LOTS of supplements are prescribed which to "make it easy for you..." he sells overpriced supplements on his website at the hefty price tag of $195 for 45 days.

This is a good diet to follow if you are do Body-for-LIFE, South Beach or Atkins. I can't argue that its a bad plan. The recipes are very simple, clean and delicious. Can get expensive, but if you live near a Trader Joe's you shouldn't have too much of a problem.

The program can easily be summed up below -- he posts this on his website. Or try the eDiets.com version which is very simple to follow.

The Three-Day Menu
You will be eating close to the same thing each day. Remember to always eat your protein first. Though this diet has some variety, a restricted diet is often easier to handle since you are not confronted by too many choices.

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
½ cup cooked oatmeal not instant)
4 oz cantaloupe + 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 + 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
4 raw, unsalted hazelnuts
½ 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 + 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 or chicken breast
1/2 pear or green apple
3 or 4 almonds or olives
8 to 12 ounces of spring water

... I started small and incrementally took what he recommended.

It all started with DHA, more water and no caffeine - Costco sells a product called Senior Moments which has that and "cerebral phospholipids". I felt so poorly that despite the fact that I was once a religious caffeinator, I went off caffeine almost cold turkey within a couple of weeks. The results were astounding and dramatic all within a few days of doing so (the caffeine started to give me an unwanted buzz as I took the supplement, which just got me off caffeine faster). I began to think very clearly again, memory and focus was incredible, and I was multitasking like never before. Plus mood and emotional stability returned ...

Another star is alpha lapoic acid (ALA). Talk about skin rejuvenation. My girlfriend took it and within a few days her severe acne problem cleared up entirely without having to use ... expensive skin lotions, lathers, soaps to manage it. Now, she has ...natural products that work much better at 1/10th the cost. With that and a CoQ10 facial cleanser, my skin has turned out great as well.

I take most of the supplements Perricone lists (which *is* a laborious process that takes 5 minutes in the morning and another 5 in the afternoon, but combination supplements like Calcium-Magnesium-Zinc and Centrum help a lot... I also eat a bulk of foods as proteins and save carbs for last. Now, I am super energetic, mental clarity (thought process, memory, plain ol' solid thinking) has been astounding, and physical fitness (endurance, strength) has been super-incredible. And, the more I work out and sleep, the better I feel.

Plus, the mood swings have gone away, I feel no stress ... I credit most of that to GLA (gamma linoleic acid); the more I have taken, from initially 150mg a day from primrose oil, to now 600mg from borage oil, the more I have been rendered stress free - entirely gone are the back and chest pains, headaches, and emotional up-and-down rollercoaster ride throughout the day.

... his book presents in a succinct and necessary way (though the segue between chapters is a little choppy so I could take a star off for that; it takes at least 2-3 reads to understand the big picture more fully) the why's and how's of good health and consequently great skin. You have to have patience to read through a rather dry topic that most people have been made to be rather skeptical of.

In any event, I'd imagine the drug companies and fast food companies ...- wouldn't be all that happy if everyone discovered the basics again, and that's what the "prescription" is. It goes back to basics, and leverages supplements (most of which are already produced by our own bodies, albeit in limited amounts) and ol' fashion good eating habits to reinforce the machinery in our own bodies to work optimally. I make sure to eat proteins first, drink my tea and water too. If only the prescription could be simplified to a one-sentence tagline so more people would jump aboard like me. ... I strongly suggest for those of you with a lot of stress ...), with stress symptoms physical or otherwise, feel lethargic, overwhelmed and have been going through a brain-drain, to go out and get the book. If you're not the book reading type, see about making a pledge to your local PBS station and get the VHS tape. That's a more expensive option but well-worth it - help PBS and getting the info someway, somehow.

...There's actually a lot of pills, which are relatively cheap if you buy at vitamin shops ... and buy bulk quantity bottles. You also have to work out on a regular basis though workout quantity is not super important. ... Also, be aware the supplements work together and I would suggest an incremental approach. If you get into it, don't get into the fallacy of DHA is for smarts and GLA is for stress. They are, but in reality they overlap. ... There are "side-effects". You get thirsty more often from a higher metabolism rate (and you eat healtier, lose weight, and muscle builds up more quickly at the expense of fat). First few days of taking a particular supplement, like DHA or GLA, you can feel whoozy or sleepy. You might feel a bit of a "sensory overload" at first too, in particular with DHA and DMAE. That all went away for me after a couple of days... get the book or tape to find out.

Best of luck...

Not only does this book deliver sound nutritional advice, it is effective on many levels. I have had a lifelong battle with weight and nothing has worked. This book was an epiphany for me because it details the science of how our bodies (skin included) react to foods and supplements. I must admit that the advice was easy for me to follow since I love fish, particularly salmon, and since I have a Mediterranean heritage, my diet has always included olives, olive oil, and seafood. Getting rid of the high glycemic foods, though, permitted me to turn the corner. NO ONE ever guesses my correct age...everyone thinks I'm at least 10 years younger than I am.

I highly recommend this book...sound medical advice from a renowned dermatologist. How can you go wrong?

However, if you have something of the maniac about you, and are willing to swallow a couple of fistfuls of pills each day (and are good about keeping track of replacing them as you use them up, and shopping around to find the best buys because some of them, like tocotrienol, are wicked expensive) then you should give this Perricone method a whirl.

I happen to love salmon (I almost capitalized it just now: What does THAT tell you?) -- left to my own devices (i.e., if I weren't married) I'd eat it 4 or 5 times a week for dinner. The hard part is remembering to drink enough water. No big deal, really, just another thing to remember to do.

I saw a noticeable improvement in my skin after about a week. Is it the fish? (I indulge more often now -- doctor's orders, right?) Is it the water? The vitamins? Beats me. I've been doing this for a year, and don't want to stop any of it, just in case.

The Perricone method is a good match for people who are on Atkins (I am). You're taking protein, water, and lots of vitamins either way.

Get this book in paperback, in case all this obsessing is more than you can take. (I'm giving the book 4 stars. He lost one for the infomercial -- relentlessly pushing his own exorbitantly-priced potions. I wouldn't have minded that, had he told us how to mix up our own.)

-- Janis Jaquith, Public-Radio Commentator and author of BIRDSEED COOKIES: A FRACTURED MEMOIR

Skin? Each of us has had a dramatic improvement in our skin. My sister's stubborn adult acne has disappeared, my friend's sallow complexion and dark circles have disappeared, and my beet-red face and road map of veins is diminishing.

Though the book has discrepancies (he needed a much better proof reader - and I've taken a star off because of it), it managed to motivate me and mine and produced the promised results. That says a lot!

ONE OF HIS BOOKS IS ENOUGH -- Wrinkle Cure is best; you don't have to suffer the embarrassment of those before and after photos in the Perricone Prescription. What was he thinking?

In terms of topicals, there are other sources (natural markets) that sell affordably priced skincare products. Do your homework in terms of comparison pricing. THERE IS A CHEAPER WAY TO DO THIS THING!!! You will find some remarkable changes in your skin and the way you feel.

I would like see some other scientific evidence on the effectiveness of diet in controlling skin aging, and especially on some of the more controversial aspects of Perricone's nutritional theories. For example, he recommends avoiding carrots, long considered healthy because of their containing beta-carotenes and other anti-oxidants, because of their high glycemic index. Fruit, although high in anti-oxidants, also fall into this high-glycemic category, producing an insulin spike from the pancreas, which is bad because you will store fats rather than burn them.

My understanding on this was that you should prefer foods containing monosaccarides such as galactose and glucose, rather than disaccharides such as sucrose, because sucrose was hard on the pancreas and caused insulin spikes, but the simpler sugars didn't, being digested and broken down more gradually over time. Also, not being able to eat any fruit is sure to be a difficult recommendation to follow for many people, maybe more difficult for them than avoiding beef, for example. I found his disussion of why you should eat wild salmon as opposed to farm-raised salmon interesting, but again, I'd like to see more evidence on this.

I found his recommendation that you should avoid carbs such as cereals and breads interesting since it's what diabetics need to do--they can eat all the protein they want--but they need to avoid sugar and complex carbs. But unless you're diabetic, most experts don't think you need to do this. Finally, there is now evidence that saturated fats and oils such as cocoanut oil, long-considered a real bad guy, don't produce oxidants and free radicals in the body, but that polyunsaturated fats and oils do.

Perricone also includes a lot information on vitamins and minerals, which I found to be more helpful and less controversial than his other nutritional recommendations.

Altogether, an interesting book with a different slant on skin aging and nutrition in general, but again, I'd like to see more independent evidence on some of the more controversial aspects of his nutritional ideas. His recommendations on exercise, vitamins, and keeping your weight down are hard to fault, however, and overall, I found the book's advice and message to be positive even if I remain somewhat sceptical on some of his nutritional theories.

Even if you think you don't like fish it is probably due to eating something other than fresh alaskan salmon grilled carefully. You can do anything for 3 days, and the results will speak for itself better than any review I could write. If you are really really against fish, there is an alternative suggested (flax) but I would try grilling some fresh alaskan salmon before you go that route.

Anyway, after the 3 day diet I went into the office and had _everyone_ who I work with say something about how I looked without any prompting, 3 of them actually said I looked younger.

I've tried everything before this diet, and the black circles under my eyes I've had since my early 20s are gone now, just gone.

Buy the book, follow it (I actually cheat regularily, and still get great results), you will not be sorry.

The only caveat is that the recommended topicals (most of which have to be bought online or in a specialty cosmetics store) and the vitamin supplements, which are numerous, adds up to hundreds of dollars yearly. This is fine if finance is not a problem, but for a regular working stiff like myself, it is a little overwhelming. That's why I took off a star.

I would like see some other scientific evidence on the effectiveness of diet in controlling skin aging, and especially on some of the more controversial aspects of Perricone's nutritional theories. For example, he recommends avoiding carrots, long considered healthy because of their containing beta-carotenes and other anti-oxidants, because of their high glycemic index. Fruit, although high in anti-oxidants, also fall into this high-glycemic category, producing an insulin spike from the pancreas, which is bad because you will store fats rather than burn them.

My understanding on this was that you should prefer foods containing monosaccarides such as galactose and glucose, rather than disaccharides such as sucrose, because sucrose was hard on the pancreas and caused insulin spikes, but the simpler sugars didn't, being digested and broken down more gradually over time. ... I found his disussion of why you should eat wild salmon as opposed to farm-raised salmon interesting, but again, I'd like to see more evidence on this.

I found his recommendation that you should avoid carbs such as cereals and breads interesting ... Finally, there is now evidence that saturated fats and oils such as cocoanut oil, long-considered a real bad guy, don't produce oxidants and free radicals in the body, but that polyunsaturated fats and oils do.

Perricone also includes a lot information on vitamins and minerals, which I found to be more helpful and less controversial than his other nutritional recommendations.

Altogether, an interesting book with a different slant on skin aging and nutrition in general, but again, I'd like to see more independent evidence on some of the more controversial aspects of his nutritional ideas. His recommendations on exercise, vitamins, and keeping your weight down are hard to fault, however, and overall, I found the book's advice and message to be positive even if I remain somewhat sceptical on some of his nutritional theories.

It has worked wonderfully for me. I have eliminated sugar and coffee from my diet, I'm drinking a lot more water and I'm trying the supplementation regime and working agressively to lower the costs of it. I'm eating more fish and enjoying it but I must admit I'm blessed by living in Seattle with our access to so much high quality seafood. I'm fitting better into my clothes and now that I have more energy - I'm going to start working out.

Perricone has led me to Barry Sears and to a great path to finding higher physical and mental functioning. I'll always be grateful to him for this alone.

If consumers knew what was in farmed salmon they might think twice about eating it more than once a month. Recent studies show that farmed salmon bought at markets on the East and West coasts were found to be contaminated with PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, at an average level far higher than any other protein source, including other seafood. PCBs are insidious and have been identified as probable human carcinogens.

This diet works as long as you can afford to eat wild salmon numerous times a week. The consumer friendly alternative is the L.A. Shape Diet - it even recommends some of the same supplements. I have had great results by combining the L.A. shape diet with Perricone's recommended supplements and lotions. Just get smart and find the discount versions of Perricone's brands to get the benefit of great skin without dropping a lot of cash.

Dr Perricone reveals his theory that aging is caused by inflammation at the cellular level and is speeded along with our life styles, such as poor nutrition, pollution and stress, to name a few.
He explains how we can change our dietary habits, take in the proper vitamins, exercise
correctly and totally rejuvenate our body.
This was worth reading.
He shares with you case studies, shows you before and after pictures, gives you names of vitamins and tells you what they are good for and what the symptoms are if you are lacking these. He even shows you how to exercise properly, all bringing you to a new and healthier body. Very good!

The only problem I had with the entire regiment was the diet. I do not like fish, cannot eat it, and that is one of the main
staples in his food chain. I need an alternative Dr. Perricone, any suggestions?
If that stronghold is overcome I would gladly give his system a whirl. I believe he is really on to something and I'd like to give it a try.

All in all this was a great read, informative
from page one on. I highly recommend this book, I believe it will help many people live a happier and healthier life.

One final thought, if you were to receive this book as a gift for Mother's Day as I did, just what would your reaction be?
Was my child trying to tell me I was turning into an old hag and this book might help?;or,was he truly concerned for my future and my health? Perhaps I will never know that answer, but one thing is for sure, I did enjoy the knowledge this book gave to me, and for that I say, "Thank you!"

I work 50 hours a week, go to law school at night and was a Starbucks coffee-head. Now I drink variety of teas, prepare ahead for two or three days at a time and pack an entire days rations with me to work and school. (By the way, it is not the schedule causing the weight loss, as I had a full semester without Perricone and was on the gain). I fit exercise in where I can, mostly in my chair at work doing ab exersises at my desk. I have not eaten one thing that is not allowed and find if I am diligent, I do not suffer any cravings. Though I buy his vitamins right now, I will purchase my vitamins seperate after the weight loss is accomplished. My 72 year old neighbor has lost two sizes in three weeks and loves it as well. The book is a very good tool that provides you with a variety of foods and, though it may seem contradictory, understands that some will not be able to change all of their habits at once and thereby provides additional information with regard to coffee.

I don't use much of the skin program, though I use a cleanser (not his), and I put on night cream. I have far less trouble with blemishes...as a matter of fact it is rare now to get one whereas I used to have two or three going at all times. Some pretty bad.

This is not an overnight cure, it is a lifestyle change. Don't expect that you can lose weight and then go back to your old habits and keep it off. I have, in two months, integrated this into a habit and do not see myself adding much back in at the end. Lastly, the weight loss and exercises are helping prevent what looked to be certain back surgery, quite a motivation to stick it out!

UPDATE: It is July 28, 2003 and I continue to lose... have lost 90 pounds, feel great and continue to follow the rules!

UPDATE: As of October I have lost 108 and leveled out and maintained. The holidays nrver even budged me

I used to have horrible scared oily skin. After 2 and a half months of just doing a few of the things mentioned in this book, I have dropped 10 pounds, my skin is practically oil-free, I no longer break out terribly the way I use to, my acne scaring is almost gone, my pores have shrunk, my face is more toned, smoother, and I have MUCH more color in my face than before (I was real pale and sick looking). I am never letting this book go.

I make the suggested meals (in the book) once or twice a week. I don't eat fish (which the book really promotes), so I substitude it with chicken or turkey. No biggy. All the meals the Doctor mentiones are simple to make, even my 12 year old sister can make them. Nothing exotic or strange. Like I said before, you don't have to eat the meals all the time.

You really begin to notice a difference after a week and a half.

Though, you have to remember: This takes EFFORT on YOUR part. Don't be lazy. Reading the book will not make you healthier or give you better skin; actually DOING WHAT IS RECOMMENDED in the book is what will get you to your goal.

It's an easy read (unless you're a part of the large number of adults that read at a fourth grade level).

I recommend it for to anyone that wants to improve their looks and health. This book should get a 10 star rating.
**********

What gets people's attention is that Dr. Perricone's suggestions do include some foods that people actually like to eat, like salmon and berries.

That's the good news; now the rest. Say goodbye, not only to sweets and junk food, but also bread, rice, potatoes. Diet soda or regular? Neither. Butter or margerine? Neither.

I tried the introductory diet and darn if my skin did not improve (a little) but if I have to live on protein and 12 glasses of water, I'll settle for less than perfect skin.

Once you experience the profound benefits of adopting Dr. Perricone's suggestions, kicking the foods that are responsible for so many health problems becomes much easier. If you're serious about wanting to look and feel better and live longer, The Perricone Prescription is a must read!

Without the complete "prescription", I can't begin the plan, and am going to return this book.

I am a male, 42 years old, good shape, and healthy. The bottom line: I am absolutely convinced that his program is on target. It's not easy to follow and requires some planning, but the payoff is huge.

Buy the book and follow the program. Give it time. You WILL notice a difference. This book has become my healthy lifestyle guide.

And unlike most health books, THE PERRICONE PRESCRIPTION's got lots of pictures of people who've tried his program, terrific before-and-after photos of a rogues gallery of people who needed help, and knew where to go to get results!

THE PERRICONE PRESCRIPTION IS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED!!!

Chari Krishnan RESEARCHKING