The Good, The Bad, The Ugly - Perricone

I've tried Dr. Perricone products (among countless others) -- NOT a fan.  No, not holding a grudge from when his lip product with the faulty packaging and cap exploded in my purse  -- his products just didn't show me significant results.

BUT the Perricone Diet - while pricey (wild salmon isn't  cheap) -- seems to have lots of positive effects for overall health and appearance of skin.  I've reprinted the diet here at the end of this article.

But first, a warning (not about the diet, but Perricone products):  It seems the Cancer Prevention Coalition is not a fan of Perricone products either.

Based on a January 6, 2010 Skin Deep report by the Environmental Working Group (you can tell I like these guys, huh?), at least 7 of 26 of Dr. Perricone skin products were found to contain nanoparticles, while a total of 25 contain a wide range of other toxic ingredients. 




What the @#%?  Nanoparticles?  

Nanoparticles are little hollow spheres, which deliver the active ingredients to the skin.  They are also called Fullerenes.  Apparently, it's a patented delivery system for his line.

"Nanoparticles, less than 1/10,000 of a millimeter in size, readily penetrate skin, and can invade underlying blood vessels and produce body-wide toxic effects, including brain degenerative disorders, and nerve damage," stresses Cancer Prevention Coalition Chairman Dr. Samuel S. Epstein. 

Wait - back up - did you say NERVE DAMAGE?  BRAIN DISORDERS?

And what the @#%?  Toxins? 

According to Dr. Epstein of the CPC, these toxins include carcinogens such as acrylamide, and carcinogenic contaminants such as ethylene oxide, dioxane, nitrosamines and acrylamide, and formaldehyde. They also include allergens, and toxic hormonal ingredients. Accordingly, the Environmental Working Group rated 25 of Perricone's products as posing "moderate to high hazards." 

So apparently, Perricone is not even labeling his products with this ingredient information and is even  in trouble for making some claims based on his tests that others don't deem to be "scientifically based."

This is HUGE!

Makes sense to Pitch the Perricone products and just settle for the salmon.

Onto the diet -  I've heard nothing but good things about it- like great looking skin, weight loss and feeling more energized, etc.  There are no Perri

This is a 3 day menu. Protein should be eaten first and the salmon should be wild, or at least organic to ensure the fish is free of antibiotics or other chemicals:

Wake Up
8 to 12 ounces spring water

Breakfast
3 egg whites and 1 whole egg and/or a 4- to 6-ounce piece of broiled salmon
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal (not instant)
4 oz cantaloupe OR 1/4 cup fresh berries
8 to 12 ounces spring water minimum, (more if desired)

Lunch
4 to 6 ounces grilled salmon or tuna packed in spring water
2 cups romaine lettuce
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste
4 oz cantaloupe OR 1/4 cup fresh berries
8 to 12 ounces spring water minimum, (more if desired)

Mid-afternoon snack
2 ounces low-salt, sliced chicken breast OR 6 oz plain yogurt.
4 raw, unsalted hazelnuts
1/2 green apple
8 to 12 ounces spring water minimum, (more if desired)

Dinner
4 to 6 ounces grilled salmon
2 cups romaine lettuce
1 tablespoon olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste
1 cup steamed asparagus, broccoli, or spinach dressed with a little olive oil
4 oz cantaloupe OR 1/4 cup fresh berries
8 to 12 ounces spring water minimum, (more if desired)

Before-bedtime snack
2 ounces low-fat low-salt turkey/chicken breast OR 6 oz plain yogurt.
1/2 pear or green apple
3 or 4 almonds or olives
8 to 12 ounces of spring water


If you've tried this diet or are inspired to go on it again, please comment!

And remember:  Pitch your Perricone! Or DEMAND your money back!