When dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone unveiled a diet he promised would act as a “three-day nutritional facelift” in his bestselling book, “The Wrinkle Cure,” he had his fair share of skepticism.
Famed journalist Diane Sawyer told him she believed his “claims were overstated and that she planned to challenge [him],” Perricone recalls in his new book, “The Beauty Molecule,” due out April 15.
But when Sawyer and Oprah Winfrey tested the nutritional facelift, they “could not believe their eyes when they witnessed the effects of the anti-inflammatory diet after just three days.”
Soon, many others were blown away by how much younger they looked — and how energetic they felt — after following the meal plan for only 72 hours.
“I designed this 3-day diet to reduce puffiness, enhance contours and firm the jawline — and including salmon twice daily will leave your skin firmer and more radiant,” Perricone told The Post.
Salmon is a crucial component of this diet. “You must eat salmon at least twice a day for the ideal effect,” he wrote, vowing it will “change your skin, making it firmer and more lustrous.”
That’s because salmon provides good-quality, easily digestible protein that converts into amino acids “necessary to repair the body on a cellular level.”
While it might sound counterintuitive, Perricone claims a “carbohydrate-heavy and protein-light diet leads to the loss of contours in the face — the sought-after chiseled look of a well-defined jawline, cheekbones and eyes.”
Salmon is also a great source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA — which can help your brain, heart, metabolism, mood and skin.
Aside from salmon, the “three-day nutritional facelift” focuses on salads, berries and dark, leafy greens like spinach, arugula and kale.
Berries are full of anti-inflammatory antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress and protect against cell damage. They’re also a good source of vitamin C, which aids in collagen production.
Dark, leafy greens contain chlorophyll, which can help reduce redness and inflammation, as well as fight acne and eczema.
They’re also rich in vitamin E, which can lessen the effect of sun damage, beta-carotene, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles — and vitamin K, which helps keep the skin nice and plump.
Finally, Perricone’s diet demands at least six glasses of water a day. He advises drinking two eight-ounce cans of hydrogen water — water that’s been enhanced with molecular hydrogen gas (H2) — every morning.
Some of his other tips include always eating protein first “as it helps slow down carbohydrate absorption, which results in control of insulin and glucose levels.”
But most importantly? “Follow this diet to the letter,” he said.
BREAKFAST
2-egg omelet or 4 to 6 ounces grilled, baked or poached salmon
(Perricone does not recommend smoked salmon on the 3-day diet because of the high salt content. Otherwise, smoked salmon is fine.)
2-inch slice of cantaloupe or ¹∕³ cup fresh berries
6 to 8 ounces spring water (feel free to squeeze fresh lemon into the water if desired)
No juice, coffee or toast
If you normally have coffee to start your day, drink black or green tea to prevent caffeine withdrawal.
LUNCH
4 to 6 ounces grilled, baked or poached poultry
2 cups green salad, made with romaine lettuce and other dark, leafy greens such as spinach, arugula and kale. Top with 3 tablespoons cooked chickpeas. (Canned chickpeas are fine as long as you drain them.)
Extra-virgin olive oil dressing, with fresh-squeezed lemon to taste
1 apple or 1 pear or 2-inch slice cantaloupe or ¹∕³ cup berries and 6 to 8 ounces spring water
DINNER
4 to 6 ounces freshly cooked — grilled, broiled or poached — salmon on 1 cup of warmed lentils
Green salad (as described above)
½ cup steamed vegetables, especially asparagus, broccoli and spinach (avoid root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beets and parsnips)
2-inch slice cantaloupe
6 to 8 ounces spring water
If you follow this diet for three days to the letter, be ready for a great improvement in how you look and feel.
