We ranted about the uselessness of Dr. Perricone’s line of beauty products so it may surprise you to see a positive story on him. Both Tina and I have used the products and although I didn’t break out in a rash, the results were, eh, so so. Well, the beauty of this story is that what I am about to tell you is FREE and does not require you to buy anything from him or anyone else (well, the market, but everyone’s gotta eat, right?). I read his book, The Perricone Prescription: A Physician’s 28-Day Program for Total Body and Face Rejuvenation (only $7.99 at Amazon) and was amped up about doing the 28 day diet to revitalize my skin and body. It totally makes sense, what you eat has got to be way more important than anything you can apply superficially to your skin. But knowing that I am terrible at dieting (the word “diet” just puts me in a panic and I have been known to hide in a corner with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s in total unrelenting hunger and shame), I decided to start with the Three-Day Nutritional Face Lift^TM. I figured that I can do 3 days, rationalizing that the 4th day is not that long to wait for that pint of ice cream. I decided to get my parents on the plan as well, both of whom are wrought with health problems (my dad is a diabetic and my mom has high blood pressure). The first day was ok, the meals are not that different than how I normally eat so it was pretty easy. The hardest part was the ban on coffee!! The alternative he offers is green tea but my body does not respond to green tea. It tastes good and all but I need the coffee to jolt my body to awake mode in the morning. By the second day, we have all noticed unequivocal differences in our skin tone, skin clarity and energy level. It was totally amazing to say the least. It was especially apparent in my dad who has the most health issues, so rosy cheeks have been a thing of the past many decades ago, but lo and behold a simple diet of salmon and romaine lettuce brought back vibrancy and a much needed healthy glow. Although this experiment was a clear success, surprisingly I could not bear the thought of the 28 day diet. How much salmon can one eat? Not much. Well, 3 days worth to be exact. I love fish but I just can’t eat the same thing again and again for an entire month. There are other fish options, like Chilean sea bass and black cod, which I love but I still couldn’t do it. He does not really push those fish because they are not as readily available as salmon and obviously more expensive to be eating on a daily basis. I decided that when I needed to, I would just do the 3 day diet a few times a year. I generally follow a diet of fish and vegetable so I am getting all the Omega-3 acids that are so miraculous for the skin. I have copied the entire meal plan on the next page so you don’t even need to buy his book to try it for yourself. It is published on the Dr. Perricone website.

Dr. Perricone’s Three-Day Nutritional Face Lift^TM:

Breakfast

* 3 egg omelet and/or 4-6 oz. grilled salmon

I do not recommend smoked salmon or lox on the three-day diet

because of the salt intake

*1/2 cup cooked oatmeal (not instant)

Cooked oatmeal is a great source of fiber, low glycemic

carbohydrates

* 2” wedge of cantaloupe or 1/3 cup fresh berries

Cantaloupe is very hydrating to the skin and contains important

antioxidants – blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries

are high in antioxidants

* No Juice, No Coffee or Toast

If you normally drink large amounts of coffee, drink black or green

tea to prevent caffeine withdrawal

* 8 – 12 oz. spring water

Lunch

* 4-6 oz. grilled salmon

Option: you can also use canned salmon and mix a little mayo and

fresh squeezed lemon

* 2 cups green salad

made with romaine lettuce or other dark leafy greens

Dressing: extra virgin olive oil and fresh squeezed lemon to taste

* 1 kiwi fruit or cantaloupe and berries

as above

* 8 – 12 oz. spring water

Snack

* 1 apple

* 2 oz. slice of turkey breast or 6 oz. plain yogurt

* Small handful of hazelnuts, walnuts or almonds

Great source of fatty acids and folic acid

Dinner

* 4-6 oz. grilled salmon

* green salad

as described above

* 1/2 cup steamed veggies

Especially asparagus, broccoli, spinach, etc. NO root vegetables,

such as potatoes, carrots, beets, parsnips, etc

* Cantaloupe and berries

* 8 – 12 oz. spring water

Before Bedtime Snack

* 1 pear or apple

* 2 oz. slice chicken or turkey breast or 6 oz. plain yogurt

* Small handful of hazelnuts, walnuts or almonds

Great source of fatty acids and folic acid