The Perricone Prescription: A Physician's 28-Day Program for Total Body and Face Rejuvenation

Healthy, vibrant skin depends more on what you put in your cheeks than what you rub on them, says dermatologist Nicholas Perricone. In The Perricone Prescription, fresh salmon tops the list of must-eat foods for total body rejuvenation. In fact, it is the star of Perricone's "Three-Day Nutritional Face-Lift," a convincing trial run for those who are a bit hedgy about committing to his 28-day diet and his supplement, skin care, and exercise regimen.

Perricone's clear explanation about the adverse effects of inflammatory foods persuasively argues for shunning destructive, low-fat favorites (including watermelon, carrots, and bagels) and "culinary horrors" like pizza, pasta, and beef. Better to eat anti-inflammatory choices (those with a glycemic index of 50 or less) like salmon, halibut, and trout. While the book's mega list of recommended supplements is a bit hard to swallow (literally and figuratively), the supportive information Perricone supplies about each is certainly helpful.

Another detailed grocery list--this time for topical anti-inflammatories--addresses skin care, and his wrinkle-free fitness plan promotes flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. Finally, a handful of savory recipes offers respite to those who only know how to broil. So, despite all the salmon (and the angry kids whose parents have purged their high-glycemic kitchens), Perricone's prescription doesn't sound fishy at all. --Liane Emory Thomas