Nicholas Perricone: “The Perricone Prescription”

The “Perricone Prescription” started out very interesting, as Dr. Perricone shares the depth of his research on aging, skin care, cause of wrinkles, and his secrets to looking fabulous. His research results can be summarized in one short snap: Inflammation is at the root cause of all our perils of aging. Inflammation can be caused, as he explains, in large degrees by what we eat, and by the measure of our hygiene and personal care. His diet recommendation, likewise, can be summarized in one single phrase: Eat Wild Caught Salmon! A lot of it.

After the introductory chapters where we read about the wrinkle-free diet and ways to reduce inflammation in the body, the book outlines a series of diets,exercise routines and best combinations of vitamins to consume. The general concepts that are today known as eating well resonate with Dr. Perricone as well, and to that point, there is nothing terribly new here: Avoid the bad carbohydrates. Stay away from refined sugars, red meat and packaged food. The unique aspect of his diet is this: Consume heaps and heaps of wild caught salmon, along with fruits and vegetables. The main concern with Dr. Perricone is to restore the glowing radiant skin with the right combinations of food and particularly this high consumption of the salmon he introduces in nearly every meal along with special combinations of vitamins.

While I have not tried the 28-day program here, I generally eat this way, the inordinate amount of salmon not withstanding. I had every intention of following this diet strictly to test results but my enthusiasm fell short. I do not particularly agree or disagree with any sections. They are all very good ideas, mostly common sense if you are familiar with the general practices for good nutrition. It is difficult to stay dedicated to this diet as you would be working extremely hard to prepare your meals, and working even harder not to get sick of one constantly recurring theme in every meal: Salmon!

At the time of reading of this book, I decided to make these changes in my diet as a direct result and to see whether the nature glow of my skin enhances at all. Since then, I have consciously added the following to my regular diet:

-Wild caught salmon
-Other fatty fish, wild-caught
-Spinach
-More yogurt, plain, Greek Fage
-Fruits
-Turmeric
-Extra virgin olive oil
-Olives
-Tomatoes
-Garlic
-Lentils

I think it is important to know well what you are willing to sacrifice and for what reasons – because when you miss your favorite foods, however non-beneficial they may have been for you, you need strong reasons that you can believe in to continue making do without them. What is written in a book by some doctor is a weak reason. Sufficient research as a trigger by a mention in such a book is a stronger reason, and can keep the determination to stay healthy strong for a much longer period of time!

Since reading on Perricone prescription, I have became even more fish-savvy in my menu, especially with salmon. I love fish, especially raw fish – Dining on sushi and sashimi is to live in the lap of luxury. Fish is also the best source of protein, the easiest on the digestive system among meats, and the most nutritional of all categories. I did not give up coffee immediately, despite his grim warning of the “Death hormones” in the yummy cup of espresso. , and I did not reduce the bananas in my smoothie, even if they are full of bad “sugar”.

This book may serve as a good reference in the kitchen along with the cooking books. You can pick up ideas that you can incorporate in your diet in the span of an hour of reading. If your skin starts to glow as a result, all the better. If not, you are probably still eating healthier and would feel better.

Eat well and treat your body well, no matter what the source of your ideas!