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Adapted From First for Women January 26, 2004

We know the frustration all too well: Day after day, week after week, you weigh and measure every morsel you eat. Still, the scale holds steady. But that’s about to change.

Researchers finally have discovered the biological cause of those stubborn pounds-and no-diet miracle that will melt them right off.

The real reason behind pudge that won’t budge..

Scientists have long known that the liver plays a key role in flushing fat and bloat from the body. But until now, they’ve overlooked the true powerhouse that drives the liver-the lymphatic system, a web like network of tiny channels through which fat, fluid and toxins are shuttled to the liver for disposal. The latest discovery: More than 50 percent of women have a sluggish lymphatic system that keeps stubborn pounds put- and most of them don’t even know it!

Supercharging your lymph system is easy!!

Fortunately, nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D, has developed a program with fitness pro Joanie Greggains that uses study-proven lymph-stimulating mechanisms to unclog toxic buildup so pudge melts away. The program features spa-inspired exercises, baths and massages that restore lymph flow, plus foods that maximize the liver’s ability to process fat and toxins. “The results is a 100 percent increase in your body’s ability to break down fat, including stubborn stores on the hips, butt and belly,” says Gittleman.

Flush out stubborn fat the spa way..

If you’re like most women, your lymph system is sluggish, and you aren’t even aware of it. But stubborn pounds are a telltale sign. Luckily, clearing lymph blockages so fat and toxins flow freely to the liver for fast flushing can be downright soothing! Here, the study-proven steps for automatic weight loss:

A calming stretch-

“Unlike blood vessels, lymph vessel walls don’t contain tiny muscles that keep fluids pumping automatically,” says Joanie Greggains. “If you sit still, lymph stops cold.” But these moves will get lymph flowing freely to the liver:

The toe touch: Inhale deeply as you stretch your arms above your head. Exhale as you slowly bend down to touch your toes. Repeat 10 times.

Hip circles: Stand with feet hip-width apart, hands on hips. Bring hips forward, then swivel in a circle. Repeat 4 times in each direction.

Marching: Lift your knees to your chest and pump your arms as you march in place. Focus on your posture, tightening your abs and butt. March for five minutes.

For more lymph-boosting moves, read The Fat Flush Fitness Plan.

A relaxing soak-

Regularly lounging in a hot bath is not just a luxurious treat. Research at Kagoshima University in Japan suggests that it can significantly boost weight loss in as little as two weeks. “That’s because 70 percent of your lymph channels are located just beneath the skin-close enough to the surface so that even lightly touching your skin can affect the movement of lymph,” says Gittleman. “And a hot soak opens pores, allowing toxins to be drawn out of the lymph system through perspiration.” For even more dramatic results, she suggests adding orange-scented aromatherapy oil to the tub. “The scent boosts lymphatic flow, helping flush out excess fluid and reduce bloat.”

A soothing massage-

Studies show that a massage can push up to 78 percent of stagnant lymph (the watery fluid that washes through tissues) back into the circulatory system. “And if you target the areas that have the highest concentration of lymph vessels, you can boost lymph flow as much as twenty fold, dramatically speeding the elimination of fat and toxins,” says Gittleman. Enjoy 30 minutes of massage weekly-either in one chunk or small bursts. Here, two key areas to stimulate:

The arms and chest: Gently stroke the inside of you left arm from the wrist to the inner elbow, then from the elbow to the shoulder. At the armpit, gently squeeze the skin, then continue to stroke from the armpit to the center of your chest. Repeat on the right side.

The face and neck: Place your thumbs behind your jaw, below your ears. Knead along the jawline with your thumbs until they meet at the center of your chin.

Scientists have discovered why diets almost always fail: At least 50 percent of women suffer from a sluggish, overworked lymph system brought on by years of consuming the chemically processed foods so abundant in our modern-day food supply. But there are some downright decadent ways to unclog the lymph so it can do its job-which is to shuttle fats and toxins to the liver for speedy removal from the body. They include a soothing hot soak, a relaxing massage and rejuvenating yoga like stretches. And once the lymph system is operating at its peak, you can speed weight loss even more by nourishing your liver so it also can be at its fat-flushing best.

It worked for me:

“I lost 30 pounds and kept it off” When I hit my forties, the fast food drive-thru stops I was so fond of started to take their toll on my body. And it wasn’t just my imagination: One day as I was delivering a giant balloon bouquet for work, a building security guard said, “Good thing you’re not real skinny, or you’d take off!” I was mortified! That comment, along with my daughter’s upcoming wedding, prompted me to lose weight. I wanted to look good and make my daughter proud.

“My energy levels skyrocketed!’ I read about the Fat Flush Plan, and it really made sense. I went to the store to buy Fat-Flushing foods that night, and in just two days my energy levels skyrocketed. I had to take in the seams of my mother-of –the-bride dress twice before the wedding, and on the big day, my daughter’s smile showed me how proud she was of my accomplishment.

“I look like I’ve lost twice as much!” Even though the scale says I weigh 155, I feel (and look!) 25 pounds slimmer. There’s just something about this plan that makes you look like you weigh a lot less. Plus, I feel great and get noticed more-in a positive way. Now instead of commenting about my weight, men rush to open doors for me! And the plan was so simple that I decided to stay on it. It’s been a year, and keeping off the 30 pounds has been easy.