The Pritikin diet is another diet which comes in and out of the public eye.  This diet is the opposite of the Atkins diet as this diet is focused on a low fat and a very high carbohydrate approach. 

The Pritikin diet was developed by Nathan Pritikin who was originally an engineer who became interested in nutrition after being diagnosed with heart disease at an early age.  He was unhappy with the empty answers the doctors had given him so he went off to find a way to help cure himself.  Mr Pritikin then studied a range of cultures from around the world that had a very low incidence of heart disease or cancer and adapted their diets to a western way of eating.

Since his death in the mid 1980’s, research now suggests that this type of diet can help prevent and treat arteriosclerosis, when combined with other preventative factors like exercise.

This diet is very high in fibre and the bulk of the food eaten through this diet is obtained through grains, seafood, fruit and vegetables.  This diet is very hard for people to stick to due to the low fat and protein component of the diet.  Again the foods which have been excluded contain essential nutrients which the body requires to function properly.  Iron is a vital component required for humans especially women, so people may require supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals which are primarily sourced through the meat component of the diet.

The Pritikin diet is often primarily used to treat certain medical conditions with weight loss being a secondary beneficial factor.  The conditions which it is often recommended for include prevention or treatment of heart disease, type II diabetes, lowering of high blood pressure, reduction of high cholesterol or to help prevent certain forms of cancer.

This diet certainly has its advantages by reducing the risks of a range of illnesses which have been absent in many cultures which adhere to a similar diet to the Pritikin diet, but it lacks many vital nutrients which can only be obtained through a balanced and varied diet. Pritikin books are still sold in bookstores as are his recipe selections. Any person considering this diet should read his books and consider taking a range of vitamin supplements to fill in the gaps.

Rice:

• 1 ½ cups rice, white short grain.
• ¼ cup mirin
• 2 teaspoons brown rice vinegar
• 3 cups water, approximately

Method:

1. Place rice in a pot and cover with water.  Bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Turn rice out into a shallow dish and pour over mirin and vinegar.  Allow to cool.

Filling:

• 1 medium avocado peeled and cut into thin wedges.
• 1 mango sliced.
• 2 bunches asparagus, blanched and refreshed.
• 1 red capsicum seeded and cut into thin strips.
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds.
• 1 packet nori sheets.

Method:

1. Lay nori sheet on a bamboo mat shiny side down.
2. Cover nori sheet with rice and allow ½ inch uncovered at the top of the sheet.
3. Place filling 1 inch from the bottom of the sheet and then roll inside bamboo mat in a cylindrical fashion.  Begin with the edge closest to you making sure to apply even pressure all the way along the bamboo mat whilst rolling.
4. Allow nori to stand seam side down for 15 minutes and the cut into even pieces.
5. Serve with soy sauce or dipping sauce of your choice.

Nori will keep in a refrigerator for 2 days if wrapped in cling wrap and placed in a sealed container.  Make sure to wrap any nori sheets that are left over airtight.  To increase the protein for this dish, add thin strips of fresh salmon or tuna fillings.