Fat Flush Diet For One Week

The Fat Flush programs, devised by nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, focus on detoxifying the body to lose weight, eliminate parasites and boost overall health. The Autumn Fat Flush, featured in "Fat Flush for Life: The Year-Round Super Detox Plan to Boost Your Metabolism and Keep the Weight Off Permanently," includes a one-week elimination diet to get you thinking about your food choices. Eliminating these foods for one week may cause you to shed a few pounds while boosting your energy, says Gittleman.

Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

Sugar sneaks into your diet under the guise of many names, according to Gittleman, and all forms will sap your energy and slow down your metabolism. Eliminate foods with ingredients that include the words "sugar" or "syrup," as well as honey, dextrose, fructose, malt, molasses, sucrose and treacle. For some, artificial sweeteners trigger the same hunger rollercoaster as do full-calorie sugars, explains Gittleman. Skip them, and you may find that you have fewer headaches and less bloat. Avoid all foods and beverages containing acesulfame-K, aspartame, maltodextrin, manitol, saccharin, sorbitol and sucralose. Make this easier on yourself by skipping sweet foods other than fruit that claim "low-calorie" status.

Trans Fats

Processed foods gain a longer shelf-life from trans fats, yet they are linked to heart disease, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. There are two places you can look on packaging to avoid this ingredient. Nutrition labels in the United States carry a line item for trans fat grams. For items that only list ingredients, look for the words "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" and "vegetable shortening." Then put the package down and walk away from it.

Empty Carbohydrates

All of the Fat Flush programs limit carbs from breads, pastas, rices and starchy tubers. Gittleman's rationale is that these foods cause insulin spikes that lead to inflammation, slow metabolism and heart disease. Studies by the Department of Veterans Affairs concur, showing that a low-carb diet can significantly reduce risk factors for heart disease.

Protein and Plants

Fat Flush dieters focus their efforts on eating grass-fed protein sources, vegetables and fruit. The combination of high-protein and high antioxidants is an energy booster, says Gittleman. By removing the energy drains -- sweeteners, trans fats and empty carbs -- you will actually feel the benefits of an improved diet.

Expert Insight

"Some people report feeling more focused and energetic during and after detox diets," reports the website MayoClinic.com, "yet there is little evidence that detox diets actually remove toxins from the body." Your kidneys and liver work on a daily basis to process toxins, the site explains. Some detox diets can lead to dizziness, fatigue and nausea. Check with your health care provider before starting any new diet.