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The Fat Flush Plan
Kiss cellulite goodbye! The Fat Flush® Plan melts fat from hips, waist, and thighs in just two weeks and re-shapes your body while detoxifying your system. The Fat Flush Plan is a groundbreaking low carb/detox diet and fitness program. Fat Flush is known as the only diet program that gets rid of bloat, supports the liver, cleans up the lymph, and helps to eliminate the appearance of cellulite – for good. An international best-seller with legions of devoted followers, The Fat Flush Plan has been featured on "The View," as well as in cover articles in Time , Glamour , Self, and many others. It is based upon essential fats (such as flax seed oil and flax seeds), balanced proteins (including eggs, meat, fish, and moderate soy) plus low-glycemic healthy carbs from fat flushing fruits and vegetables. The Plan also features “cleansing” tonics such as unsweetened cranberry juice and water, the “Long Life Cocktail,” and daily hot water and lemon juice as well as a delicious array of fat burning, water regulating, and insulin controlling herbs and spices (think cayenne, mustard, cilantro, parsley, cinnamon, and cloves).
261 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
91 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Ann Louise Gittleman
61 books48 followersDr. Ann Louise was recognized as one of the top ten nutritionists in the country by Self magazine and was the recipient of the American Medical Writers Association award for excellence.
She was the first to warn of the environmental hazards of parasites in her classic Guess What Came To Dinner? Parasites and Your Health. In Your Body Knows Best, Dr. Ann Louise was the first to discuss the blood type/weight theory and proclaim that one diet may not be right for every body - an idea that is only now becoming mainstream. She was the first to offer natural remedies for menopausal symptoms in Super Nutrition for Menopause (now in print as Hot Times) and is widely credited as the first to popularize the term “perimenopause” in her New York Times bestseller, Before The Change.
Dr. Ann Louise forged new ways of thinking about obesity early on in her career. She was the first to proclaim that obesity was caused by the lack of dietary fats and the wrong kind of carbohydrates in her book Beyond Pritikin, published in 1988. In Beyond Pritikin, she predicted that the fat-free, carb-rich diet was creating weight gain, sugar cravings, fatigue and diabetes.
Today, she continues to dedicate herself to carving out new landmarks in holistic health and healing based on science and ancient healing arts. Through her many books, website, and blog (Dr. Ann Louise’s Edge on Health), Dr. Ann Louise offers a “virtual” health support system for men and women that provides educational and self-health assessment services to empower people everywhere to achieve total health. Her latest book, a companion to the bestselling Fat Flush Plan, was released in December 2009. Fat Flush for Life, takes a seasonal approach to burn stubborn body fat all year long, integrating groundbreaking new Fat Flush diets with corresponding fitness and wellness programs.
She was the first to warn of the environmental hazards of parasites in her classic Guess What Came To Dinner? Parasites and Your Health. In Your Body Knows Best, Dr. Ann Louise was the first to discuss the blood type/weight theory and proclaim that one diet may not be right for every body - an idea that is only now becoming mainstream. She was the first to offer natural remedies for menopausal symptoms in Super Nutrition for Menopause (now in print as Hot Times) and is widely credited as the first to popularize the term “perimenopause” in her New York Times bestseller, Before The Change.
Dr. Ann Louise forged new ways of thinking about obesity early on in her career. She was the first to proclaim that obesity was caused by the lack of dietary fats and the wrong kind of carbohydrates in her book Beyond Pritikin, published in 1988. In Beyond Pritikin, she predicted that the fat-free, carb-rich diet was creating weight gain, sugar cravings, fatigue and diabetes.
Today, she continues to dedicate herself to carving out new landmarks in holistic health and healing based on science and ancient healing arts. Through her many books, website, and blog (Dr. Ann Louise’s Edge on Health), Dr. Ann Louise offers a “virtual” health support system for men and women that provides educational and self-health assessment services to empower people everywhere to achieve total health. Her latest book, a companion to the bestselling Fat Flush Plan, was released in December 2009. Fat Flush for Life, takes a seasonal approach to burn stubborn body fat all year long, integrating groundbreaking new Fat Flush diets with corresponding fitness and wellness programs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 29, 2010
About a month and a half ago I was at the end of my rope. I have been battling some kind of allergy or allergies for a while now that have just baffled me. There have been many times that I've eliminated something from my diet and I thought, awesome, I feel better! I've figured it out! And then a couple of days later the problem would come back and I'd find myself back at square one.
In addition to my stomach aches other symptoms indicated that there was something wrong. I developed some kind of skin problem where I was constantly itchy, especially my arms and neck. I was also noticing that my jeans were tight and things just weren't fitting like they used to. I had trouble focusing. I was super impatient (more than normal!). I knew that my eating habits hadn't changed and there was no reason I should be gaining weight. Still, something was off and I figured all these issues were related. After visiting numerous doctors who would prescribe antibiotics, tell me I had IBS, and then say there was nothing more they could do, I finally realized I had to take matters into my own hands. I needed to "reset my system" or in other words, I needed to detoxify.
Okay, I too immediately associate the word detox with odd concoctions of lemon juice, pepper and maple syrup. But this is not what I wanted. I needed something that would restore my health to where it should be without starving myself. First off I considered Dr. Alejandro Junger's plan after reading that Gwyneth Paltrow was a fan. I do love Gwyneth and while Dr. Junger's plan seemed sound, it didn't seem like anything more than what I normally do. I eat healthy. I don't use chemicals, etc., etc. I didn't think that it was enough to "reset" me. So I consulted the gospel, aka Amazon.com to see what else was out there. I typed in detox plan and up came about a million results. After reading reviews for several days, and I mean several days, I came across Anne Louise Gittleman's The Fat Flush Plan.
First of all, I was really taken by the number of positive reviews for this book. I almost always consult Amazon.com's reader reviews before purchasing a book and most of the 270 people had nothing but good things to say about Gittleman's plan. That day I started reading. While I enjoy reading, I don't normally read diet or health books. But this didn't seem like a diet or health book as much as a fascinating glimpse into one's system, with scientific reasoning to back up the author's research and claims. I literally read this 254 page book in 2 days. It is a quick and easy read.
The basics:
1. Phase I - A two-week fat flush aimed at giving your liver some rest. Gittleman believes that the liver is an important fat-burning organ that needs to be working correctly in order for your overall health to be good. Phase I is an extremely difficult 2 week system reset. In a nutshell it emphasizes flax and flaxseed oil, lean protein, eggs, tons of vegetables, 2 fruits a day, 100% cranberry juice mixed with water, and GLA supplements.
2. Phase II - Another two weeks of Phase I but this phase is different because you can begin to slowly add back things like bread or rice to see how you stomach/body reacts. This phase is what really drew me to this plan.
3. Phase III - The Lifestyle Eating Plan. Again, the aforementioned items should be the main part of an ongoing diet but now dairy, bread, potatoes, nuts, etc. can be added back in moderation, if you determine you are able to tolerate them. Food combination rules are discussed including how eating fruit with vegetables or more than one protein at a time is not good for digestion.
4. Exercise - The plan promotes walking and using a mini-trampoline in Phases I & II. In Phase III the author goes into more detail about weight training and walking for longer amounts of time.
The Challenges:
For me the first week Phase I was VERY hard. I almost gave up to be honest. The things I found challenging were:
1. I found it tricky trying to get everything ready for me to take to work, i.e. the Cran-water, the flaxseed and oil, etc. Weekends were easier in that I didn't have to pack and lug a bunch of stuff, but harder in that I couldn't eat out very easily. I resigned myself to eating at home for the most part because I could control everything much better.
2. I had to refer to the book about a million times because I kept forgetting how much of what I was supposed to be eating. The measurements are quite specific...a tablespoon of flax oil twice a day, a tablespoon of ground flax twice a day, etc. It was a lot to remember but soon became second nature to me.
100% Cranberry Juice is VERY tart. We're not talking about anything Ocean Spray makes. Mixing this stuff with water makes it more palatable but still, having to drink so much of it a day wasn't easy. But again, I was soon able to drink this with no problem.
3. Initially all the flax and flaxseed oil were hard to get down. I quickly became adept at mixing them with things that would make them go down easier. Salsa is a lifesaver. You can put it on anything to make it taste good. But now I actually do like the taste of flax and flaxseed oil!
4. It was hard to feel full on vegetables. I found that even though potatoes were on the no-no list I had to incorporate them so that I felt like I was eating something more than air. I would roast them with a tiny bit of olive oil and they really hit the spot.
5. I have low blood pressure so I had to incorporate salt as well otherwise I felt dizzy.
It was hard not to do more than just walk. While I didn't have the energy to feel like doing more I mentally had a problem with it. So I incorporated yoga and walking every day with an occasional run and felt better mentally. I don't have a trampoline so I didn't utilize that aspect of the plan.
6. The groceries are expensive. Cranberry juice is $7.99 for a small bottle! GLA was $28 at Whole Foods. I realize now that these things are cheaper elsewhere, especially on the internet, but it takes some planning ahead of time. In any case I justified the expense by telling myself it was going to help me in the end. If I spent money on a trainer why not on this?
7. Since I don't eat meat or chicken I had to eat eggs and fish every single day. This became really tiresome. For those who eat meat and chicken this plan will be much, much easier.
The Results:
Since I'd read so many positive reviews of this book on Amazon.com, I tried not to get my hopes up that I would experience results the way other people did. Some people lost 15 pounds in a week! Others said it drastically helped symptoms of their various diseases including fibromyalgia, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. It's hard not to keep those kinds of things in mind when embarking on a journey like this. My results were as follows:
1. My skin cleared miraculously cleared up. I saw my esthetician after less than a month of being on this plan and she was amazed and said she'd never seen such a transformation in a client's skin in such a short time. "Remarkable," she said. My skin isn't perfect by any means but other people have also remarked that it is smoother and clearer and the circles under my eyes are better too. I have always struggled with my skin so this is really quite a compliment.
2. My stomach problems aren't gone completely but they are much better. As the author suggested, after the first two weeks I slowly added a piece of bread into my meals to see how I reacted. I didn't react well so now I know I can't tolerate bread or wheat. I'd always suspected but now I know for sure and this was my reason for doing this in the first place. I've also identified that certain fruits trouble me and that small quantities of milk don't. (I used to think that I was lactose intolerant but this may not be the case).
3. I told myself I wasn't going to get on the scale, after all, I wasn't doing this to lose weight. But of course I did anyway and I lost 6-7 pounds. I was also supposed to measure myself with a tape measure but I never got around to it. I can tell my jeans fit perfectly now! No I didn't need to lose weight but like I said, there were areas around my stomach and hips that were never there previously and they bothered me. I knew they weren't fat exactly and the author talks about "false fat" in the book which is exactly what I believe I had. The false fat is gone!
4. My overall energy is much better and I am able to think with clarity. Prior to doing this I was having difficulty concentrating at work and even at home when reading a book or watching TV. But now I feel like I can actually focus better and I have the energy to do it.
5. I certainly didn't follow the book perfectly but I'd say I did 95% of what Gittleman suggests. Now that I am finished with the prescribed 4 weeks I plan to take on many of the author's suggestions on a permanent basis. The GLA supplements, the flax, the cranberry juice are all things I want to keep up. Minimizing sugar, flour, and too much fruit are also things I want to keep up.
To be honest, I am just really relieved that I found a possible solution to my stomach problems. The fact that this plan gave me hope was something no MD was able to give me. There is nothing more discouraging than visiting doctor after doctor with no solution. For that reason alone I suggest that people with health or weight problems check this book out. At the risk of sounding a touch dramatic, this book certainly changed my life and it is one of the best things I've ever done.
Ameena Din
Freelance Reviewer
http://www.fancythatfancythis.com
In addition to my stomach aches other symptoms indicated that there was something wrong. I developed some kind of skin problem where I was constantly itchy, especially my arms and neck. I was also noticing that my jeans were tight and things just weren't fitting like they used to. I had trouble focusing. I was super impatient (more than normal!). I knew that my eating habits hadn't changed and there was no reason I should be gaining weight. Still, something was off and I figured all these issues were related. After visiting numerous doctors who would prescribe antibiotics, tell me I had IBS, and then say there was nothing more they could do, I finally realized I had to take matters into my own hands. I needed to "reset my system" or in other words, I needed to detoxify.
Okay, I too immediately associate the word detox with odd concoctions of lemon juice, pepper and maple syrup. But this is not what I wanted. I needed something that would restore my health to where it should be without starving myself. First off I considered Dr. Alejandro Junger's plan after reading that Gwyneth Paltrow was a fan. I do love Gwyneth and while Dr. Junger's plan seemed sound, it didn't seem like anything more than what I normally do. I eat healthy. I don't use chemicals, etc., etc. I didn't think that it was enough to "reset" me. So I consulted the gospel, aka Amazon.com to see what else was out there. I typed in detox plan and up came about a million results. After reading reviews for several days, and I mean several days, I came across Anne Louise Gittleman's The Fat Flush Plan.
First of all, I was really taken by the number of positive reviews for this book. I almost always consult Amazon.com's reader reviews before purchasing a book and most of the 270 people had nothing but good things to say about Gittleman's plan. That day I started reading. While I enjoy reading, I don't normally read diet or health books. But this didn't seem like a diet or health book as much as a fascinating glimpse into one's system, with scientific reasoning to back up the author's research and claims. I literally read this 254 page book in 2 days. It is a quick and easy read.
The basics:
1. Phase I - A two-week fat flush aimed at giving your liver some rest. Gittleman believes that the liver is an important fat-burning organ that needs to be working correctly in order for your overall health to be good. Phase I is an extremely difficult 2 week system reset. In a nutshell it emphasizes flax and flaxseed oil, lean protein, eggs, tons of vegetables, 2 fruits a day, 100% cranberry juice mixed with water, and GLA supplements.
2. Phase II - Another two weeks of Phase I but this phase is different because you can begin to slowly add back things like bread or rice to see how you stomach/body reacts. This phase is what really drew me to this plan.
3. Phase III - The Lifestyle Eating Plan. Again, the aforementioned items should be the main part of an ongoing diet but now dairy, bread, potatoes, nuts, etc. can be added back in moderation, if you determine you are able to tolerate them. Food combination rules are discussed including how eating fruit with vegetables or more than one protein at a time is not good for digestion.
4. Exercise - The plan promotes walking and using a mini-trampoline in Phases I & II. In Phase III the author goes into more detail about weight training and walking for longer amounts of time.
The Challenges:
For me the first week Phase I was VERY hard. I almost gave up to be honest. The things I found challenging were:
1. I found it tricky trying to get everything ready for me to take to work, i.e. the Cran-water, the flaxseed and oil, etc. Weekends were easier in that I didn't have to pack and lug a bunch of stuff, but harder in that I couldn't eat out very easily. I resigned myself to eating at home for the most part because I could control everything much better.
2. I had to refer to the book about a million times because I kept forgetting how much of what I was supposed to be eating. The measurements are quite specific...a tablespoon of flax oil twice a day, a tablespoon of ground flax twice a day, etc. It was a lot to remember but soon became second nature to me.
100% Cranberry Juice is VERY tart. We're not talking about anything Ocean Spray makes. Mixing this stuff with water makes it more palatable but still, having to drink so much of it a day wasn't easy. But again, I was soon able to drink this with no problem.
3. Initially all the flax and flaxseed oil were hard to get down. I quickly became adept at mixing them with things that would make them go down easier. Salsa is a lifesaver. You can put it on anything to make it taste good. But now I actually do like the taste of flax and flaxseed oil!
4. It was hard to feel full on vegetables. I found that even though potatoes were on the no-no list I had to incorporate them so that I felt like I was eating something more than air. I would roast them with a tiny bit of olive oil and they really hit the spot.
5. I have low blood pressure so I had to incorporate salt as well otherwise I felt dizzy.
It was hard not to do more than just walk. While I didn't have the energy to feel like doing more I mentally had a problem with it. So I incorporated yoga and walking every day with an occasional run and felt better mentally. I don't have a trampoline so I didn't utilize that aspect of the plan.
6. The groceries are expensive. Cranberry juice is $7.99 for a small bottle! GLA was $28 at Whole Foods. I realize now that these things are cheaper elsewhere, especially on the internet, but it takes some planning ahead of time. In any case I justified the expense by telling myself it was going to help me in the end. If I spent money on a trainer why not on this?
7. Since I don't eat meat or chicken I had to eat eggs and fish every single day. This became really tiresome. For those who eat meat and chicken this plan will be much, much easier.
The Results:
Since I'd read so many positive reviews of this book on Amazon.com, I tried not to get my hopes up that I would experience results the way other people did. Some people lost 15 pounds in a week! Others said it drastically helped symptoms of their various diseases including fibromyalgia, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. It's hard not to keep those kinds of things in mind when embarking on a journey like this. My results were as follows:
1. My skin cleared miraculously cleared up. I saw my esthetician after less than a month of being on this plan and she was amazed and said she'd never seen such a transformation in a client's skin in such a short time. "Remarkable," she said. My skin isn't perfect by any means but other people have also remarked that it is smoother and clearer and the circles under my eyes are better too. I have always struggled with my skin so this is really quite a compliment.
2. My stomach problems aren't gone completely but they are much better. As the author suggested, after the first two weeks I slowly added a piece of bread into my meals to see how I reacted. I didn't react well so now I know I can't tolerate bread or wheat. I'd always suspected but now I know for sure and this was my reason for doing this in the first place. I've also identified that certain fruits trouble me and that small quantities of milk don't. (I used to think that I was lactose intolerant but this may not be the case).
3. I told myself I wasn't going to get on the scale, after all, I wasn't doing this to lose weight. But of course I did anyway and I lost 6-7 pounds. I was also supposed to measure myself with a tape measure but I never got around to it. I can tell my jeans fit perfectly now! No I didn't need to lose weight but like I said, there were areas around my stomach and hips that were never there previously and they bothered me. I knew they weren't fat exactly and the author talks about "false fat" in the book which is exactly what I believe I had. The false fat is gone!
4. My overall energy is much better and I am able to think with clarity. Prior to doing this I was having difficulty concentrating at work and even at home when reading a book or watching TV. But now I feel like I can actually focus better and I have the energy to do it.
5. I certainly didn't follow the book perfectly but I'd say I did 95% of what Gittleman suggests. Now that I am finished with the prescribed 4 weeks I plan to take on many of the author's suggestions on a permanent basis. The GLA supplements, the flax, the cranberry juice are all things I want to keep up. Minimizing sugar, flour, and too much fruit are also things I want to keep up.
To be honest, I am just really relieved that I found a possible solution to my stomach problems. The fact that this plan gave me hope was something no MD was able to give me. There is nothing more discouraging than visiting doctor after doctor with no solution. For that reason alone I suggest that people with health or weight problems check this book out. At the risk of sounding a touch dramatic, this book certainly changed my life and it is one of the best things I've ever done.
Ameena Din
Freelance Reviewer
http://www.fancythatfancythis.com
January 18, 2008
I love the science behind this- and how healthy weight is the by product of healthy living and cleaning out your vital organs! Like everything else in society we go amiss by focusing on the external instead of the internal- this will change the way you view weight loss and health.
January 21, 2008
Ann Louise Gittleman, The Fat Flush Plan (McGraw-Hill, 2002)
We were doing so well there for a while. Yeah, the book gets a little heavy on the new-age diction (things "resonate to" ideas way too many times in this book), and the constant talking about the necessity for eating organic food (with a helpful recipe in the back for soaking your foods in bleach-water if you can't buy organic) was a bit unnerving, but everything else seemed to be on pretty solid ground. But then came the word that has become the yardstick for measuring the scientific objectivity of every nutritionist on the planet: aspartame. And Ann Louise Gittleman, as so many have before her, utterly fails the test.
In short, the so-called "dangers" of aspartame have been so overblown by the press and a few wild-eyed (and very large-mouthed) activists that it has now been blamed for everything from MSG-like headaches to Multiple Sclerosis. (Odd that the MS Foundation's denial that the claim holds any sort of truth whatsoever got nowhere near as much press coverage.) What reports and studies is your nutritionist reading? Easy way to find out: ask them about aspartame. If they start getting fluttery around the eyelids, switch your nutritionist, quick.
Gittleman here attempts to softpedal the anti-aspartame mania the first couple of times it appears by focusing on sweeteners approved for the plan or saying that her bias against the stuff is caused by its water-retaining properties. But keep reading. Once you get to the last fifty pages or so, you'll stumble upon a turn of phrase here, a word there, that strongly implies Gittleman has it in for aspartame for a lot more than that. Which draws the whole scientific basis of the book into question. (There are a few other shady bits, but the aspartame question is the easiest to determine, so I'll stick with it.)
Ultimately, another diet book with a few good, logical ideas that can be found in a number of other places, some really awful overdramatization, and a lot of questionable stuff between the two poles. **
We were doing so well there for a while. Yeah, the book gets a little heavy on the new-age diction (things "resonate to" ideas way too many times in this book), and the constant talking about the necessity for eating organic food (with a helpful recipe in the back for soaking your foods in bleach-water if you can't buy organic) was a bit unnerving, but everything else seemed to be on pretty solid ground. But then came the word that has become the yardstick for measuring the scientific objectivity of every nutritionist on the planet: aspartame. And Ann Louise Gittleman, as so many have before her, utterly fails the test.
In short, the so-called "dangers" of aspartame have been so overblown by the press and a few wild-eyed (and very large-mouthed) activists that it has now been blamed for everything from MSG-like headaches to Multiple Sclerosis. (Odd that the MS Foundation's denial that the claim holds any sort of truth whatsoever got nowhere near as much press coverage.) What reports and studies is your nutritionist reading? Easy way to find out: ask them about aspartame. If they start getting fluttery around the eyelids, switch your nutritionist, quick.
Gittleman here attempts to softpedal the anti-aspartame mania the first couple of times it appears by focusing on sweeteners approved for the plan or saying that her bias against the stuff is caused by its water-retaining properties. But keep reading. Once you get to the last fifty pages or so, you'll stumble upon a turn of phrase here, a word there, that strongly implies Gittleman has it in for aspartame for a lot more than that. Which draws the whole scientific basis of the book into question. (There are a few other shady bits, but the aspartame question is the easiest to determine, so I'll stick with it.)
Ultimately, another diet book with a few good, logical ideas that can be found in a number of other places, some really awful overdramatization, and a lot of questionable stuff between the two poles. **
October 10, 2011
The only system that has ever worked for me. Went from a size 12-14 to size 6-8 in 3 months, and have kept it off for the 6 months since.
I did it, not as a diet, but as a science project - I can do anything for 2 weeks. Lost 5 pounds during that time, and after that sugar and coffee no longer are addictions for me. And roasted dandelion root tea tastes like roasted coffee, but not bitter, so I don't need coffee or all the creamer calories that I used to need.
I did it, not as a diet, but as a science project - I can do anything for 2 weeks. Lost 5 pounds during that time, and after that sugar and coffee no longer are addictions for me. And roasted dandelion root tea tastes like roasted coffee, but not bitter, so I don't need coffee or all the creamer calories that I used to need.
February 5, 2025
I liked the book but I haven’t started the plan.
I will update the result.
I will update the result.
Read
March 9, 2025I don't want to rate the book just yet, BUT I started steadily losing weight just by following some tips - say, a preparatory phase to an actual detox the author proposes - which is very promising.
July 28, 2015
Ann Louise Gittleman was, as far as I can tell, the first to warn of the effects of pesticides on liver function. So everything that has followed i.e., the organic movement is largely due to her intuitive, erudite and astute warnings about liver health - liver as fat burning organ as professed in this book. Yep, as A.L.G. states, your liver is your body's filter and if it is clogged-up it needs to be flushed. Keeping your liver clean and in tip-top shape is the key to a healthy body. This book shows you how to do it. It should be stated that there is the issue of The China Study; bringing hard evidence that overconsumption, actually it concludes that any consumption of animal proteins is not good for you. The Fat Flush Plan book is not in agreement with this study - she, Gittleman, advises that you regularly eat animal protein to feed your liver what it needs to work optimally. She also highly recommends whey protein which is anathema to the China Study's recommendations - so there is the big rub. She Gittleman does offer a few plans for vegans here but writes that without animal protein you will need to replace aminos and certain vitamins like B12 in supplement that you cannot get if you do not eat meat.
May 20, 2011
I don't buy into everything Gittleman has to say, especially her take on meat. I don't believe that eating as much meat as she recommends is necessary to a healthy body and lifestyle. However, it is part of the balancing act of her plan. I did find tips like the cranberry-water, the lemon-water, and flax oil useful, and will start incorporating these into my current regimen. I'm already a big believer in whole foods, avoiding sugar and processed foods, etc.
Overall, an interesting read from which I've gleaned some useful information, but I have no intention of following this particular plan.
Overall, an interesting read from which I've gleaned some useful information, but I have no intention of following this particular plan.
Read
November 20, 2025This was the first diet book I ever read and it changed the whole way I think about eating, in a really positive way. The fat flush itself was the first diet I successfully followed, and I credit it with helping me stay in a healthy weight range in the many years since.
November 4, 2024
Makes sense-written in a way that is clear
January 11, 2010
For writing and organization, this book gets three stars. For changing my relationship with food, it gets five.
NOTE: I tried the two-week liver cleanse to try to rid myself of horrible cluster headaches. IT WORKED. For anyone who is trying to use diet to work with on-going pain, the two-week liver cleanse in this book works miracles. I did a vegetarian version of her cleanse, where I used whey protein isolate, omega-3 eggs, and Quorn which is made from egg and mushroom/fungus to create a soy-free protein. I can't say if using lean meats would have the same pain-free effect. But, oh, it was so marvelous to be free of pain.
Funny thing with this book: I ordered a couple of books used through a half.com seller, and for some reason they sent me this book as well. Strange but true. I read the first couple of chapters to see what I had received (as an early Christmas present?), and it looks like the basic idea of the book is that to gain health and lose fat (rather than the general term "weight"), you need to cleanse your liver. As I read the first chapters, I found lots of connections to adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, kidney stones, and perhaps even cluster headaches, all of which I've been researching extensively (because they are happening to me). It was nice to see some connection going on, and to realize that maybe my liver needs a good clean out. And as I look back over the years to when my health plummeted, I can see that it might very well have been my liver that was struggling the most. My health has slowly gotten better, but it has never quite returned (and recently, I've had a new basket of health concerns: see above), so I think I might just give her two-week liver cleanse a try. I understand why she put it together the way she did, so nothing seems "fad" or suspicious yet. Anyway, we'll see.
I finished reading the rest of the book, and I'm now on day three of the liver cleanse. She divides the "plan" into three phases, and as I read through it, I can tell that in some ways she "came of age" as a nutritionist during the carb scare. There's a part where she talks about beans as being a carb, rather than a protein, so they should only be used in very small amounts. The whole "it's a carb, so watch out" mentality doesn't make sense to me. I see eating as something that should be a balanced, human, spontaneous, and even spiritual experience. Restricting a major category of food because of "carb fear" isn't part of my world view. I'm not afraid of carbohydrates. They're great! They are the body's best fuel. Especially since I have studied the glycemic index, I know how to incorporate them into my eating to get all the goodness from them. I do agree that eating large amounts of process, refined flours, sugars, oils, and processed foods in general is not a healthy way to go. But there are so many ways to balance one's eating.
Anyway, last piece here: The book needed an editor with strong organizational skills. She talks about everything in pieces. A piece here, a piece there, another piece over yonder. Which means that as I'm trying to find where she said x about cranberry juice, I have to check seven or eight spots . . . and I still might not find it. Frustrating.
After I've finished the first two weeks of her plan, the liver cleanse, I'll put one more update on this review about how it went.
**************************************
Well, we made it through the two weeks. My husband detoxed a lot harder than I did (but I tend to eat a lot healthier than he does). We both slimmed quite a bit (I need to buy new pants now and probably get my wedding band sized). The most amazing thing was that my headaches disappeared, my left kidney dumped its debris, and my husband's heartburn vanished.
We finished up a couple of days before Christmas. I only ate a few things that weren't on the cleanse, with the only sugar being two pieces of candy (am I good or what!), but the headaches started coming back. So right now we're back on the cleanse (but my husband is eating other stuff on the side), so the headaches will go away again. Then we'll be really scientific about what we add in so we can see what the triggers are.
I've also ordered her new book Fat Flush for Life, mostly because it's supposed to have lots of vegetarian stuff in it, which would be very helpful. She also talks about how to do the best sorts of eating/cleansing during the different seasons. I hope it's good.
So, was this book worth it? Yes, it was. I was amazed at how it banished the headaches, that nothing else would touch. And delighted with how it cleaned out my kidneys. I'll be keeping lots of this cleanse as part of my lifestyle.
NOTE: I tried the two-week liver cleanse to try to rid myself of horrible cluster headaches. IT WORKED. For anyone who is trying to use diet to work with on-going pain, the two-week liver cleanse in this book works miracles. I did a vegetarian version of her cleanse, where I used whey protein isolate, omega-3 eggs, and Quorn which is made from egg and mushroom/fungus to create a soy-free protein. I can't say if using lean meats would have the same pain-free effect. But, oh, it was so marvelous to be free of pain.
Funny thing with this book: I ordered a couple of books used through a half.com seller, and for some reason they sent me this book as well. Strange but true. I read the first couple of chapters to see what I had received (as an early Christmas present?), and it looks like the basic idea of the book is that to gain health and lose fat (rather than the general term "weight"), you need to cleanse your liver. As I read the first chapters, I found lots of connections to adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, kidney stones, and perhaps even cluster headaches, all of which I've been researching extensively (because they are happening to me). It was nice to see some connection going on, and to realize that maybe my liver needs a good clean out. And as I look back over the years to when my health plummeted, I can see that it might very well have been my liver that was struggling the most. My health has slowly gotten better, but it has never quite returned (and recently, I've had a new basket of health concerns: see above), so I think I might just give her two-week liver cleanse a try. I understand why she put it together the way she did, so nothing seems "fad" or suspicious yet. Anyway, we'll see.
I finished reading the rest of the book, and I'm now on day three of the liver cleanse. She divides the "plan" into three phases, and as I read through it, I can tell that in some ways she "came of age" as a nutritionist during the carb scare. There's a part where she talks about beans as being a carb, rather than a protein, so they should only be used in very small amounts. The whole "it's a carb, so watch out" mentality doesn't make sense to me. I see eating as something that should be a balanced, human, spontaneous, and even spiritual experience. Restricting a major category of food because of "carb fear" isn't part of my world view. I'm not afraid of carbohydrates. They're great! They are the body's best fuel. Especially since I have studied the glycemic index, I know how to incorporate them into my eating to get all the goodness from them. I do agree that eating large amounts of process, refined flours, sugars, oils, and processed foods in general is not a healthy way to go. But there are so many ways to balance one's eating.
Anyway, last piece here: The book needed an editor with strong organizational skills. She talks about everything in pieces. A piece here, a piece there, another piece over yonder. Which means that as I'm trying to find where she said x about cranberry juice, I have to check seven or eight spots . . . and I still might not find it. Frustrating.
After I've finished the first two weeks of her plan, the liver cleanse, I'll put one more update on this review about how it went.
**************************************
Well, we made it through the two weeks. My husband detoxed a lot harder than I did (but I tend to eat a lot healthier than he does). We both slimmed quite a bit (I need to buy new pants now and probably get my wedding band sized). The most amazing thing was that my headaches disappeared, my left kidney dumped its debris, and my husband's heartburn vanished.
We finished up a couple of days before Christmas. I only ate a few things that weren't on the cleanse, with the only sugar being two pieces of candy (am I good or what!), but the headaches started coming back. So right now we're back on the cleanse (but my husband is eating other stuff on the side), so the headaches will go away again. Then we'll be really scientific about what we add in so we can see what the triggers are.
I've also ordered her new book Fat Flush for Life, mostly because it's supposed to have lots of vegetarian stuff in it, which would be very helpful. She also talks about how to do the best sorts of eating/cleansing during the different seasons. I hope it's good.
So, was this book worth it? Yes, it was. I was amazed at how it banished the headaches, that nothing else would touch. And delighted with how it cleaned out my kidneys. I'll be keeping lots of this cleanse as part of my lifestyle.
June 25, 2010
What attracted me to this book is Gittleman's focus on balancing the liver, hormones, and lymph system through nutritional healing. Dropping some fat is a nice added bonus.
Similar to The South Beach Diet, this plan is set up in three phases. And like The Zone and South Beach Diet, you eliminate most bad carbohydrates. Once you progress to Phase 2, you introduce a couple of "friendly" carbs back into your diet. For the final "lifestyle" phase, you further introduce more "friendly" carbs.
The Fat Flush Plan heavily emphasizes the use of flaxseed and its oil, supplements, and cran-water. These items can be very pricey unless you know where to order online.
There are recipes and weekly menu plans to follow as guidelines. If you don't like what is listed in the menu, the plan provides alternatives. You will have to get creative though if you choose not to follow the menu exactly.
If you are vegan, look elsewhere. Gittleman stresses the importance of eggs and suggests eating two a day. She also encourages the consumption of veal. If you are vegetarian, this program could work. Supposedly, there are more vegetarian options in her newer book Fat Flush for Life, so you may want to start there.
For exercise, Gittleman suggests walking and the use of a trampoline. In her book, she states that high intensity exercise is actually detrimental to the body. I feel that some high intensity exercise is good for you, so I will need to do more research on whether or not there are consequences to your health.
I can't comment as to whether or not this plan works as I've just finished the book. I may pick up Fat Flush for Life and try that plan instead.
Overall, there is good information in here. If you have tummy issues related to IBS or food allergies, this could be a great book to help you heal yourself.
Similar to The South Beach Diet, this plan is set up in three phases. And like The Zone and South Beach Diet, you eliminate most bad carbohydrates. Once you progress to Phase 2, you introduce a couple of "friendly" carbs back into your diet. For the final "lifestyle" phase, you further introduce more "friendly" carbs.
The Fat Flush Plan heavily emphasizes the use of flaxseed and its oil, supplements, and cran-water. These items can be very pricey unless you know where to order online.
There are recipes and weekly menu plans to follow as guidelines. If you don't like what is listed in the menu, the plan provides alternatives. You will have to get creative though if you choose not to follow the menu exactly.
If you are vegan, look elsewhere. Gittleman stresses the importance of eggs and suggests eating two a day. She also encourages the consumption of veal. If you are vegetarian, this program could work. Supposedly, there are more vegetarian options in her newer book Fat Flush for Life, so you may want to start there.
For exercise, Gittleman suggests walking and the use of a trampoline. In her book, she states that high intensity exercise is actually detrimental to the body. I feel that some high intensity exercise is good for you, so I will need to do more research on whether or not there are consequences to your health.
I can't comment as to whether or not this plan works as I've just finished the book. I may pick up Fat Flush for Life and try that plan instead.
Overall, there is good information in here. If you have tummy issues related to IBS or food allergies, this could be a great book to help you heal yourself.
June 20, 2012
This is not my typical book to read and certainly not one I would typically review. But I'm like so many Americans who need to improve my overall health. I need to lose a little weight (let's just say it is more that 5 lbs. and less than 100 lbs.) and I'm looking for the magic button to do it. I've watched several health documentaries on Netflix and downloaded every free Kindle cookbook I can find. To summarize my research I've decided to review this book though frankly I could have confused some of my other reading with this book so this might not be a factual account. In essence Gittleman has a medical background with years of patient data to support her approach, which is lacking in many of the other materials I've seen.
All the books seem to agree that carbs are mostly bad unless you are an athlete in training. Whole grains are okay in moderation because of the fiber content. Gittleman suggests no exercise during this program unless you are already exercising and then in moderation during this program. (I think that is why I liked this book the best because I'm not a fan of exercise.) Basically, the plan involves a strict diet of approved foods and 64 oz. daily water & cranberry juice intake for 2 weeks to flush the toxins from your system. (Another reference suggested 4 coffee enemas per day for a month, so that makes the Gittleman plan sound good.) Foods are gradually introduced in phases 3 and 4, but basically the book is designed for you to relearn how to eat and what to eat. I rated the book with 3 stars because I think it would be too difficult for most people to follow the plan in real life situations. I'm sure the plan would work great at a dieter's rehab, but in real life, not so much.
All the books seem to agree that carbs are mostly bad unless you are an athlete in training. Whole grains are okay in moderation because of the fiber content. Gittleman suggests no exercise during this program unless you are already exercising and then in moderation during this program. (I think that is why I liked this book the best because I'm not a fan of exercise.) Basically, the plan involves a strict diet of approved foods and 64 oz. daily water & cranberry juice intake for 2 weeks to flush the toxins from your system. (Another reference suggested 4 coffee enemas per day for a month, so that makes the Gittleman plan sound good.) Foods are gradually introduced in phases 3 and 4, but basically the book is designed for you to relearn how to eat and what to eat. I rated the book with 3 stars because I think it would be too difficult for most people to follow the plan in real life situations. I'm sure the plan would work great at a dieter's rehab, but in real life, not so much.
March 14, 2011
Gittleman's one-two punch attack on body fat was developed partly as a result from her experience working at the Pritikin Longevity Center. She saw first hand the results of putting people on a low fat diet... and those results were NOT good!
This isn't a "looks good on paper theory" put into play but instead stems from years of practical application and study.
You'll discover five (sort of hidden) factors that cause weight gain and make it difficult to lose weight.
*Your toxic liver
*Your bloating
*You're not eating (the right kind of) fat
*Your insulin levels
*Your stress
It's a simple plan of attack. Punch one: Eliminate the things in your diet/lifestyle that are causing these problems (i.e. no Trans fats). Punch two: Arm yourself with an arsenal of delicious foods and spices that will go to town in your body battling these problems (i.e. add Omega 3 fat).
Sounds pretty simple right? Well it is simple but we all know that simple doesn't mean easy. It's hard to make lifestyle changes and Gittleman knows this too... she recommends organic but if that isn't manageable for you there is even a recipe for a food wash (1T Clorox to 1 Gallon water). There are menu plans, shopping lists with name brands, even phone numbers and web sites for some of the harder to find items you might want to try (like an all natural herbal coffee substitute teeccino). Recipes are included too.
I'm happy with the results from the few things I've tried so far.
Good luck!
This isn't a "looks good on paper theory" put into play but instead stems from years of practical application and study.
You'll discover five (sort of hidden) factors that cause weight gain and make it difficult to lose weight.
*Your toxic liver
*Your bloating
*You're not eating (the right kind of) fat
*Your insulin levels
*Your stress
It's a simple plan of attack. Punch one: Eliminate the things in your diet/lifestyle that are causing these problems (i.e. no Trans fats). Punch two: Arm yourself with an arsenal of delicious foods and spices that will go to town in your body battling these problems (i.e. add Omega 3 fat).
Sounds pretty simple right? Well it is simple but we all know that simple doesn't mean easy. It's hard to make lifestyle changes and Gittleman knows this too... she recommends organic but if that isn't manageable for you there is even a recipe for a food wash (1T Clorox to 1 Gallon water). There are menu plans, shopping lists with name brands, even phone numbers and web sites for some of the harder to find items you might want to try (like an all natural herbal coffee substitute teeccino). Recipes are included too.
I'm happy with the results from the few things I've tried so far.
Good luck!
September 8, 2008
I view the Fat Flush Plan as an excellent diet book, but valuable for everyone - not just those who want to lose weight. When I originally read the book, I adopted a lot of Ann Louise Gittleman's ideas and incorporated them into my lifestyle. I didn't follow every detail of the plan, and I didn't take every supplement recommended, but even by just following the basics of the program, I saw incredible results.
It did wonderful things for my complexion, and I found that by following the plan, I didn't crave chocolate or starchy carbohydrates. Since then, I occasionally follow parts of the Fat Flush Plan, and sometimes I don't, but my once uncontrollable cravings have definitely been put under control.
I'm not overweight, nor was I when I first read the book. However, this book is more about improving your overall health, digestion, and the effectiveness of your body's functions. Weight loss is just a natural response to the positive changes you make in the fat flush plan. Whether you have weight to lose or not, I recommend this book.
Some people might find this protocol difficult to follow, but I feel that even adding a handful of these ideas would be beneficial. This is a great book with great information.
It did wonderful things for my complexion, and I found that by following the plan, I didn't crave chocolate or starchy carbohydrates. Since then, I occasionally follow parts of the Fat Flush Plan, and sometimes I don't, but my once uncontrollable cravings have definitely been put under control.
I'm not overweight, nor was I when I first read the book. However, this book is more about improving your overall health, digestion, and the effectiveness of your body's functions. Weight loss is just a natural response to the positive changes you make in the fat flush plan. Whether you have weight to lose or not, I recommend this book.
Some people might find this protocol difficult to follow, but I feel that even adding a handful of these ideas would be beneficial. This is a great book with great information.
July 15, 2014
This book is more than just a typical "dieting" book. I think it designed more for changing how we relate to food and how we can eat for better health. There are a few things that seem overly restrictive to me. Part of enjoying life is enjoying the "naughty" foods every now and then which this author seems to view as almost sinful. Whatever. I think my body can better tolerate those kinds of foods once in a while if I take care of it most of the time.
I am currently on Phase 1. It's difficult and I'm hungry a lot, because of the food and calorie restrictions, but I have to admit that I love not being bloated all of the time. Bloating was a huge problem for me beforehand. I also don't get sugar comas anymore and helped me to better identify foods that I can't really tolerate (ginger, cow's milk and too many strawberries). All-in-all, I haven't lost any weight (which is fine with me) but my clothes fit better and don't feel nearly as tight (which is exactly what I wanted). I think there are principles in here that I can use for life-long healthy eating. But I'm still going to eat a doughnut every now and then.
I am currently on Phase 1. It's difficult and I'm hungry a lot, because of the food and calorie restrictions, but I have to admit that I love not being bloated all of the time. Bloating was a huge problem for me beforehand. I also don't get sugar comas anymore and helped me to better identify foods that I can't really tolerate (ginger, cow's milk and too many strawberries). All-in-all, I haven't lost any weight (which is fine with me) but my clothes fit better and don't feel nearly as tight (which is exactly what I wanted). I think there are principles in here that I can use for life-long healthy eating. But I'm still going to eat a doughnut every now and then.
February 2, 2015
This one is ok. I like the focus/emphasis on detoxing the liver, but the book as a whole felt inaccessible. There were a lot of big scary science words and few definitions or layman explanations.
It also felt a little outdated, so I'm looking forward to also reading the newer Fat Flush for Life. One example is the emphasis of flaxseed oil and omega-6 fats over fish oil and omega-3's in general. Based on other reading I've done, most people get more than enough omega-6 fats, and it's easier to digest (and thus benefit from) fish oil than flaxseed.
Saturated fats also still felt like the bad guys, despite the author stating that it's really trans fats that cause problems.
I doubt I'll take on this diet as a whole, but I will probably take a few things from it (like the cran water).
It also felt a little outdated, so I'm looking forward to also reading the newer Fat Flush for Life. One example is the emphasis of flaxseed oil and omega-6 fats over fish oil and omega-3's in general. Based on other reading I've done, most people get more than enough omega-6 fats, and it's easier to digest (and thus benefit from) fish oil than flaxseed.
Saturated fats also still felt like the bad guys, despite the author stating that it's really trans fats that cause problems.
I doubt I'll take on this diet as a whole, but I will probably take a few things from it (like the cran water).
June 18, 2016
i'm following this plan right now and i feel better than i have in years. The emphasis on detoxing the liver and activating the lymph system was exactly what I needed. I am on day 8 of phase one (there are 3 phases) and I've overcome my sugar cravings. Moreover, I've lost many pounds of fluid in that time and cellulite is disappearing. I do agree with some of the comments that some editing would improve the book a bit (organizationally; the writing itself is solid). But I'm giving the book 5 stars anyway because of the level of impact it is having. I am getting my life back and I'm grateful. I'm committed to working systematically through the next two phases so that I can determine exactly what foods cause my body to react so I can avoid or greatly minimize my exposure to them. With the cravings gone, I am confident I'll be able to use a lot of these principles for life.
December 28, 2010
This is a diffcult diet, because it requires careful meal planning, expensive ingredients, and food preparation. Her diet plan is based on anectodal observations....what she has personally experienced in her own life and practice. There's not enough research to back up some of the claims made in this book, which is why I tend to be a skeptic reader. For example, there is no substantial research that shows that evening primrose oil helps to burn brown adipose tissue (belly fat) and balance hormones. But, I like the whole food approach, and I found that some of her recommendations like unsweetened cranberry juice, fresh squeezed lemon tonic, and ground flaxseeds are very helpful to my overall diet and health.
May 10, 2015
Dad found this book and brought it home. I will listen to audiobook while in the car driving or at home from work. I want to know what is the diet but on the cover states it will melt fat from hips, waist and thighs in 2 weeks, and reshapes your body while detoxifying your system which all sounds good to me!
Not sure if I will actually do this one. Wrote some notes and did rewinds to write it down since I do not have the book. Not available at local library either.
2.75 stars
Adrienna Turner
adriennaturner.net
Not sure if I will actually do this one. Wrote some notes and did rewinds to write it down since I do not have the book. Not available at local library either.
2.75 stars
Adrienna Turner
adriennaturner.net
October 25, 2016
I received the ebook in exchange for an honest review on Netgalley.
As so many people I would love to loose some weight. When I saw this book I really wanted to read it. Maybe I could pick up some pointers out of it. I saw some very doable week plans in the book and I really want to try them out. I also enjoyed the background information, but sometimes I found it a little bit too lengthy. When I read such a book I want to do...
As so many people I would love to loose some weight. When I saw this book I really wanted to read it. Maybe I could pick up some pointers out of it. I saw some very doable week plans in the book and I really want to try them out. I also enjoyed the background information, but sometimes I found it a little bit too lengthy. When I read such a book I want to do...
Read
September 3, 2012This is a great book which focuses on proper nutrition and deals with keeping your liver healthy. It was an easy read, with tons of great information. I am going to try this plan. Not a fan of taking supplements, but will try the lemon water, cranberry with water, and more veggies! It sounds like it can get expensive, but the concept of a 2 week flush/Phase 1 sounds attainable.
March 9, 2013
This was a great book. It's the first diet plan that has really helped me. It taught me the right way to cook and plan meals. I'm not a great cook but the recipes in this book were easy and very good. I definitely stopped craving carbs and didn't even need to really add them back when I started Phase 2.
January 24, 2016
I appreciate the concept, and boy would I love if it works, but I found the program so difficult to follow that I stopped reading about halfway. I started the diet, but there are too many steps each day that are challenging to stay on top of when I'm home all day, to say nothing of trying to follow the program when I'm away from home (say, at work).
November 15, 2015
I found this book clearly written and encouraging. The author's fat flush protocol is meat centered for protein, so as a long-term vegetarian (40 yrs) I took it as a personal challenge to adapt her protein suggestions to fit our plant-based protein lifestyle. My husband and I both feel it's working.
September 25, 2007
similar to liver detoxification. you will lose weight for sure, but i find the fit-for-life program more effective in the long term. like the waterfall diet, it makes one lose 'water' weight fast, but it is not for the long haul.
February 19, 2008
Great information about dieting and nutritien. My husband and I followed the plan and actually lost quite a bit of weight - the healthy way. We recommend this book to everyone who has the willpower and desire. We plan to follow the plan again after second baby is born and weened.
March 11, 2008
I learned that it is possible to budge my weight that has been stuck for about 3 years. This book had wonderful information about cleansing the liver and why. It teaches why we need those omega oils and why you must drink water. This is for all my friends - read this book!
February 3, 2010
This book has some good principles. However, it's a bit more extreme in the eating approach than I prefer. I'm sure it works for some people, but I prefer an eating/exercise approach that has more of an emphasis on expending calories, not just deleting calories.
Want to read
March 8, 2010This is hard reading for me. I want to feel enthusiastic about reading it, it has great stuff, very beneficial information... I like a book I can enjoy though, but I am not giving up, I WILL read it and reap some kind of rewards! (I hope)
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