This heart-smart program promotes both weight loss and wellness. Based on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood and lean protein in small amounts, the Pritikin Program has benefited thousands of people by helping them lose weight, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and cancer.

The diet is largely made up of low-fat, high-fiber carbohydrates that are 400 calories or less per pound. There is a ratio of 75 percent carbs, 15 percent protein, and 10 percent fat. When following the diet, people are encouraged to eat six or seven meals a day. Foods are categorized into three groups: better, better still and best. You can eat as much as you want so long as you’re eating the proper foods. The program also calls for exercise, specifically walking 45 minutes every day. 

More a lifestyle than a diet, there is plenty of research that backs up the claims of the Pritikin Program. For vegetarians and people suffering from heart disease, the plan is a godsend. However, the average person might have a hard time sticking to such a restrictive diet so low in fat. 

Using the diet in conjunction with an effective fitness plan promotes weight loss and the prevention of many diseases. The biggest concern about the diet is the extremely low fat intake. It’s also hard to sustain if you’re not prepared to follow the vegetarian lifestyle. You must be ready to give up meat and dairy, which shouldn’t be a problem if your life is at stake.