The Fat Flush Plan Diet

The basic premise of the Fat Flush Plan, created by Ann Louise Gittleman, is to decrease the stress placed on the liver so it can be more efficient in helping your body burn fat. The diet focuses on eating the "right" kinds of fats, carbohydrates and protein. No part of the plan allows sugar, trans fat, saturated fat, most artificial sweeteners, refined carbohydrates, caffeine or alcohol.

Phases

The Fat Flush Plan has three phases. The first is highly restrictive, allowing a daily calorie intake of only 1,100 to 1,200 calories a day. This phase forbids dairy, wheat and other grains and lasts for two weeks. The second phase of the diet increases the daily intake slightly to 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day, and slowly introduces dairy and healthy grains to the diet. You can stay in the second phase for as long as it takes you to lose your desired amount of weight. The third part, known as the maintenance phase, is more of a lifestyle than a diet. It allows 1,500 or more calories a day. Followers of the plan can eat lean proteins, vegetables and certain fruits in all three phases, but cannot consume dairy or wheat at all during the first phase.

Supplements

The Fat Flush Plan also encourages the use of multiple supplements. Flaxseed oil, ground flaxseed, psyllium husks, GLA supplements, CLA supplements, dandelion root, methionin, lipase, l-carnitine, milk thistle, inositol, lecithin and a daily multivitamin are just some of the supplements recommended at various points in the program. Gittleman acts as the spokesperson for a website called Uni Key Health Systems, which has a product line specifically devoted to Fat Flush supplements. It also offers combination supplements to minimize the number of pills that you would need to take while on the plan. However, you may find it more convenient to purchase the supplements at your local drugstore.

Drinks

Followers of the plan consume a liquid concoction called the long life cocktail once a day. This drink is a mixture of psyllium seed or flaxseed, pure cranberry juice and flaxseed. The plan also instructs its participants to consume eight glasses of cranberry-water a day during phase one. This cranberry-water must contain 100 percent pure cranberry juice, not cranberry cocktails that contain added sugar or other sweeteners. The plan also recommends a glass of hot water with lemon at least once a day during all phases.

Criticisms

No clinical studies have proved the effectiveness of this plan. In her article, "Fat Flush" posted on Health.com, registered dietitian Maureen Callahen notes that many experts in the industry are skeptical about the basic premise of this diet. She suggests that any weight-loss associated with this plan may simply result from consuming so few calories and might have nothing to do with the improved fat-burning ability of the liver. The heavy use of costly supplements, limited food choices and such a low amount of calories allowed also may cause some people to find it difficult to stick with this plan.

Warnings

Active people may not find this diet appropriate due to the calorie restrictions. Those who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle may also have trouble maintaining proper nutrition while on this program due to the limited food choices, especially in phases one and two. Discuss any questions or concerns you may have about this diet with your doctor or nutritionist before beginning.