Because You Asked: Fat Flush FAQs

January 26, 2011
Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Award-winning nutritionist and New York Times bestselling author.

Answers to help flush your fat and purge fluid buildup—with the best results.

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers.

Q: Can I personalize The Fat Flush Plan a little, or do I have to adhere to it 100%?
ALG:
Fat Flush is based on principles, rather than hard-and-fast dos and don’ts. So, the short answer is yes, you certainly can personalize this program. But, the more you can build your meals around Fat Flush elements—the fiber-rich Long Life Cocktail, hot water and lemon, lean protein (including Whey Protein and Body Protein), low glycemic veggies and fruits, flaxseed oil, and essential fatty acids—the better!

One popular way to personalize Phase 1 of Fat Flush—especially if you want to continue heavy-duty workout routines—is to add one or two friendly carbs—for example, a half cup of peas or a small sweet potato helps satisfy Fat Flush athletes.

Q: Do I have to take supplements while I’m Fat Flushing?
ALG:
Certain supplements—like the essential fatty acids contained in GLA (gamma linolenic acid) and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)—are crucial to weight loss success and shedding belly fat.

A daily dose of 360 mg of GLA-90—nature’s weight loss aid—mobilizes metabolically active brown fat to burn off extra pounds and increase energy. This supplement also keeps your skin moist and dewy-looking during weight loss, controls PMS symptoms, and relieves arthritis.

In Phase 3, you’ll want to add fat-burning CLA-1000—nature’s belly fat fix—before each meal. Even if you regain a little lost weight during this maintenance phase, you’ll redeposit 50% of it as muscle. CLA-1000 contributes to overall wellness, too. This powerful antioxidant aids in the prevention of breast cancer, enhances immune function, and lowers unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Along with GLA-90, the Fat Flush Kit contains Dieters’ Multivitamin and Mineral for daily nutrient support without further burdening the liver from its 400 various tasks—including detoxification—and Weight Loss Formula to stabilize blood sugar, increase energy levels, and support healthy fat metabolism.

Q: I know that flaxseeds are part of the protocol, but I’ve been told they can be harmful. Is this true?
ALG:
Lignan-rich flaxseeds are safe in proper amounts. They do contain a substance known as cyanogenic glycosides—as do lima beans, sweet potatoes, yams, and bamboo shoots. Cyanogenic glycosides metabolize into a substance known as thiocyanate—a chemical that, over time, has the potential to suppress the thyroid’s ability to take up sufficient iodine.

There are two simple ways to avoid this problem. One, consume a maximum of 3 or 4 tablespoons of ground-up flaxseeds per day. The other is to lightly bake or toast the flaxseeds, which deactivates and decomposes the cyanogenic glycosides, but preserves the beneficial omega-3 properties.

To toast them, spread flaxseeds on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F for 15-20 minutes until seeds are crispy.

Q: Can I take fish oil instead of flaxseed oil?
ALG:
When it comes to fish verses flax, there’s some misunderstanding. For most health issues, flax and fish oils provide comparable benefits. However, studies indicate that the omega-3’s from flax are a better choice. Science has confirmed that the ALA content of flax oil has benefits all its own, without having to be converted into EPA and DHA. For example, several breast cancer studies found higher concentrations of ALA in breast tissue lowered the risk of manifesting breast cancer—and these high levels of ALA in breast tissue lowered the risk of cancer metastasis to other parts of the body. I suggest using 1 teaspoon of fish oil (or 3 capsules of Super-EPA) to 1 teaspoon of flax oil.

Q: My husband wants to follow The Fat Flush Plan. Should men do anything differently?
ALG:
Because men tend to have more lean muscle mass (20% in fact) than women, they usually lose weight faster—typically 8 to 16 pounds in Phase 1. Guys who follow Fat Flush often make some personal adjustments, like skipping from Phase 1 to Phase 3. I know, it doesn’t seem fair, but that’s how it is.

Some men also find they need more than 8 ounces of lean protein a day. They can increase portion sizes of chicken, fish, and lean meat by 2 ounces at lunch and dinner. Or guys can simply double up on Fat Flush Whey Protein at breakfast.

Q: Is there anything perimenopausal and menopausal women should be aware of?
ALG:
Fat Flushing provides many hormone-stabilizing benefits for peri and menopausal women. Using ground flaxseeds—that act as a hormone modulator—as well as GLA, helps to balance mood swings, quell hot flashes and night sweats, and provide lubrication for tissue dryness.

Q: If I use psyllium husks in the Long Life Cocktail will it interact with my birth control pill?
ALG:
Possibly. The water-soluble fiber in the psyllium husks can lower the effectiveness of birth control pills and any other prescription medications. You should try to always take your medications at least 45 minutes before or after the cocktail. If you’re using flaxseeds, they don’t appear to have the absorbable quality that psyllium has—and may be a safer option.

Sources:
The Fat Flush Plan

Related Articles and Podcasts

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty books including The Fat Flush Plan series and her latest book, Radical Metabolism. She’s been rewriting the rules of nutrition for more than 40 years and is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field of diet, detox and women’s health issues. 

For a FREE daily dose of tips and strategies for maintaining healthy weight, conquering insomnia, and much more…check out my Radical Health Tips.

I’d like to meet and greet you on my Facebook groups, so won’t you check us out at the Radical Metabolism RevolutionFat Flush Nation, or my Inner Circle!

50 Comments

  1. Ann Mehrman

    I’m living in Japan and have not seen cranberry juice here so even if I do find it, it will be very expensive and small quantites. Is there another juice I can substitute?

    Reply
    • Kathy Chapin

      Flax or psylliums do not agree with me , so I will double up on veggies?

      Reply
      • Team ALG

        Kathy, you can use chia seeds or hemp seeds instead.

        Reply
  2. Maria Low

    Japan does have some traditional berries that are oxidizing and they may vary according to what part of the island you are living. Cherry Juice and Wolfberry/Gogi berry to name a couple, should be available. When you get to know some of the traditional folk-lore, you will discover how the berries were used as medicine to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. The Japanese have a long history on how to use food as medicine.

    Reply
    • Cherie

      Japan is more than one island.

      Reply
  3. shari

    I am taking a super GLA borage oil with 300 mg GLA per capules. Should I take 2 of these to get the full 360 mg per day?

    Also, I tried taking CLA and it seems to give me loose stools. Is this always the case?

    Reply
  4. Kelley M.

    Ann,
    If you can find cranberries in Japan, you can make your own homemade cranberry juice. Page 199 of the Fat Flush for Life has the recipe. Page 198 of the same has a pomegranate alternative! Good luck!

    Reply
  5. Joel

    Ann- If cranberry juice is not an option for you, you can use 4 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar to 64 oz. of water.

    Shari- Taking two of those borage caps would be fine. I’m not familiar with CLA causing loose stool, how many milligrams were you taking daily?

    Reply
  6. Colleen Bruns

    What is the Long Life Cocktail?

    Reply
  7. Joel

    Colleen- In Dr. Ann Louise book the Fat Flush Plan, you drink a refreshing mixture called the Long Life Cocktail twice daily, that helps cleanse and detox your body.

    Reply
  8. shari

    Joel–I was taking 1000 mg after each meal so 3000mg total. That is what Dr. Ann Louise recommends in the FFP book.

    Reply
  9. Mary L Peterson

    I did not see Bananas as a fruit snack?
    Vegetable Kohl Rabi could that be used instead of water cress?

    Reply
  10. Mary

    Hi
    If we use Chia 2-3 Tablespoons. Do we still use Flax and our Protein in our Fat Flush Plan Smoothies? Plus the 2 Tablespoon of Flax Oil in the Long Life Cocktails?
    I’m a just beginning this wonderful journey. That’s why all the questions. I’ve already ordered the kit and the Chia. You are right, I spent so much time looking for everything I took your advice and ordered it. The Fat Flush Plan however, doesn’t include this seed I’m getting.
    Thank you

    Reply
  11. Joel

    Shari- I would try the CLA again, just to confirm that it was causing of your loose stool, since it is not something that is common. If it causes it again, I would suggest a product like HCl+2 which helps emulsify fats making them easier to digest.

    Mary- Bananas and chia seeds are not part of Phase one of the Fat Flush Plan. It sounds like you may be confusing different elements of the protocols for the Fat Flush Plan and the Smoothie Shakedown. They are different programs and for simplicity you’ll want to keep them separate. For the Fat Flush Plan, you’ll want to use a tablespoon of ground flax seed or psyllium husk fiber in you Long Life Cocktail twice daily and two tablespoons of the flax seed oil daily taken throughout the day. Dr. Ann Louise’s Forum is a great place to find additional help on any of her programs; simply register and ask away: http://www.annlouiseforum.com/

    Reply
  12. Riel

    Here is a link to a vender of cranberry juice.
    http://www.junzosen.com
    They sell it in 100% pure or 50% naturally sweetened.

    Reply
  13. Tulasi Nagabandi

    I am 26 and want to loose atleast 20lbs of weight and am a vegetarian. I am not sure how to go through the fat flush plan. Can you please help me with your suggestion, do i need to take the GLA and other capusles.

    Reply
  14. Paula

    Does the “lemon hot toddy” that is to be consumed first thing in the morning have to be hot? Or would cold lemon water work? I’m not much of a hot drink person.
    Thanks.

    Reply
  15. Kirsten

    I am not sure if I am supposed to be using psyllium husks or flaxseed for the long life cocktail. In the shopping list it shows both but I don’t see any other recipe that calls for the flaxseeds. Can I just use one of them and if so which one is best? Thanks!

    Reply
  16. Rebecca

    I take birth control pills for my endomitriosis. How much will it effect the 2 week flush if I stay on these hormones during that time?

    Reply
  17. Sierra

    Rebecca, you will still see great results from the Fat Flush Plan if you stay on your birth control. Just make sure to give yourself about 2 hours between the long life cocktail and taking your pill! The fiber can sometimes reduce the effectiveness of the pill, so just be mindful of that and space it out accordingly!

    Reply
  18. Janine

    Im trying to lose a few pounds before a vacation 3 weeks. I bought The Fat Flush book ad was going to begin phase 1 tomorrow for two weeks. I don’t have a lot to lose…do I have to continue on phase 2 or 3? I don’t want to gain it back once I’m on vacation…I will try to eat healthy there, but it’s an all inclusive trip, so I’m sure it will be hard. Any suggestions? I also read about the fat flush 3 day soup diet…should I do that instead? Thank you

    Reply
  19. Sierra

    Hi Janine!
    The Fat Flush Plan, Phase 1 should be just perfect for you. If you would like to incorporate the soup, please just omit the beans from the recipe, and you’ll be able to enjoy as much of it as you like! If you achieve your desired results in Phase 1, you may go directly to Phase 3 for lifestyle maintenance!
    Best wishes to you, have a great vacation!

    Reply
  20. Jeanna

    I was wondering if the 1100-1200 calories per day were in addition to the 560 calories that all the 64 ounces of cranberry contain. If so, this is only roughly 600 calories for food for 3 meals. Not to mention the calories in the whey powder and flax oil. Please advise.

    Reply
    • liz

      The cranberry juice is diluted, so you only use 8 oz of cranberry in 64 oz of water.

      Reply
    • Rambo

      The calories for the cran water should only be 70 per day if you drink all 8 glasses (9 calls per glass)

      Reply
  21. anka

    I am on day 6 of the FF P1 doing everything by the book (including the exercising and supplements part) and no cheating whatsoever…not only have I not lost any weight but I have gained 2 pounds, which is basically killing my motivation as we speak. I am 56 years old, and needed to lose about 10 pounds when I started, now we are talking about 12!
    Any advice?

    Reply
    • Sierra

      Hi Anka!
      Please try not to be discouraged! It is early into the program for you, and often it takes 2 weeks of a new eating and lifestyle program before one will really see the results. Have you by chance taken your measurements? Many women find that they lose inches before they lose pounds. Also, your digestion is adjusting, I’m sure! If you are at all constipated, this could explain the 2 additional pounds. 400 mg -1200 mg of magnesium before bed should take care of that!
      If you stick with the plan, you will see results 🙂 If you’re looking for a boost, you might try adding the CLA-1000 to your regimen now, rather than later.
      Best wishes to you!

      Reply
  22. Andrew

    Before I started this diet with my wife, I’ve followed more of a “bodybuilder” diet and routine. I actually was drinking much more water before than I am with this. Are we able to drink as much water as we want “over” the alotted cran/water mixes?

    Like now, I’ve had my 16 oz. of cran/water for the afternoon and I’m still thirsty, is it fine to go drink filtered water?

    In summary: Can you drink as much extra filtered water while doing this?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • lisa

      Yes, you can definiately drink more water.

      Reply
  23. shawna

    I just ordered my smoothie shakedown bundle! I am excited to begin. I am very active and am hoping I can do the plan effectively. I did not see bananas until phase 3, which is still only listed as 1/2 as a serving size. Would it be okay to consume one banana in a smoothie during the shakedown? I do not want to hinder my efforts to get rid of any cellulite! Maybe I should just cut out some exercise. I am doing the plan to get rid of cellulite, not weight. I look forward to hearing back from someone with the insight to my question.

    Reply
  24. Virginia

    I have been on phase 1 for 6 days. I take the medication Nortriptyline for migraines and depression and by itself causes constipation. The first 4 days I took the long life cocktail with grounded psyllium seeds and 2 pills of magnesium at 400mg (one in the morning and one at night). I added more psyllium than recommended then switched to grinding the flax and am now taking 6 tablespoons of flax and the magnesium and I am still constipated. I’m not sure what to do.

    Reply
  25. Shannon

    I was wandering how to do the fat flush plan when you had a food panel test and it says that I am highly allergic to flax seed. Will it work with something else. What do I do to get the same results and benefits. The Whey Protein Powder is also another one I got diagnosed being allergic too. It doubles my stomach when I drink it. Please any suggestions to help me acheive the same healthy benefits and weight loss from the plan..

    Reply
    • Sierra

      Hi Shannon! No worries here, there are alternatives that you can use with great results 🙂
      For the flax, I would replace the oil with fish oil. UNI KEY carries a great lemon flavored version that is very pleasant. For the seeds themselves, you can replace those with chia seeds, which do not even need to be ground.
      In substitution for the whey protein, UNI KEY has made a vegan formula called Fat Flush Body Protein that is made from rice and peas. It is very nutritionally comparable to the whey, but you should tolerate it very well.
      I hope this helps you!

      Reply
  26. Shannon

    Thank you so much I will give it a try and looking forward to all the benefits of the fat flush plan. Hopefully turning my body around from attacking itself and balancing out hormones and flushing out those impurities..I have been told that wait 6 mo. to a year after and try to reintroduce foods that you are allergic too one at a time. Thanks for your response!

    Reply
  27. Lorna

    Flax is considered bad for folks with Hashimotos Thyroiditis can you recommend a substitute?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Chia seeds may be used in place of flax. You might also consider just toasting the flax seeds at 250 degrees for 15 minutes to neutralize the compound that inhibits iodine uptake.

      Reply
  28. Carrie Cerantes

    Can one flax seed oil instead of ground flax?

    Reply
    • liz

      You want to use both the flax oil and the cold milled flax seeds to get the omega’s and the fiber.

      Reply
  29. Lynn Becka

    I started 4 days ago, only had about 10 pounds total to lose. I have lost 5 so far. However, I have had what seems to be kidney pain and muscle aches since day 2, especially at night…any thoughts?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Congratulations on the 5 pounds lost so far! I’m sorry to hear about your discomfort and pain. It is unusual to experience that. Please drink more water in addition to the cranwater. You may be just detoxing at this stage.

      Reply
  30. Becky

    I make homemade yogurt and strain off the whey and often times freeze it for future use. Question – can this whey be used in the fat flush smoothie? The book calls for lactose free whey – am I accomplishing this when I strain?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      You can add it to the smoothie if you wish. It would not be lactose free. Much of the lactose is strained out with whey.

      Reply
  31. Valerie

    Are hemp seeds and help oil approved for any of the phases? And can we use those instead of flax seeds?

    Reply
    • Ann Louise Gittleman

      Team ALG here: Hemp seeds are on all 3 phases, hemp oil is not in any of the phases. Yes you can use the hemp seeds instead of flax seeds.

      Reply
  32. Rita

    Hello, during phase 1 can I use Olive Oil to sauté vegetables or eggs?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Rita, no, avocado oil is recommended for cooking in phase 1.

      Reply
  33. Jeanie

    Jeanie
    I am on the 1st stage of the day flush plan. Can we drink water during this phase?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Jeanie, yes you can drink up to half your body weight in ounces of water plus cranwater per day.

      Reply
  34. Kathie

    HI, I will be leaving on a trip soon and found the Cranberry Long life mix works very well to even out my hormones that allow better sleep at night. I’m at a loss to figure out how to bring a jar of the cranberry juice in my luggage. Is there a substitute that I can bring while traveling? I really doubt there will be stores containing the needed juice. Can I use cranberry tablets? Maybe break them in water? Thank you in advance.

    Reply

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