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LiveStronger.com, Linda Kent, January 15, 2010

Eating the right foods can greatly help if you are trying to combat weight gain, stubborn fat deposits or bloating, says nationally known nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., and author of "The Fat Flush Plan." Gittleman's Fat Flush Plan program aims to use healthy fats, proteins and carbohydrates to correct body chemistry imbalances that bring on weight. Gittleman says she has several favorite Fat Flush Foods that help keep the body in good working order.

Chia
Chia is an ancient super seed that is exceedingly high in protein, Gittleman says. In fact, it has twice the protein of any other seed or grain. It is also a good source of the B vitamins, calcium and a high source of antioxidants. "You can chew them," she says, "so I really like them for people who like crunch value."

Cran-Water
Cran-water is high in four organic acids that act as digestive enzymes, she says. These help to gobble up little fatty deposits that get stuck in the lymphatics. Cran-water also is a natural diuretic that keeps the bladder and urinary tract pathogen free, she says. To mix for a day's supply, use 8 oz. unsweetened cranberry juice and 56 oz. water.

Fish Oil
Fish oil is a great source of omega 3s, which can target tummy fat, she says. You need 6g, an overflowing tablespoon.

Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables, like seaweeds or kelp seasonings, are high in minerals and iodine, she says. These can balance and rev up a sluggish thyroid, she says.

Lemons
Lemons, she says, are one of your liver's best friends and a great fat metabolizer. "They're just an old time favorite. They have the ability to thin out bile and help your liver to metabolize toxins," she says. They also help the body to digest fats by improving the liver's ability to send out bile. This breaks down fat globules to smaller units for proper absorption, she says.

Spices
Gittleman also favors thermogenic and blood-sugar leveling spices. "Mustard, cayenne and ginger are great thermogenics," she says, noting they help raise body temperature and calorie burn. Cinnamon, cloves and cardamom help stabilize blood sugar, she adds.

Diuretic Foods
Asparagus, cucumbers and parsley are natural diuretics, she says. Many people retain fluid due to hidden food allergies or too much salt consumption, she says.

Probiotics
Probiotics have been found to help in weight loss, she says. "If you have the right kind bacteria in your gut, your body doesn't need lots extra calories to get its fill of nutrients," she says. Probiotics also help in the synthesis of B vitamins and are calming to the nervous system, she says.

GLA
Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, also is important, she says, because it activates brown fat, which is found in many overweight people. Many people do not make GLA from its precursors, which are vegetable oils such as safflower oil, so it is common to need a supplement, she says.