So many of us have wanted to go a low-carb diet that also restricts calorie-intake but we have often experienced failure. This is because just reducing carbs from your diet or restricting calories haphazardly is not going to work. Most of us don't have a fixed plan and hence tend to slip up while on a weight loss 'diet'. This is exactly why diet plans are crucial for weight loss as they give you a better control over the amount of calories consumed daily, while also restricting just the right amount of carbs for your personal body type. There are a lot of weight loss diets out there and with low-carb diets being all the rage, the 'Fat Flush Diet' for weight loss is also in vogue. The diet was developed by nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman and it combines weight loss and detoxification in one diet plan that is low in calories and carbohydrates.
Gittleman introduced the concept of a 'fat flush' diet in her book titled "Beyond Pritikin", which was published in 1988. The basic idea behind the diet is that the function of the liver is to act like a fat-burning furnace and that a combination of foods and a planned eating schedule can be used to ramp up metabolism of the body and burn body fat more efficiently. The diet also claims to stimulate the lymphatic system to move liquefied fat through the body's system, which it says results in 'dramatic' inch-loss and also eliminates cellulite. The diet plan promises to make you lose 12 inches in just two weeks, if you stick to it!
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Fat Flush Diet Plan For Weight Loss- How Does It Work?
The flat flush diet plan has three phases, each of which is said to serve the following roles- detox, weight loss, and maintaining weight loss respectively. The first phase of the 'Fat Flush Diet' for weight loss is aimed at detoxing the liver and the lymphatic system in order to improve the efficiency of these two systems. Exercise is also an important part of the 'Fat Flush Diet' and Gittleman's book also suggests exercises to compliment the weight loss diet plan. Here are the three phases of the 'Fat Flush Diet' and the foods that you can include in each of them:
1. Phase 1: In this phase, dieters consume copious amounts of a mixture of cranberry juice and water, in order to detox and reduce water retention. The mixture is consumed daily in Phase 1 and the calorie intake in this phase is capped at 1,100 to 1,200 calories per day. In this phase, consumption of wheat and dairy is banned.
Here Are 3 Recipes Which You Can Try Instead Of Having Simple Cranberry Juice During This Phase:
Cranberry Juice Tea
As the name suggests, this beverage is loaded of goodness of tea and cranberry juice. All we need to make this tea are Assam tea leaves, cranberry juice, lemon juice and fresh mint. Click here for the recipe. Though the recipe has sugar in it, we can always replace it with honey for making it weight-loss friendly recipe. You can also replace Assam tea with green tea as the latter is known to be packed with anti-oxidants, promoting weight loss.
Cranberry Ka Panna
We are generally aware of 'aam panna', but this is a new type of panna, which is not only healthy but also a refreshing beverage. This sweet and tangy cranberry ka panna has the goodness of cumin, elaichi, black salt and jaggery simmered and blended with cranberries. This is served chilled, topped with chia seeds, soda and mint leaves. Click here for the recipe.
Cranberry Booster
This beverage can not only be a tasty alternative to normal cranberry juice, but also has the ability to grab the spotlight in any party. Alongside cranberry juice, it is packed with orange chunks, orange juice, lime juice, peach puree, ginger juice and fresh basil leaves. Click here for the recipe.
Fat Flush Diet for weight loss: Cranberry juice helps reduce water retention2. Phase 2: In the second phase, dieters are allowed to slightly increase their calorie intake, while also re-introducing some carbs back in their diet.
Here Are Three Recipes Which You Can Add To Your Diet During This Phase:
Broccoli Stew
Broccoli is known to be a powerhouse of nutrients that you must include in your diet for many reasons. Besides being low carb (not zero carb), it is rich in fibre, folate, vitamin C, K and A. This recipe of broccoli stew is a heavenly combination of broccoli and coconut milk and works perfectly as a light, healthy and fuss-free option for lunch or dinner. Click here for the recipe.
Chicken Ball and Spinach Soup
A soup is always a good idea when you want to go light yet filling. A protein-rich chicken along with green leafy, low carb spinach would work wonders if you are losing weight. Packed with healthy veggies and a tang of lime, this low carb soup recipe is ideal for a chilly winter evening. Click here for the recipe.
Eggplant Salad
This salad is not only nutritious, but also is filled with sweet and spicy flavours that make it a delicious dish for all. Eggplant chunks boiled and garnished with a tantalising dressing of vinegar, soya sauce and garlic, makes for a perfect bowl for lunch. Click here for the recipe.
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3. Phase 3: The final phase is said to have been designed for maintaining or sustaining weight loss for longer duration. In this phase, dieters maintain a ratio of 40:30:30 of carbs, proteins and fats. This phase allows for only limited dairy consumption. During this phase, people slowly get back to their normal diet, with rice, roti, dal, vegetable and others. But one should keep in mind that this normal diet should be as per the given ratio.
The weight loss diet may work when combined with specific exercises. But while following any weight loss diet, it is important that you follow the diet exactly as it is meant to be followed, without any variations. Check with your nutritionist or dietitian before following any restrictive diet, especially if you have a chronic illness.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.