Other fat flush components
There are very few options for eating out on the
fat flush diet, although choices such as fish tacos or
grilled chicken sandwiches are possible. Sincecaffeine
stresses the liver and, according to Gittleman, impedes
fat burning, coffee should be tapered off and eventu-
ally replaced with one cup of herbal coffee per day.
Alcohol is strictly forbidden during phases 1 and 2
because of its damaging effects on the liver.
Exercise is an important component of the fat
flush plan. The first two phases call for brisk walking
for 20–30 minutes five times per week and five minutes
daily of 100 jumping jacks on a mini-trampoline. Exer-
cise is increased in phase 3 and includes lifting weights
for strength training twice per week.
The fat flush plan calls for exactly eight hours of
sleep per night and for the dieter to keep a journal.Kits
Gittleman runs residential fat flush and ‘Fast Track’
cleansing programs and an online forum. She sells a line
of organic processed foods and a 30-day fat flush detox-
ification kit that includes vitamins and minerals,
GLA-90, and a weight-loss formula. The latter contains
high amounts of chromium and L-carnitine. Chromium
is a nutrient that can assist the body in utilizing protein,
sugar, and fat. According to Gittleman, L-carnitine
maximizes fat burning by helping the body transform
food into energy. Her formula is also advertised to
contain blood-sugar-stabilizing agents, appetite con-
trollers, fat burners, andlipotropic nutrients and
herbs.Function
The fat flush diet first uses a detoxification regimen
to improve fat burning and then implements a plan
for losing weight rapidly, followed by a maintenance
plan. It is considered to be a healthy weight-loss program.
It is a balanced diet with a significant exercise component
andisdesignedtobefollowedforlife.Benefits
Benefits of the fat flush diet may include:
detoxification or cleansing of the liver and lymphatic
system
rapid weight loss of up to 10 lb (4.5 kg) in the first two
weeks
elimination of bloating
weight loss accompanied by body toningmaintenance of weight loss
decreased hips, waist, and thigh measurements
According to Gittleman, this plan will also:
increase metabolism
permanently eliminate cellulite
increase energy
improve sleep
improve health and appearance
manage hormones and stabilize mood swings
improve attitude
create a healthy lifestyle.PrecautionsThe fat flush diet is only appropriate for people
who can maintain a very strict diet for the first few
weeks in order to lose weight rapidly. It may not be
appropriate for vegetarians because it specifies animal
protein. Vegans should add an amino-acid supplement
and possibly protein powder. It is not known how
often the fat flush diet leads to permanent weight
loss. As with most diets, if healthy eating habits are
not maintained long term, any weight lost will be
regained and the other benefits will be lost.
Some experts advise against following diets that
eliminate entire food groups and/or require the taking
of supplements whose effects are unknown. The fat
flush diet prohibits wheat and dairy during phases 1
and 2 and requires supplements. Whole-wheat grains
are considered to be one of the best foods for reducing
the risk of heart disease. Low-fat dairy products pro-
videcalciumand nutrients such asmagnesiumand
riboflavin that may be hard to obtain from other
foods. The fat flush diet requires expensive supplements
includingflaxseedoil, evening primrose oil, GLA, and
protein powders.
Those following the fat flush diet should be aware
of additional precautions:
The caloric allowance in phase 1 may be too low for
some people, particularly men.
The calorie levels in phases 1 and 2 are too low to
support a strenuous exercise regimen.
The low calories may slow down, rather than speed
up, metabolism.
Although eight hours of sleep is sufficient for many
people, other people require more sleep, particularly
with 40 minutes of brisk walking per day and two
strength-training sessions per week.Fat flush diet