The promise.
The Promise
Spend 3 days eating fruit, salad, and protein, and you'll cleanse your system, kick food addictions, and lose up to 9 pounds.
Plan developer Jay Robb, a clinical nutritionist, says Fruit Flush gives your digestive system a break from overprocessed foods; lets low-calorie, fiber-rich fruits (and some vegetables) clean your system; and puts your body into fat-burning mode.
Does It Work?
Most of the weight you'd lose would be from water, and you're likely to gain it back when you go off the diet. This plan isn't a long-term solution or lifestyle.
Fruits and vegetables are key parts of a healthy diet, and most Americans don't eat enough of them. There’s no proof, however, that only eating plant foods will help you "detox" or burn fa
What You Can Eat and What You Can't
The first day of Fruit Flush consists of a protein shake every 2 hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., followed by 8-12 ounces of water. Dinner is a raw salad (no starchy vegetables) with olive or flaxseed oil, or half an avocado, along with 3-6 ounces of lean protein or egg whites.
The next 2 days are all about fruit from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.: one 100-calorie serving of fruit every 2 hours. Dinner is either salad or half an avocado, plus one protein shake.
If you’ve got a caffeine habit or enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, you’re out of luck. Seasonings, sweeteners, and salt are off this plan.
Level of Effort: Medium
Though the time frame is short, the program’s laser focus means it’s a commitment. After the first 3 days of specific, regimented food choice, there’s a lot of freedom for variety within the rules.
Limitations: The list of allowed foods and specific times to eat them might mean a hassle to go to restaurants. You’ll also need to arrange your activities around when you're scheduled to eat.
Cooking and shopping: Besides buying fruits and vegetables, you’ll need to purchase protein shake mix based on Robb's recommendations. Keep in mind that fruit juice, dried fruit, and canned fruit don’t count, nor does anything cooked or otherwise prepared.
Packaged foods or meals? Robb sells protein shakes on his web site, but you're not required to buy them. You're allowed to choose your favorite brand as long as it meets certain ingredient requirements.
In-person meetings? No.
Exercise: This plan discourages exercise that's more intense than a leisurely walk. Your energy level might also be down because you're getting fewer calories.
Does It Allow for Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?
Vegetarians and vegans: This plan works for vegetarian diets. For vegans, look for protein powders that don’t contain whey, egg, or other animal products. (Some options: hemp, brown rice, yellow pea, or soy.)
Low-salt diet: Yes. This diet is naturally low-salt.
Low-fat diet: Yes. The amount and type of fat (mono- vs. polyunsaturated, for instance) can be adjusted to meet your needs. You have some leeway with your shake choices and whether to include avocado.
