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
and is designed to be followed for life.
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 toning
-maintenance 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.
Precautions
The 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 provide
calcium and nutrients such as magnesium and
riboflavin that may be hard to obtain from other
foods. The fat flush diet requires expensive supplements
including flaxseed oil, 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.
-Medications should be taken an hour before or after
the life long cocktail because the fiber in the cocktail
may interfere with absorption of medicine.
Risks
The fat flush plan can disrupt menstrual cycles.
Gittleman suggests using black current seed oil rather
than evening primrose oil as a GLA source to avoid
this. According to Gittleman black current seed oil
has a better omega-6 to omega-3 ratio for balancing
hormones.
Gittleman’s fast flush kit contains chromium,
which has been linked to ulcers and liver and kidney
damage. Large doses of chromium can be lethal.
