Diets A-Z: The Fat Flush Plan

the theory:
Protein-rich foods, essential fats from flaxseeds and other omega-3-rich oils, vegetables and some spices can boost our metabolism by up to 25% and help burn off excess calories. The fat flush plan suggests that by eliminating foods such as wheat, milk and yeast-based seasonings, bloating will be banished since these products are believed to retain fluid as well as slowing down our metabolism.
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the plan
There are three phases of the Fat Flush Plan. The first phase lasts for two weeks and is based on up to a 1,200-calories-a-day diet plan that supposedly jumpstarts the metabolism for weight loss and transforms your body shape. The first phase diet plan emphasises:

  • At least 225g protein-rich foods a day, such as eggs, fish, chicken and whey (protein in egg)
  • Essential fats from flaxseed (linseed) oils
  • Antioxidant-rich vegetables (except beans, parsnips, carrots, peas, pumpkin, acorn or butternut squash ? these are forbidden)
  • Spices such as ginger, cayenne, mustard and cinnamon
  • `Long life cocktail? made from diluted cranberry juice and ground flaxseedsStarchy carbohydrate foods such as bread, potatoes and cereals are forbidden in the first phase

    upside
    Protein is the most satiating of all nutrients, which means you can eat a small amount and feel full. Many of us like meat and other protein-rich food, so following this type of diet will feel less difficult to begin with.

    It emphasises a wide variety of antioxidant-rich vegetables at each meal. Vegetables are an excellent source of phytochemicals, which can protect us against some cancers and heart disease. Flaxseeds are a good source of essential fats called omega-3 fats, which have been shown to be protective against heart disease.

    The plan suggests following low-to-moderate intensity exercises such as brisk walking. Increasing physical activity helps to burn off calories and also increases production of happy hormones endorphins. On the whole, this plan is quite easy to follow and there aren?t any difficult calculations to be done.

    downside
    Because starchy carbohydrates are forbidden, it?s hard to follow this eating plan for a long period of time since carbs are the mainstay of the British diet. These foods are also rich in insoluble fibre, which helps get our guts healthy, so eliminating these foods from the diet can lead to bowel problems such as constipation in the short term. They are also rich sources of B group vitamins, which paradoxically are essential for helping our metabolism.

    Dairy foods are also forbidden in the first phase of the diet. These foods are one of the main sources of calcium in the UK, needed to maintain strong teeth and healthy bones. Long-term deficiency may increase our risk of osteoporosis in later life.

    Protein-rich foods are often high in fat and saturated fat, which can increase our risk of heart disease, so you will need to choose low-fat versions wherever you can, e.g. pork fillet, chicken breast, and these cuts of meat tend to be expensive. Also, dietary supplements are recommended, which makes this an expensive diet plan to follow.

    duration
    Two weeks for the first phase and then indefinite.

    tips
    Chat about it on the You can do it message board.

    checklist
    Restaurants: Difficult to order, as oils (apart from flaxseed oils), margarine and other fats are not allowed.
    Alcohol: Not allowed.
    Caffeine: Not allowed.
    Need to buy special foods: Yes, flaxseeds, flaxseed oils, dietary supplements and weight loss formula.
    Family friendly: Fairly.
    OK for vegetarians: No.

    the pros say
    The plan is unbalanced, with an over-emphasis on protein-rich foods. Eliminating starchy carbohydrates and dairy foods means that you could be missing out on naturally occurring vitamins, minerals and other nutrients ? replacing them with expensive dietary supplements.