might look like this:

Breakfast:

  • Old-fashioned oatmeal with sliced pear and sunflower seeds
  • 3-4 ounces of salmon
  • Green tea or water

Lunch:

  • Broiled free-range chicken breast with mixed leaf salad
  • Green tea or water

Afternoon snack:

  • 2 ounces of sliced turkey breast
  • ½ cup strawberries

Dinner:

  • Broiled salmon with miso rub
  • Asian vegetable salad
  • Yogurt with blueberries

Snack:

  • Handful of almonds
  • Handful of blueberries