The Fast Track Detox Diet was created by nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS. The plan provides an 11-day detox program including a 7-day preparation, 1-day fast, and 3-day maintenance period. Dr. Gittleman claims fasting can be a great weight-loss method when done properly. In her book, The Fast Track Detox Diet, she outlines how to prepare for the detox in order to prevent toxin overload.
The diet is broken down into three phases: The prequel, the one-day fast, and the sequel. During the prequel, detox-supportive foods are added in to prepare for the fast, where a “miracle juice” is consumed to balance blood sugar, boost metabolism, and replenish nutrients. During the one-day fast, dieters only consume water and a cranberry-cinnamon juice concoction every two hours. During the last phase, the sequel, immune-boosting foods are introduced to maintain weight loss with a strong focus on yogurt.
The diet plan addresses emotional issues and recommends journaling, breathing exercises, and visualization tools.
Foods to include:
The Prequel
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Lean meat
- Lean poultry
- Lean fish
- Eggs
- Beans
- Nuts and seeds
- Healthy oils
The Fast
- Filtered lemon water
- Cranberry juice-cinnamon mixture
The Sequel
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Lean meat
- Lean poultry
- Lean fish
- Eggs
- Beans
- Yogurt
- Nuts and seeds
- Healthy oils
Foods to avoid:
The Prequel
- Sugar
- Trans fats
- Refined carbohydrates
- Gluten
- Artificial sweeteners
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Dairy
- Soy protein isolate
The Fast
All solids and liquids outside the water and cranberry-cinnamon juice concoction
The Sequel
- Sugar
- Trans fat
- Refined carbohydrates
- Gluten
- Artificial sweeteners
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Dairy
- Soy protein isolate
Pros:
- Quick weight loss in some cases
- Promotes elimination of toxins that weaken the body’s natural detoxification systems
- May help people quit smoking and/or drinking caffeine
Cons:
- Cleanses must be done with caution as they may stress the internal organs and cause nutrient deficiencies
- Extreme cleansing diets can be addictive
- May be hard for some to give up solid food for a day
- May lead to binges
- Could cause stomach distress in some, depending on pre and post-cleanse diet
