* Before I ever get started on this topic, or share any of my opinions or results, please remember that you should always make your own decisions based on your own research, health, experiences, issues and of course the advice of YOUR physician!
Several weeks ago, our pastor’s wife, my best friend and sister, (Charlene) was given a copy of “The Fat Flush Plan” by Ann Louise Gittleman
. She began to read it and was very impressed by the information. This coincidentally transpired at a point and time when I’d reached the end of my rope with my ‘crazy-woman’ PMS symptoms! *grin*
I was becoming more and more riddled with irritability, aggressiveness, headaches, fatigue, cramps and so much more – for almost 2 weeks of every month! Finally, after a coupla comments about the obviousness of my PMS, I gave in and sought doctor’s advice. She offered a few solutions; mostly one form of prescription or another. I was adamant that I wouldn’t take any type of anti-depressant - - no matter the reason! I don’t care if they treat PMS symptoms, nor do I care how ‘harmless’ they are!?!!?! I was also not happy about taking birth control pills – for many, many, MANY reasons. Overall, I just have no desire to put any meds in my system that really don’t belong there or serve any real purpose other than, oh say, sustaining life! Exasperated by my unwillingness to become captive of the pharmaceutical revolution, she suggested a regime made up of more (any) exercise and a healthier diet. This is something I’ve been working of for the last year anyway, so why not kick it up a notch?
On the heels of this experience came Charlene’s ‘book report’ on “The Fat Flush Plan”. The more I heard about this diet (way of life), the more intrigued I became. Among many other things, the book specifically suggests an herbal supplement known as “Evening Primrose Oil” for mad-crazy PMS symptoms. I researched it online, and was not horribly discouraged by the side-effects. I checked out the local Wal-Mart and found it right away. I am happy to report that this month has been much more bearable for the WHOLE family!!! *laughing*
This only got me more excited and intrigued by Ann Louise’s book! Obviously the next step was to hit Amazon and buy a copy! Right? (It won’t be long until I hook myself up with her cookbook
as well!)
I have been reading through my new book for the past week and love it. I am simply intrigued by the ideas and suggestions. I’ve begun to purchase better foods and prepare them based on the ‘Fat Flush’ techniques and guidelines. I’m trying to use up the groceries we have and include a lot of the new ideas. It will be quite some time before I can totally purge all of our bad habits and do the actual ‘Flush’, but I am on a mission! Not just to clean out my own body and feel better, but to help my whole family learn a new way of eating AND living! And I am totally excited about it! It really is in line with what the doctor prescribed! (I am a little concerned as to whether or not I will figure out how to fit my daily dose of Reese’s Cups into the ‘cheats’!)
The whole premise behind Ann Louise’s research is that our livers are dirty and polluted and therefore, overworked. She goes on to describe many of the indicators that your poor little liver is struggling. I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that this healthier and more complete way of eating will offer me a new body from the inside out. Not simply by trimming pounds – I pretty well accomplished that by omitting a lot of the sugar I was eating, but by totally reconstructing my diet and my way of thinking about and preparing food. This book teaches that it isn’t all about the flavor. Each drink, spice, veggie, fruit, meat, condiment, oil, and herbal supplement serves a very specific purpose for your overall health!
It didn’t hurt either when I got to the part where she used the Bible to confirm her choice of bread! “But as for you, take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet and spelt, put them in one vessel and make them into bread for yourself; you shall eat it according to the number of the days that you lie on your side, three hundred and ninety days. [Ezekiel 4:9]
Ann Louise also suggests keeping a journal. It not only helps to track different triggers, but it relieves stress! I hate to handwrite in the worst way, so I’m seriously debating whether or not to track my progress here. If anyone reading has begun the ‘Fat Flush’ or anticipates doing so, please feel free to comment and jump in with me on my journey to new health. For those of you that have tried everything on the planet and are left a little skeptical, keep checking in! To one degree or another, I plan to make myself a guinea pig an example for anyone that’s willing to consider it!
19 What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own? 20 For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. [I Corinthians 6:19-20]
Enjoy your weekend & happy flushing!
