Fat Flush Diet

fat-flush-planThe Fat Flush Plan can be found in a book by Ann Louise Gittleman.

Ann has previously written a number of books and articles about nutrition and detox diets.

The Fat Flush Plan is both a detox diet and a weight loss diet. The idea is to provide all the necessary ingredients to boost metabolism, reduce water retention, and promote fat loss.

Fat Flush – Detox and Weight Loss

The Fat Flush Plan consists of 3 Phases as follow:

Phase 1 – 2 weeks

This is a restrictive phase of between 1100-1200 calories per day. The intention here is to “lose bloat” – which refers to reducing water retention as well as some fat loss.

In this phase you are not allowed to eat; margarine, alcohol, sugar, oils or fats (except flaxseed oil), grains, bread, cereal, starchy vegetables, dairy products. Even the herbs and spices are restricted to a small list.

Phase 2 – Ongoing

Here the calorie allowance is lifted – to 1200-1500 calories. The idea is to continue on with the program until the desired weight loss is achieved.

Phase 3 – The maintenance phase

Essentially a weight maintenance phase, with a caloric intake of 1500 calories or over. Some starchy carbs are gradually re-introduced, along with gluten-free grains, and some dairy.

Exercise 20 Minutes Each Day

The program contains a significant exercise component. This can be anything from 20 to 40 minutes of exercise per day, depending on the phase.

This is typically low-impact (walking). Strength training (lifting weights) is also on the list (twice a week). A sleep prescription of exactly 8 hours per night is also required.

Sample Meal Plan – Fat Flush Phase 1

Upon Waking
“Long Life” cocktail [@psyllium husks@ in cran-water – see below]
Before Breakfast
8 oz hot water with lemon juice
Breakfast
Vegetable scramble – 2 scrambled eggs, with spinach, green peppers, scallions, and parsley.
8 oz glass of cran-water [diluted unsweetened cranberry juice]
Snack
1/2 Large grapefruit
20 minutes before lunch
8 oz glass of cran water
Lunch
4 ounces of salmon with lemon and garlic, warm asparagus, mixed-green salad with broccoli florets and cucumber, 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil, and one 8 oz glass of cran-water
Mid afternoon snack
2 8 oz glass cran-water
4pm Snack
1 apple
20 minutes before dinner
8 oz glass of cran water
Dinner
4 ounces of grilled lamb chop with pinch of cinnamon and dried mustard, sautéed kale in broth, baked summer squash with a touch of cloves, and 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
Mid evening
“Long life” cocktail

Look for other recipes that could be used with the Fat Flush Diet here.

Program Costs

The Fat Flush Plan retails for $24.95.

Available from Amazon →

Your grocery bill may also raise due to special foods needed such as gluten-free items.

Fat Flush Pros and Cons

The Up side The Fat Flush program has all the elements of a good and healthy weight loss program. It isn’t hard to find success stories regarding this program (however the true test is always the test of time – is the fat loss sustained or temporary?).

Remember this diet is a detox or cleansing diet, thus the very restrictive phase one. Unless healthy eating patterns are applied to your lifestyle, any benefits gained will soon be lost.

The Downside One criticism is that the calorie level in Phase 1 may be too low for some people (particularly men), and the lower calorie levels could have the affect of slowing down metabolism rather than speeding it up.

There is a significant exercise portion (which is a good thing) and fortunately the longer exercise is added during phase 3. However there is little chance the calorie levels of phase 1 (or 2) will support a strong exercise regimen.

This diet is like many other diet books – the one size fits all approach will never suit everyone. Eight hours a sleep a night may be excellent for some, but with 40 minutes brisk walking a day, plus 2 weights sessions per week, this sleep is simply not enough for some people.

Recommendations

This diet is a book and like all those hundreds of diet books sitting on the shelves, you need to be a fairly motivated and focused person.

This is why many of the on-line diet programs have been successful – they offer community, personalized support, lots of on-line tools and menu generators etc, AND can personalize your diet for YOU.

How many times have you tried the “latest new diet”? Only to find yourself back where you started 6 months later. It’s good to have a buddy system.

NOTE: Many medical professionals question the validity of most detox diets as there is little empirical evidence to suggest that any detoxification occurs.

Also Available: Fat Flush for Life

fat-flush-for-lifeThe book describes general recommendations on how to structure your diet with lean proteins, healthy fats and low-glycemic index carbohydrates. However the foundation of the Fat Flush for Life program are the seasonal detox plans that help your body to cleanse and eliminate excess fat by taking advantage of your way your body naturally responds to the seasons.

The detox plans included in the book are as follows:

  • Winter Fat Flush
    This program helps to jump-start your metabolism and protect your immunity while keeping you feeling warm and satisfied in cold weather.
  • Spring Fat Flush
    Release liver toxins while nourishing the body with a lighter way of eating that is cleansing to the body.
  • Summer Fat Flush
    The detox process is accelerated to help you burn fat faster during the warmer time of the year while still focusing on releasing accumulated toxins.
  • Autumn Fat Flush
    A vegetarian plan that enhances body cleansing and resets metabolism.
  • The 5 Day Hot Metabolism Booster
    A plateau-buster that is guaranteed to help you take your weight loss to the next level. This plan helps to shift stubborn weight gain and incorporates the use of thermogenic herbs and spices.

Available from Amazon →

 By Mizpah Matus B.Hlth.Sc(Hons)
    References:
  • Mason, R. (2002). Chemical Toxins and Obesity: Paula F. Baillie-Hamilton, MB, BS, D. Phil., Explains the Link. Alternative & Complementary Therapies, 8(4), 218-223. link
  • Le Sueur, J. (2009). Detox Diets: Worth the Effort or a Waste of Time?. Professional Beauty, (Mar 2009), 184. link
  • Atkinson, R. L. (1989). Low and very low calorie diets. The Medical clinics of North America, 73(1), 203-215. link

95 Comments or Reviews

Comments now closed
  1. divid

    i lost 10 lbs for first hour when i use this diet.

  2. Emma

    Did the flash flush diet several years ago. Lost 8 lbs the first week. Overal ended up losing 14 lbs. and two dress sizes. Whenever I am looking to jump start a weight loss habit I start with this program for the detoxing effects. On the downside I have never completed all three phazes or did this for an extended period of time. If you are ready to diet and want some quick weight loss to get you excited than this one is for you. You will feel awsome a few days into the program !

  3. SB

    Only the strong will survive, especially if you have partner that eats whatever they want and not gain a pound. I started this diet a week ago and I’ve lost 7 pounds. Phase 1 is kind of boring, will be moving to phase 20 real soon.

  4. PF

    I WENT AHEAD AND STARTED THIS DIET TO ALMOST A T, BECAUSE I DONT HAVE MONEY TO BUY THE EXPENSIVE FLAX OR PRIMEROSE OILS AND SPECIAL WHEY PROTEIN, BUT IN 3 DAYS IVE LOST 5 POUNDS AND COUNTING. THAT IS MORE THAN WHAT I LOST IN A WHOLE MONTH OF STARVING AND DOING EXTREME WORKOUTS AT THE GYM…

    THIS CLEANSE REALLY ELIMINATES EXCESS TOXINS, FATS, AND WATER IN YOUR SYSTEM! PLUS IT MAKES YOU FEEL GREAT FROM THE INSIDE OUT… I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND IF YOU ARE 150% SERIOUS ABOUT LOOSING THE WEIGHT 🙂

  5. mamaof4boys

    i just have those last 10 lbs. to lose. will i see the same results?? i like what i’ve read so far. thanks!

  6. Love this

    I started a week ago and am down about 10 lbs. Feeling much more energetic and not totally sick of the bland choices yet. I am going to continue on phase one for as long as I can because the weight is literally melting off!

  7. Lori

    I did this diet (not 100%) and lost 20 lbs the first 2 weeks. It has been two years and the weight is still off even though I’m not on it at the moment. I felt wonderful. I would not recommend the cold turkey no caffeine as the headaches are not worth it!! I drink 1 cup of regular coffee a day. It does work (even if you don’t do it exactly) and you will be amazed at how loose your clothes will get so quickly!! this is the ONLY diet that has ever worked for me!!!

  8. heather

    i started a diet 2 weeks ago and have lost 14 lbs…a friend of mine does this diet ..so i may start…im not so sure about all the restrictions…since ive lost weight eating whatever i have wanted the past 2 weeks…its all about [portion control…but im on a mission so this may have to to…

  9. Denise

    I have tried this diet a few time and can’t get back the 1st week. Even though I had lost 5 pounds I got very bored. I feel like because the spices even are so limited I was always struggling to find food that was quick, good and tasted decent. I find that grilling meats just naturally gives it more taste but I can’t always do that because of weather. Any recipe ideas people can share would be greatly appreciated.

  10. Gail

    Any good recipes for a salad dressing? I’m on my third day and lost 5lbs already!!! Doing the Fat Flush Smoothie Shakedown. Just 19 lbs to go 🙂

  11. BEVERLIN BROWN

    IAM NOW ON THE FLAT FLUSH FOR LIFE AND I REALY LOVE IT. I WASE SIZE 20-22’S NOW IAM 17 TO 18 SIZE I REALY LOVE THE DIET.

  12. Deb Statz

    I did this cleanse/diet back in 2005 with great success. The reason I started it was because I had an itchy body and the doctor couldn’t figure out what was wrong (I used to scratch my legs until they bled and it was spreading). I went to specialists and everything was normal, tried every kind of cream under the sun, nothing worked. I was desperate for a solution and figured I might need a good cleanse. I read up on cleansing products and they just scared me. However this body cleanse sounded healthy (all natural products), and I liked the way Louise wrote the book. This diet flushed out whatever was going on, yippee!!! The upside was that I also lost weight with great success (7 pounds the first week), but I followed it to a T. I did everything that was required. Unfortunately I couldn’t stick to it and slowly gained the weight back – I like my wine, and this diet is basically alcohol free; I like certain grains that are no allowed. Because of it’s restrictive nature, it’s hard to live by forever, and so I ended up completely falling off the program.

    That being said, I always go back to the basics of this when I need to lose some weight – I think her concept is solid. This time though I decided to do a combo. I found a website called http://www.sparkpeople.com (it’s free and amazing) for helping me with my weight loss. I’m following the Fat Flush program Phase I and II while doing sparkpeople. I will eventually figure out the foods/diet plan that works for me and will hopefully be able to maintain my weight loss this time. I am very hopeful. But I definitely believe in the Fat Flush Concept for kicking off any weight loss program, we all need a good cleanse every now and then!

  13. DSC

    In response to Deb’s cranberry juice recipe, dated 01/09/10…..you’ve got the recipe right with one exception…NO SUGAR, absolutely no sugar is allowed on this diet. The only really accepted sweetener is Stevia. Go back and re-read the book to be sure of your facts before misinforming people.

  14. Andre

    This diet seems to be working. My wife and I started it Monday March 8, 2009. I so far have lost 7lbs and my wife has lost 5lbs. The biggest problem we have run into is that we drank way to much caffine. We would dring at least 60 cans a week betweens us. This diet has caused us to have major headaches. Although a week later they are not hurting nearly as bad as they had been. I can manage without drinking a can a day. My wife is still strugling a little but wow we still have a twelve pack that we bought before we started. I am really looking to see how the results are by the end of this week. To all who try this keep it up I’m sure you will do great.

  15. Janna

    To everyone that thinks this is just another fad diet that will not work in the future, you’re all wrong. This is basically teaching the skills how to eat healthy again. I think that a lot of people lose weight and then stop eating healthy, that’s why people gain the weight back; not because this is a fad that doesn’t work. If a person sticks to it, and continues to eat healthy and exercise, they will keep the weight off. I will recommend this to anyone who asks.

  16. bchatmon

    Hello! I have search the web on excersie t.v. I saw the fat flush I too do not have a lot of money but too eat veggies without the carbs it sound like a winner but I muust admitt I had tbsp. full pasta the rest was meatballs. I’ve drinking alot of water have not gotten the craneberry juice but will soon. Yes at this time I’am craving for something sweet but not going too have it any ways keep it coming I need your support thank you Ms. Wilmington Delaware

  17. Rod

    I am a 41 year old male, 6’2″ and I weighed 260 lbs. I just completed phase 1 and lost 21 lbs. I intend to continue on to my target weight of 210. This diet works! I feel great and do not have cravings. I stopped Caffeine, Alcohol, sugars and don’t miss them so far.

  18. Naomi King

    PS-
    Jade,
    Please tell me you aren’t trying to lose weight. It’s awesome you are thinking about your health and for good reason. Today more than ever, kids are tempted with insane amounts of sugar and snack foods marketed directly to you! But let me remind you that your body is trying to grow and needs certain vitamins and minerals in order to do so. Make sure you are taking a good multi-vitamin daily and getting your grains! Phase 3 of this plan may be suitable for you but you’ll need to adjust slightly and be sure you increase intake according to your activity level. Just try laying off any convenient foods and soda and eating your veggies! Also keep in mind you may be forgetting to get enough water. You are at a healthy weight and I wouldn’t recommend being on any diet. You are in school and it would be very difficult to prepare all your snacks and meals each day. Don’t waste your youth trying to lose weight. Instead, remember you are beautiful and the best thing you can do for yourself to believe that is to feed yourself healthy foods, not diet.

  19. Naomi King

    I want to share that I’ve been living the fat flush diet lifestyle for years and I couldn’t be happier to continue to spread positive word on the benefits of this diet. It gets right down to the truth. There are no short cuts or easy packaged snack foods filled with preservatives and empty calories. I love this diet because from day one you are addressing the real issue which is carving everything out of your diet and slowly re-introducing only the foods you find you do not react negatively to. We sometimes don’t think twice about being a little puffy, bloated, gassy or tired throughout the day or after meals. With the fat flush- you will never have those symptoms again. It really truly nourishes you for the optimum liver health. I encourage anyone to try it for three weeks. And ladies, note your PMS symptoms before and after going on the flush. You will be pleasantly surprised at the benefits this plan has beyond weight loss. I always tell friends to start with phase 2 and then work back to phase one. This really helps with adjustment. Also, if you don’t want to try the diet simply because you can’t give up caffeine- then just have a cup of black coffee in the morning and stick to the diet everywhere else. Simply giving your best effort in the beginning will motivate you as the week(s) progress. Soon you’ll be in week 3 and maybe you’ve cheated a little but you will have seen enough of a change to really push yourself to go 100% and into Phase 1. Good luck!

  20. jessikah

    yay! im starting this diet today 🙂 i need to loose weight fast,im tired of being overweight

  21. Jade

    Hey, I’m 14, 5’3, and weigh in at 124 pounds. I know I’m not fat but would love to loose a few pounds as my birthday in in the next 3 weeks. I’m just finding it difficult to understand how this diet works. If I do the stage 1 of this diet, does anyone know how much weight I might loose. I’m not doing this diet if it won’t do anything. Please reply x

  22. dami

    my friend just recommended this diet and I plan to start it soon. I hope that all will go well.

  23. ann

    DAY 1! I am starting this diet today! I plan to follow it exactly & I am hoping to loose a pound a day. I am looking to loose 11 lbs in 11 days. Some people are posting losses of more than a pound a day, so I figure this is a reasonable goal. Wish me luck. Will keep you posted on my success.

  24. Deb

    you can make your own cranberry juice by cooking and straining the berries and
    sweetening it with a fruit sweetener or you can drink it unsweetened.

    1 pound bag fresh or frozen cranberries
    1 quart water

    Wash and drain fresh or frozen red-ripe cranberries.
    Combine cranberries and water in a large pan.
    Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until berries burst.

    Strain juice through a fine strainer lined with cheese cloth.
    Sugar can be added to juice to your taste.
    Reheat juice until it is almost, but not boiling.
    Pour into jars. Allow to cool before refrigerating.

  25. Terry

    Hi I am amazed to read here:

    “Your grocery bill may also raise due to special foods needed such as gluten-free items”

    I have Celiac Disease and require a Gluten free diet. I gained a LOT of weight going Gluten free because many GF Foods are made with a lot of starches rather than healthy whole graine. I have never tried this diet because I thought there was a sprouted wheat bread required. I cannot eat wheat on a GF Diet. Can anyone expand on this, Is this diet reall THAT Gluten Free friendly that foods needed would be those that are Gluten Free? Thank you.

  26. gary

    really

  27. Ted

    I weighted 197 pounds when I started the diet and 5 months later I weigh 163 pounds. The single biggest thing this diet did for me was give me more energy. I think it forced me to stop eating all the carbs. I did lose about 10 pounds in the first 2 weeks. When I went to phase 2, I started a cardio routine and have not stopped running. I run 5-6 times a week for at least 30 minutes. I have learned to maintain my habits. So when I have a drink now, I make sure to burn it off by exercising. Calories in, calories out. No secret here.. the diet will get you started in the right path, but you have to maintain it.

  28. nali

    i havnt bought the book yet but i want to start the plan based on what i have found on the internet
    the sample plan given here, is this a proper plan? iv read that primrose oil and some supplements should be taken as well? if someone could please tell me a list of foods allowed n what supplements etc have to be taken. and is the cranwater 1 part cran to 4 part water or 7 part water?

  29. Donna Lee

    I love the science and health behind the fat flush plan. I had mid section weight, not much, but enough to limit me. I did not lose weight for over 2 weeks, but then it started falling away and especially around the midsection. It was those stubborn 7 or 8 pounds that I did everything to get rid of in the past. By the time I got to phase III, I felt I could stay on this forever. I do the phase I & II 4 times a year and phase III the best I can the rest of the time. I feel and look better than I did in my 20’s!!!!

  30. Taylor

    When i was 14, i was 166 pounds, and a size 14/16. I was a fat girl. Everybody told me i wasn’t, but i knew i was just when i looked in the mirror. It didnt help when all these girls in my grade were size 0’s. When i graduated my 8th grade year I decided i was DONE being the FAT girl. My mom helped me with this too, she did the Fat Flush Diet with me. By the end of the summer I had lost about 26 pounds, and weighing about 140 pounds. Im 17 now, still about 140 pounds, but i’ve decided id like to lose some more weight…so i started back on the diet last Sunday. Me and my mother took our “fat pictures” and we are going to picture ourselves every two weeks to calendar our losses. I weighed in at 141.5 on Sunday, it’s Thursday now and im weighing in at 138.5. Im very pleased so far…not just with the loss…but i feel so much less bloated and so much more energized!

  31. greentea

    My husband and I have been on this fat flush cleansing diet for 3 weeks and have not lost any size in the mid section. We both lost 10 lbs everywhere else but nothing changed in the midsection, which is why we went on this diet. My husband doesn’t need to lose anywhere else because he is fit and lean except for ab area. I have developed a red bumpy rash under my eyes that we think may be from flax seed. No fat is flushing here and we don’t know why. very discouraging.

  32. self design

    Regarding the recipe above for cranberry juice, you cannot add sugar if you are using it for the fat flush plan, there is absolutely no sugar allowed. The only sweetener allowed is stevia.

  33. berry

    I went on the diet for two weeks and lost 1 stone!
    10 pounds in the first week and then another 4 in the 2nd!
    I was simply amazed by the results! I went from a size 14 to a size 10 and went from weighing 10stone 4 to 9 stone 4!
    I strongly reccomend the fat flush diet to anyone!

  34. August

    I’m on the 10th day of the lemon juice only plan and have went from a tight 36 inch Levi to a loose 34 inch one. My hardest part is SMELLING FOOD; one whiff and I go off to a magical All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Reastaurant in my mind.

  35. Anne

    As a serial dieter, I realized this past spring that I had reached my highest weight ever. (I am 45, mother of three, high school teacher.) I bought the book and tried this diet. I found it the easiest plan to stick to. Always in the past, I had found it difficult to give up carbs and alcohol. On this diet, I didn’t even crave them. I lost 10 lbs the first week and 5 in the second. I am hoping that I am able to continue until I reach my goal of losing 40 lbs, and sustaining that loss. My daughters are 18 and 19. Should they ever need to lose some weight, I would recommend this plan.

  36. Amber

    I find it humorous that many of the comments about this diet are “Oh, I did it a few years ago, and it was great. Now I need to do it again because I gained back all the weight I lost when I was on the diet!”

    Maybe it’s just the calorie restrictions that’s working in this diet, and not actually any kind of magical body detoxification. Also, what good is losing weight if you can’t (or won’t) maintain the protocols of the diet to keep the weight off? Why not just count calories, drink lots of water, and eat healthy instead of spending all your money and time on fad diets?

  37. K.D.

    I was on this diet about 2 years ago and was sucessful. Just went back on it and this time it seems harder due to the headache I am constantly having this 1st week. I think after this week things should get better. I hope to achieve the same goal as I did 2 years ago. Also afterwards and during the maintenance I continued to drink 4 oz of the cranberry cocktail during the day along with my snacks/water and was able to achieve great results.

  38. erb

    I did this diet years ago and felt great and lost weight slowly but steadily. It is a commitment but once you get in the groove it is very easy to live with. Medical tests at that time showed excellent results. now, at 51 and diagnosed with hashimotos and having gained 4 pounds in one month, I am going to try it again – for the health and weight reduction benefits. No one could argue that the diet isn’t healthy – and if you need more food, well eat it, but know that may effect how quickly weight comes off.

    good luck

  39. Debbie

    I love this program. I used it to “detox” my body before I got pregnant. Now that I am ready to lose the rest of my pregnancy weight (I gained 60 pounds and have about 25 left to lose) I decided to go back on the program to lose the weight. In 6 weeks I’ve lost 15 pounds and I feel great. It IS difficult to plan/prepare everything required- especially when you have kids to chase all day. But you can make your own modifications (for instance, I don’t use strictly organic stuff) and still be very successful with some simple planning ahead. It has helped me to “re-program” my mind and body to make better choices-even on those nights when I go out to eat. TRY IT! You’ll feel great!

  40. nanette paul

    well im gonna try this diet im a diabetic and have been trying to lose weight!!

  41. Scott

    This diet worked for me. I was only on it for around 2 months and lost about 20-25 lbs. The hardest part is sticking to it. I gained the weight back, but it took much longer to gain it back than it took to get it off. My goal was to lose 60 lbs. My goal now is to lose 70 lbs, and I hope to do that in 6 months.

  42. Loreili

    organic stores and any bulk food stores should have the unsweetened cranberry juice it is usualy around 5 or 6 bucks a jug but…. you dont use a whole lot at a time so it does last longer then you may think i had intended on doing this diet…… i never could follow thru because of my low income… my dad bought it for me because he said i was to fat every time i saw him maybe i didnt do it partially cuz of him? i have candida … i am doing that diet starting today… its kinda like phase one with out the coctail and well… its just meat and veggies for few weeks

  43. seawitch

    Lina ~~

    you can make your own cranberry juice by cooking and straining the berries and
    sweetening it with a fruit sweetener or you can drink it unsweetened.

    1 pound bag fresh or frozen cranberries
    1 quart water

    Wash and drain fresh or frozen red-ripe cranberries.
    Combine cranberries and water in a large pan.
    Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until berries burst.

    Strain juice through a fine strainer lined with cheese cloth.
    Sugar can be added to juice to your taste.
    Reheat juice until it is almost, but not boiling.
    Pour into jars. Allow to cool before refrigerating.

  44. gary dunbar

    I am 69 years young and am a cancer patient. However my treatments have made me gain 150 pounds over the past six years. I have started this plan and have lost 13 pounds in the past 9 days. My doctors have told me that I couldn’t lose weight because of my medications.I guess they were wrong! I have not taken any pain medication or sleeping pills during this time, for the first time in the six years. I’m doing fine and will continue to see what happens next.

  45. Lina

    I am from Canada wanting to start this diet tomorrow, but could not find any unsweetend cranberry juice besides at the health foods store that was quite exspensive so i bought the low calorie Ocean Spray cranberry cocktail juice, can anyone tell me anywhere to find unsweetend or a name brand? thanks

    • Clara

      On line the brand I use is Knutsen and also Krogers and now Wal-Mart sell this product

  46. Sandy

    I have just started the fat flush plan for the second time. I was on the diet for 6 weeks two years ago and lost a solid 20 pounds. I never had results like this. The first few days are tough but after that you get use to it and within a week on the program I was bursting with energy. To the person that said it is a fruit and veggie diet and you should not stay on it for more than a few weeks…not true. You have two portions of meat or fish daily. Two pieces of fruit daily and all the veggies you can eat. In addition you have eggs, take suppliments, flaxseed oil, drink cran-water, life-long cocktails and warm lemon water. The idea is that once your body has burned off the bad carbs in the first few days it then looks for something else to burn. Your body decides to burn your fat for energy and WOW does it ever! In addition to burning fat I found it did so much more. My energy level was through the roof. My skin looked amazing. I slept like a baby. I didn’t have any more heartburn, and I was plagued with heartburn! I no longer got period cramps. If you stick to this diet you will look and feel 20 years younger. But be warned, this is not an easy diet. It required your full dedication. Fresh fruits and veggies. I ate organic as much as possible. No more shopping for frozen dinners. When I went to Wholefoods to prepare for this diet the woman helping me with the supplements said “what diet are you going on?” I told her “the Fat Flush Plan”. She said “Oh, that’s a great diet…if you can stick with it”. She didn’t last a week when she made the attempt. I strongly suggest that you buy the book. It can be found in any book store. The best advise I can give is that you should buy a lot of Glad plastic containers. I would cook twice a week. Steam several different kinds of veggies and put them each in separate containers. Grill beef or chicken and place them in different containers. When you get up for work in the morning you just fill containers with what you will eat while you are away from home. Preparation ahead of time is key. Especially if you live alone like me. If I came home from work tired it was the difference between fast food or going right to the fridge where I just had to pull out the containers, make a plate and pop it in the microwave. It worked out good for me. If you’re considering this diet, the supplements and flaxseed oil can be very expensive. DON’T WASTE THE MONEY IF YOU ARE NOT HIGHLY MOTIVATED.

  47. star dang

    How is this long life cocktails made? Pls assist…want to start this fat flush right now? I feel so bloated after the long holidays!!!!!!!!!!! tnx! Happy New Year to all of you!

  48. Linda

    I’ve found diets discouraging but this one looks much different after reading the book thoroughly. This time I’m looking for better health and more energy. I’m confident if I stick to those goals I’ll succeed. Wish me luck! Luck to you all as well! Let’s all be the next success stories – chuckles!

  49. Nell

    This plan really works. It’s simple healthful eating. Fruit, vegetables, and protein along with flaxseed oil, GLA supplements, and a multivitamin. I lost 10 pounds in one week. Yes, of course that was water, salt, and all the other nasty stuff my body was retaining because of my bad eating habits. I felt like a million bucks. At 50 I decided to take the challenge not for “looks” but for health. My blood pressure went down too. It’s not only effective but so healthy. Ask your doctor and I’m sure they will agree. If you need more protein, just add a few ounces. Men will need to eat more protein. It really works. Read the book, visit the website. Don’t read the rumors written in so many of these postings. Go to the source.

  50. carolyn

    I highly recommend Fat Flush and please, read every book Ann Louise Gittleman has written. I lost 38 lbs over the course of 6 months, came down two sizes and never felt better in my life. Once you understand how everything works within your body and how it metabolizes different foods, it will become priority #1. My initial reason for going on the diet was not to lose weight, but to feel better – and the added bonus was the weight loss. That was 4 years ago; I have slipped up a bit and gone back to eating wheat products – the result: feeling sluggish, tired and gained back about 12 lbs over the course of 3 mos. At age 56, I’ve always struggled with about 30 excess lbs., but this was by far the best, easiest and rewarding with more energy

  51. Beth

    YES! I love this diet!!!! I am not good at dieting at all! However, this one really worked for me. I lost 20 pounds easily on this diet..and I only needed to lose 20 in 8 weeks! I made it really simple for myself by of course drinking lots of cranberry water with stevia and ate lots of steamed vegtables with the seasoning they suggest. You can eat as much vegtables as you like..so use it to curb the hunger. I stuck with 3 ounces of pretty much any protien 3x per day. I also encouraged 3 other friends to do the diet..we all lost 15 or more pounds and have kept it off. By the way, I just at apples 2x per day in between meals. Don’t get into the fancy recipes, just stick to the basics..be prepared and you will lose!!

  52. Donna

    to Laura: You have to drink 8-10 cups of filtered water daily in order not to have rashes, toxins have to come out thru urine or poop if that is not happening it will come thru the skin. don’t use bottled water. Find Living water or Purified water not Reverse Osmosis water either. This diet is the best to follow and easy to do.

  53. island girl

    I did the fat flush diet, lost a few inches must say i felt great until i went back to old habits. truth is…you are what you eat.
    I do continue to take the long life cocktail before bed & on raising in the mornings. The water with lemon/lime was not new to me. I’m about to start the Fat Flush Plan again then my girlfriend
    told me about the Gut Flush Plan by Ann Louise Gittleman as well, what’s the difference?

  54. v

    to anonymous.

    ever heard of vegetarians? veg & fruit and still alive??

    get outta mac donalds and open your eyes

  55. Laura

    I did the fat flush diet last year but I developed an allergic reaction to the cran-water(although the fat flush plan sees it as physical signs that toxins are leaving your body). Another fat flusher told me that it is quite common to break out into a rash (mine lasted for 1 week) and suggested alternating with pomogranite juice. I haven’t tried it- still nervous to fat flush again since i was left 8 pounds lighter but with an ugly rash!

  56. Georgia

    I am only young and have watch my parents go on diet after diet.
    This book, not only informative, has actually helped them lose kilos. It steps you through what is actually going on in your body and explains why what you’re currently eating isn’t working for you. It’s fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone motivated and looking for a book that works. 🙂

  57. Judy

    Does this actually work?
    Even without the dieting?

  58. Danielle

    The Fat Flush Diet is a three part system. First, you must detoxify your body of all the bad food you have been eating. To do this, you must deprive yourself of all sugars, salt, oils, carbs and dairy. You don’t do this forever, and the author never suggests you do this forever. You do this only for 2 weeks. You eat wonderful things for your body. Flaxseed oil, unsweetened cranberry water, leans meats (like fish, seafood, lean beef, veal, lamb, skinless turkey or chicken), 2 eggs per day, vegetables (like asparagus, green beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, one carrot, cucumbers, daikon, eggplant, spinach, escarole, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, arugula, radicchio, endive, parsley, onions, chives, green and red bell peppers, jicama, mushrooms, 3 olives, radishes, mung bean sprouts, okra, alfalfa sprouts, tomatoes, watercress, red or green loose-leaf lettuce, zucchini, yellow squash, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots and garlic), fruits (like 1 small apple, 1/2 grapefruit, 1 small orange, 2 medium plums, 6 large strawberries, 10 large cherries, 1 nectarine, 1 peach, and 1 cup berries – blueberries, blackberries and raspberries), and several spices (like cayenne, dried mustard, cinnamon, ginger, dill, garlic, anise, fennel, cloves, bay leaves, coriander, parsley, cilantro, apple cider vinegar, and cumin). Ann’s example of a day’s diet is good. But again, you only eat this for 2 weeks. Then you incorporate one carbohydrate per week. Pick one, maybe rice, and eat it for a week. Different carbs make people feel different ways. You must try them all and see which one works best for your body. If you feel tired, or bloated, it is not the right carb. So the next week try wheat. Another thing to remember is this two-week diet is designed to detoxify your body. We are all going to go out to eat again and we are all going to gain weight again. The book suggests doing the two-week plan four times a year. That way, once you have detoxified your body, you can go back to eating the carb that works best for your body.

    I love The Fat Flush Plan. It is a great book and a wonderful way to stay healthy. For years I have done it and found that the more you do it, the more your body will crave pure and simple food. It craves the way you feel after you are done with the two-weeks. You feel more alert, rested, and overall, skinny. You shrink your appetite and can’t eat as much as you could before you went on the diet. You can taste how salty or greasy things are, and you won’t WANT to eat them. This diet is designed to help you change your life, and when executed correctly, it will. If you have any questions about how it works you should read the book. Most of the people who have left negative comments have not read the book. If they had, they would understand why they are incorrect in their assumptions. I am very thankful to have found such a wonderful plan to keep weight off and detoxify my body. Thank you Ann!!!

  59. Valarie

    I’ve been having lots of problems with constipation and tiredness. My doctor suggested I try the fat flush plan to help my body and clense it and rid it from all toxins. I read the book and I see exactly where all my problems come from, it makes sense. I’m ready to start this so wish me luck. I also read her sesonal detox book. Very interesting stuff.

  60. MarieAnn

    Cran water is unsweetend cranberry juice (knudsen brand) not Ocean spray. Mix one cup unsweetend cranberry juice with 7 cups filtered water. you should drink 64 ounces a day. http://www.annlouise.com/ I’ve read the book, i’ve visited the web site….tons of great information, VISIT THE WEB SITE!!!!!

  61. Edel

    with this diet is this what you eat everyday? and where do you get cran water? and what is the cocktail drink made?

  62. Dec

    Interesting concept but you are forgetting one simple process, Diets don’t really work. People need to change the way they eat to a more healthy standard and exercise. If you indulge on bad things you need to evaluate that aspect of your life. I do like the cran-H20 concept though. Cranberry juice straight is very good for you!

  63. misty

    after you finish phase 3 you should be disicplined enough to not stop at every fast food joint you see!! really you have to first commit to helping your own health.

  64. mandy

    I just finished reading the fat flush plan and really think you should read it before sharing your opinions of what you think this diet consist of. It is a great way to jumpstart a new healthier lifestyle, but yeah if you start eating fastfood as soon as you finish phase 3 the weight will come back.

  65. amanda

    I think all this is crazy. I understand flushing you system for 1 to 3 days, but for toxins not to loose weight. YOU WILL GAIN IT BACK!! I have rentecently started loosing weight and so far ive lost about 22 pounds over the period of a couple months. I cant even tell that im trying to loose and i still get all my goodies that i cant live without just less of them. Ive added fruit and veges in my diet which took place of alot of bad things ( like sauteed zuccini instead of a bag of chips for a snack ) and i dont miss any thing or even feel like im on a diet. Just make little suttle changes in every meal and youll loose weight without even trying. Eating just fruits and veges will not work . You will end up bingeing for like 3 years:)

  66. Stacy

    Can anyone give me an example of a typical Fat Flush breakfast? I am seriously considering trying this, not as a diet, but rather as a lifestyle change. Is it easy, or does it take a lot of pre-preparation? Any example meal plans? Also, I am a fruit freak! Any fruits that are off limits?

  67. sugar

    I am a sugar addict. Last year I did fat flush for 3 months and felt FANTASTIC. My sugar consumption has been crazy again so now I am back and only 2 days in, I feel loads better. I don’t know why I ever started eating sugar again…oh yeah, I’m a baker.

  68. Hanna

    Taylor, your diet is very unhealthy, you must be 16, people need protein and protein helps metabolize fat. While a moderate amount of fruit is healthy you RX adds to much sugar in to the diet with no protein or complex carbs to help metabolize it.

  69. Terry

    Can anyone answer if the Fat Flush diet is good if you are anemic?
    I’m on an iron supplement of 48 mg. per day for my anemia and I wanted to know before I started this diet, if it would be safe for me?

  70. Allegra

    I looked at this carefully, and I’m going to try it. Unlike what many on this forum are saying, this is NOT a fruit- and veggie-only diet! It includes a lot of protein, even eggs. And the whole point of the book is that this is not a weight loss diet, but a lifestyle diet. It totally debunks what we consider “normal eating” for what it really is, unhealthy eating. We Americans have to get our heads out of the sand about what is “normal eating”, because it’s not what we think it is. It’s no wonder we have a health crisis in this country. Also, if you really read the book, you’ll see that the author says you need to increase the caloric intakes according to your own excerise plan, or if you’re a man, or large-boned or whatever. So be sure you’re really reading what she says and not just spreading rumors.

    MunkyBonzz, in answer to your question, the book is called The Fat Flush Plan, and it is written by Ann Louise Gittleman.

  71. Monnette

    I started the fat flush plan 2 summers ago and I lost a little more than 20 pounds. I stayed in phase one for nearly 2 months and was so discipled, thanks be to God. I was so happy and energetic. My greatest mistake was that when I should have moved on to phase 2 I fell off the wagon and since then I have gained 30 pounds! YIKES!!! I just made a trip the health food store and the grocery store and I am in great hopes of actually sticking with the program again with the same self discipline as the first time. I failed to mention I have returned to phase 1 about 40 times in the last 2 years just to fall off the wagon in a week or so. Look at this like quitting smoking, only when you’re ready will you take action. To all of you out there seeking information, you can go to any health food store, ie. GNC or a local health food store and ask about the fat flush plan and they will help you get started. I will warn you though, it is not cheap, so be prepared and good luck.

  72. MunkyBonzz

    I’m a diabetic and my doctor gave me the “Fat Flush Program” and told me to try it out a.s.a.p. So, I was wondering a couple of things if anyone can help me out, please. One is this the correct Fat Flush Program or is this just one of many online? And Two,does it truly work & is it easy to stick with? Because I’m in a bit of trouble and my doctor that this may be what does the trick. I pray…..Thank you for any input at all.

  73. Natalie

    I agree your only getting like 800 calories a day.
    I got sick, tired and shaky not to mention mean, because I was hungry.
    I did loose 5 lbs though, but still I want to live my life, make healthy decesions, I don’t think the Lord would want us to starve all the time. Read into this, there is a lot of malnutrition in this “DIE-T”

  74. Katharine

    Angelina, the book is called Fat Flush Plan.

  75. Angelia

    Can someone tell me the name of the book?

  76. cindy

    yes i did the flush with hot water ,lemon in the morning and the long lifer cocktail drink at night ..cranberry and ground flax.
    I stayed on this diet for 2 weeks eating veggies fruit …protien and evening primrose oil…the idea is to change yr eating habits..when i finished this I never went back to junk food again.
    I lost 12 pounds and never gained it back…that was 6 yrs ago….ill never forgewt the first trip to MacDonalds after that…yuck the french fry tasted like a coating of grease in my mouth….yes I say try this life style change…I had so much energy,my health my skin…it was amazing!!

  77. dragonfly

    Three years ago I did the Fat Flush plan…it worked. I lost 12.5 pounds in two weeks and I felt great. I swam a bit everyday too. It made me feel so good I remained eating healthy for a few years and kept the weight off plus another 10 pounds….then I went back to eating carbs and have gained it back. I am starting the Fat Flush again this week..I say try it.

  78. drago

    that is the point anonymous on any diet you aren’t supposed to go back to the way you were eating before. you have to change your lifestyle and keep it that way. not just do it till you reached your goal then throw it to the wind. A diet isn’t by definition a way to lose weight its just the way you eat you either have a healthy one or an unhealthy one, one that makes you fat and have low energy or one to invigorate and energize. just remember everyone “you either live to eat or eat to live”

  79. Anonymous

    i think that only eating fruits and veggies for a month is incredibly UNHEALTHY. Who ever is doing doing this should seriously re-evaluate what they think to be healthy. sounds border-line eating disorder to me.

  80. Anonymous

    as soon you go to eating normallie the weight will pile on

  81. Meredith

    I have followed this diet with tweeking it a bit to fit my own lifestyle. It does work and it makes you feel so healthy and have energy! I sent it to my sister and she feels the same way. I only lasted a week on the detox but after that you stop craving bad foods and want to continue eating healthy. I suggest trying it.

  82. David

    This is such a FAD DIET, some people lose some, some people don’t. The caloric intake is not healthy by any circumstances.

  83. dorie

    Anybody who eats 1100-1200 calories a day will lose weight, even if it’s ice cream and bread! Consuming that restricted number of calories is not a sustainable eating plan. Nor is eating a diet of fruit and veggies all day long. Strive to eat what we humans were designed to eat: wholesome, unprocessed foods in reasonable portions. Our hunters and gatherer ancestors did not go to 31 flavors, or sit around on couches munching on snacks. They were lean and strong from leading physically active lives. Incorporate some of the healthy aspects of the fat flush plan into your daily diet (like the long life cocktail), but use your common sense. There is no mystery to what it takes to be healthy. The root of it is your mental state. Decide to honor your body with good things only, and your body will respond in kind. Trust this process and then you can let go of all diet plans.

  84. Lydi

    How do you make the Long Life Cocktail Drink??
    Isn’t it a shake?

  85. egore

    I am just starting the Fat Flush diet. After three days, I have lost 4.5 lbs — probably all water weight, with the numerous diuretics included in the diet (cranwater, lemon water, dandelion root tea, etc.). I bought the book and have glanced ahead at the future phases. The diet is very similar to the macrobiotic diet, which I followed for several years a while back. It’s basically good, healthy food in moderate quantities, organic if possible, avoiding toxins like caffein, alcohol, dairy, etc. Very similar to macrobiotic. Yes, a lifestyle change for most Americans.

  86. Veronica

    This sounds like a great way to lose weight but not keep it off… losing weight is a lifestyle adjustment, you can’t expect to lose in 2 weeks what you have gained in months or even years. I suggest that you do it the HEALTHY way, by eating a balanced meal and exercising.

  87. Allison

    For Taylor:

    That is not a mix of Fat Flush…that is just a fruit and veggie diet which should not be attempted for more than a couple of days.

    Lewis:

    You only mix 1 or 2 tbsp of ground flaxseed into the cran-water once a day (in lieu of psyllium husks if that is your preference).

    To All:

    I would strongly recommend buying the book (or checking it out at the library) before attempting this diet. The blurb here is certainly not enough information to do it properly.

    Also, with exercise I believe you are supposed to keep it mild during the first phases and just do some bouncing on a rebounder (mini-trampoline) to get your lymph system going and since you aren’t eating enough for a strenuous workout plan. (Haven’t read the book in a while and need to refresh myself on it).

  88. fatflusher

    TTis program really works. I have had great success on it. The support is really awesome and the websites are great. I use http://www.annlouiseforum.com all the time – it’s where other folks doing the Fat Flush Plan share recipes, ideas, success stories and yes, even our struggles. I have dropped 60 pounds in three years and have kept it off! The forum also has medical professionals and experts that reply to your questions. Ann Louise also interacts on the forum. She has a good website with more information and articles for free at http://www.annlouise.com. I can’t say enough good things about the Fat Flush Plan.

  89. Taylor

    I mixed this diet, along with another detox diet to create my own detox plan thats working great for me.

    I’d love to share:

    First three days:
    Before breakfast drink warm water mixed with 1/2 a squeezed lemon.
    For breakfast, have only one kind of fruit, and water. Eat until you feel you’ve had enough.

    For lunch, choose between an orange, grapefruit, or plum. Eat until you feel you’ve had enough.

    For a snack, drink water, cran water, or carrot juice.

    For Dinner, eat only an apple, a pear, grapes, or a banana. And, a glass of water.

    Be sure to drink 8 glasses of water a day, along with vegetable juice. Now that the first three days are up you can mix your fruit. Continue on the diet below for at least a month.

    For breakfast: mix fruits such as oranges, kiwis, pineapple, grapefruits, or plums. Water.

    For lunch, mix only grapes, pears, bananas, mangoes, and lettuce. You can also eat dates, or a handful of dried raisons or apricots.

    For a snack, drink a large glass of water, cran water, or carrot juice. Preferably, carrot juice.

    For dinner, enjoy a salad , fruit, and water. No salad dressings. Only olive oil.

    When doing any detox diet, you will notice symptoms at first. But once your body adjusts to your healthier way of life, you’ll feel much more energized than you ever have! Once you’ve done this diet for at least a month, you should add brown rice to meals. Its a good idea to incorporate the brown rice into your plan and stick with the diet for at least a few more weeks. If you love the way a detox diet makes you feel defaintly try changing to an all vegan or organic diet. The transition should be easy once you’ve been on a detox diet for this long.

    GOOD LUCK!

  90. effie

    where is the book sold , i need all the instructions.

  91. lewis

    how much ground flaxseed do you add to the cranberry juice/water, and how often do you drink it?

  92. Carrie

    and add ground flaxseed

  93. Doug-e

    It is a 7 parts water to 1 part unsweet cranberry jucie.

  94. debbie

    I need to know more about the drink and how it is made, can anyone tell me more about it and how much and of what to make this drink