Nathan Pritikin

Nathan Pritikin was an American engineer and inventor. After a heart disease diagnosis in 1958 he studied the research himself, designed a very low fat diet with daily exercise, and in 1976 opened the Pritikin Longevity Center in California.

Best known for

The Pritikin Program for Diet and Exercise (1979), which made very low fat eating and daily walking a mainstream idea. McDougall, Ornish, Esselstyn and Barnard all built on his work.

Approach

Under 10% of calories from fat, mostly complex carbohydrates, little cholesterol and salt, and daily walking. The diet is not vegan: small amounts of fish, poultry and nonfat dairy are allowed.

Main talking points

• Fat, cholesterol and salt drive heart disease, so cut them hard.
• Exercise is part of the treatment, not an option.
• Whole grains, vegetables, fruit and beans form the base of every meal.
• He tested the diet first on himself and tracked his own heart disease markers.

Books

• The Pritikin Permanent Weight-Loss Manual The Pritikin Permanent Weight-Loss Manual1981
• The Pritikin Program for Diet and Exercise1979
• Live Longer Now1974