As many of you did when the clock struck twelve last year, I too promised myself that I would seek a more active and healthy lifestyle in 2018. For me, this includes getting back to a healthy weight - something I feel remains a constant battle. Over the years, I’ve tried every diet known to mankind - Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, South Beach Diet, Low Carb, No Fat, Ideal Protein….you name it, I’ve done it. Although I lost the weight initially, over time the weight inevitably found me again!
That’s why I was very curious about Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa, and when I had the opportunity to do a “test drive” of their program last week, I jumped at the opportunity. Based in Miami, Pritikin’s program has been around for over 40 years and claims that clients not only lose the weight but keep it off over the long term. Initially offered as a program for patients suffering from obesity, hypertension, high blood pressure and diabetes, this medically-managed program now not only serves those who have been urged by their doctors to lose weight for medical reasons, but also those looking to reset, and to get back in shape the healthy way.
That’s why I was very curious about Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa, and when I had the opportunity to do a “test drive” of their program last week, I jumped at the opportunity. Based in Miami, Pritikin’s program has been around for over 40 years and claims that clients not only lose the weight but keep it off over the long term. Initially offered as a program for patients suffering from obesity, hypertension, high blood pressure and diabetes, this medically-managed program now not only serves those who have been urged by their doctors to lose weight for medical reasons, but also those looking to reset, and to get back in shape the healthy way.
What sets this program apart?
What I found refreshing about the Pritikin program was the way they approach the process as a complete lifestyle change, offering educational lectures, fitness classes, cooking classes, and personal training sessions. When it comes to food, instead of counting calories or weighing your food, the focus is on listening to your body’s cues and dispelling the food myths that are so prevalent (do bananas really lead to belly fat? Why is coconut milk and coconut oil preferred—it’s actually not!).
They also recognize that a healthy mental outlook is an important factor in a healthy body. You have access to a psychologist and the Director of Behavioral Health & Wellness, Dr. Coral Arvon, who helps you better understand and resolve issues such as nighttime binges, emotional eating, relieving chronic anxiety, and stress management.
What really struck me about Pritikin is the research-based approach to their program. Having a technical background, I’m always looking for supporting evidence and Pritikin’s philosophy and program has been published in numerous medical journals and has an enviable success rate. Not only do they teach you through informative and entertaining lectures given by a highly –qualified team, they also provide ample data to support their claims.
They also recognize that a healthy mental outlook is an important factor in a healthy body. You have access to a psychologist and the Director of Behavioral Health & Wellness, Dr. Coral Arvon, who helps you better understand and resolve issues such as nighttime binges, emotional eating, relieving chronic anxiety, and stress management.
What really struck me about Pritikin is the research-based approach to their program. Having a technical background, I’m always looking for supporting evidence and Pritikin’s philosophy and program has been published in numerous medical journals and has an enviable success rate. Not only do they teach you through informative and entertaining lectures given by a highly –qualified team, they also provide ample data to support their claims.
what Can I expect during my stay?
It all starts with blood work and a medical evaluation by the on-site staff. The results determine which group you’ll be placed in and what attention you’ll need throughout the program. Through the course of your stay, you are tracked by your team of a physician, nutritionist, and personal trainer to ensure the program is effective and that you are progressing adequately.
You meet with your assigned physician twice during the week, first as an initial assessment and to review your test results, and a second time at the end of the program to discuss results and next steps. As I was only in the program for a few days (much like the Taste of Pritikin offering, which allows you to sample the program before you commit), I didn’t have a chance to complete the medical components. However, I did participate fully in all other aspects and was able to share in the experience with the other guests.
Every guest participates in core lectures including label reading, biology of weight control, diseases of our time and several others, as well as strength training and cardio sessions.
In between the core selections, you have the option to participate in electives such as group fitness classes, special lunch seminars, or time at the spa. The resort on which Pritikin is based also has a golf course, tennis courts, and croquet available for companions who may not be participating in the program or for guests who have extra time (you would have to get up a bit early or plan for these activities after your core program as the days are pretty full).
You meet with your assigned physician twice during the week, first as an initial assessment and to review your test results, and a second time at the end of the program to discuss results and next steps. As I was only in the program for a few days (much like the Taste of Pritikin offering, which allows you to sample the program before you commit), I didn’t have a chance to complete the medical components. However, I did participate fully in all other aspects and was able to share in the experience with the other guests.
Every guest participates in core lectures including label reading, biology of weight control, diseases of our time and several others, as well as strength training and cardio sessions.
In between the core selections, you have the option to participate in electives such as group fitness classes, special lunch seminars, or time at the spa. The resort on which Pritikin is based also has a golf course, tennis courts, and croquet available for companions who may not be participating in the program or for guests who have extra time (you would have to get up a bit early or plan for these activities after your core program as the days are pretty full).
What can I expect in terms of food?
The most challenging part of the program for me, and most others, is the food. Pritikin believes in a whole-food, predominantly plant-based meal plan, with no added oil, salt, or sugar. This definitely takes some getting used to, however it’s eye-opening as to how much added salt our normal diets contain, even for those of us who believed we use very little salt in our meals. The food is freshly prepared daily and offered as a buffet for breakfast and lunch while dinner is plated with table service. There’s even snack breaks and “happy hour”, although you’ll see more healthy smoothies and soups than you will pub fare. Fruits and veggies are in large self-serve bowls throughout the resort, providing for easy grab-and-go snacks in between training sessions or if you just need to munch on something. I found it amazing that my sugar cravings could be satisfied with healthy fruits instead of sugary processed snacks.
What can i expect in terms of fitness?
Going to the gym can actually be fun when you are supported by a community of like-minded people striving for the same goal! What I really enjoyed about the fitness classes was the small group size (10-11 guests) and the personalized instruction. I’m not a fan of gym machines, mainly because I’ve never known how to use them or what would work the best for me. But at Pritikin, you are hand-held through the process, learning what cardio programs are best (steady state vs. interval training) and taught how to do the strength training exercises with proper form and technique.
Having an incredible workout track and a personal trainer who gives very explicit instructions on what to watch out for as well as providing continuous motivation, was a welcome change from me attempting to brave my local gym alone.
Having an incredible workout track and a personal trainer who gives very explicit instructions on what to watch out for as well as providing continuous motivation, was a welcome change from me attempting to brave my local gym alone.
Can families stay at pritikin?
Yes! For families, Pritikin offers a summer Family Health Camp based on the same principles as it's core program but delivered in a fun and interactive way (cooking classes, sports, nutrition, etc.) to teach kids healthy habits early on.
What can I expect after leaving?
Pritikin not only supports clients while they are in the program, which can range from 1 week to several months depending on each client’s needs, but also offers Pritikin At Home via online support as well as continued one-on-one coaching from any of the medical team, nutritionist, or personal trainers. While these are at a supplemental cost to the core all-inclusive program, they provide the ongoing support and monitoring that may be needed to ensure that the results are sustainable. Through what Pritikin terms “Residential Immersion”, you learn how to eat healthy foods, exercise properly, and even how to dine out and shop at your local grocery store (there’s a “field trip” scavenger hunt to the local Publix market to find Pritikin approved foods based on the label-reading workshop which is part of the program!).
Although I was only onsite for a few days, I was able to see just how well the Pritikin method works and was also able to develop some wonderful friendships which will last long after I leave Miami.
Although I was only onsite for a few days, I was able to see just how well the Pritikin method works and was also able to develop some wonderful friendships which will last long after I leave Miami.
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