Would you love to learn how to turn up your metabolism while tuning up your gallbladder? The great news is, I bet many (maybe even all) of these Fat Flushing powerhouses are probably already in your daily diet. They’re not only great for shedding those extra pounds, but they’re also critical for quality bile production, which we know is key for optimum health, fat digestion, and correcting “mystery” illnesses.

Read on to get the skinny about these fantastic 10—and do make sure they’re all on your next grocery list.

Fat-Flushing Foods and Spices

• Beets

  Beets contain betaine which thins the bile and helps prevent gallstones. Betaine is also a rich source of hydrochloric acid, which is critical for digestion and triggers your gallbladder to release bile. Beetroot protects your liver from chemical toxicity.

• Artichokes

  Artichokes are a fabulous bile-producing food and liver protector. They may boost your glutathione levels as much as 50 percent.

• Bitters

  Bitter foods trigger your pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes and your gallbladder to release bile. Although digestive bitters are particularly important if you’re vegan or vegetarian, they are really helpful for everyone, with or without a gallbladder.

  Bitter greens such as arugula, endive, dandelion and radicchio offer wonderful benefits—as well as horseradish, which is also anti-cancer. Orange peel, gentian root, bitter artichoke and Angelica root are also excellent bitters. Stay away from Swedish bitters, which typically contain herbal laxatives such as rhubarb and senna.

• Choline

  Choline is an essential nutrient that acts as an emulsifier, assists fat digestion, reduces cellulite, decongests the liver, improves nerve and brain function, and builds hormones. Ninety percent of us are choline deficient.

• Lecithin

  Lecithin is one of the primary emulsifying agents in bile, containing significant choline. Lecithin breaks down fats making them more digestible. Lecithin also helps keep your homocysteine levels low, thereby reducing your cardiovascular risk. Lecithin from non-GMO soy or sunflower seeds makes a great fat-flushing supplement.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

  I call apple cider vinegar a “miracle in a bottle!” ACV contains malic acid, which helps your body digest protein and thins the bile.

  Take one tablespoon of raw ACV in a glass of water before meals.

• Taurine

  Taurine is a key component of bile acids, made in the liver. Many are deficient, especially vegans and vegetarians, because taurine is derived from organ meats and other animal proteins. Taurine helps thin the bile, assists detoxification, improves lipids, and lowers the risk for obesity.

• Capsaicin

  Capsaicin will ignite your fat burning engine! Found in sweat-inducing foods and spices like cayenne, capsaicin stimulates metabolism by activating brown fat, as well as helping optimize your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

• Cumin

  The smoky-peppery spice cumin can boost your metabolic rate, promote weight loss, reduce body fat and LDL, and stimulate pancreatic enzymes. In one study, just one teaspoon of cumin increased weight loss by 50 percent. I use cumin in just about everything from soups to salad dressings to casseroles.

• Omega-7s

  Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) is the amazing omega you might not yet know about. Omega-7 operates as a “lipokine”: a hormone-like molecule that optimizes energy utilization and storage in body tissues at very low concentrations. Omega-7s really shine when it comes to improving your blood glucose, insulin and lipid levels. Omega-7s will even help build collagen!

  Where do you find them? Macadamia nuts, sea buckthorn, and deep sea anchovies.

Further Reading

For even more superstar foods that you (and your family) will love, order a copy of The NEW Fat Flush Foods.

And, for tips on how to whip them up in delicious dishes, add The NEW Fat Flush Cookbook to your shopping cart, too.

Bon appétit!

When it comes to hunger and tummy fat, your hormones are key.

Similar to how the thyroid hormone controls metabolism and insulin is driven by excess carbohydrates, hunger and stress hormones affect your appetite and belly.

By resetting hormones, you will increase insulin sensitivity, stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce that fight or flight urge, and preserve more lean muscle mass while you fast track your weight loss.

Love that Leptin

Leptin is a long-term chemical messenger for your appetite. If you never feel quite satisfied after a meal, then your leptin is too low. High leptin levels are the ticket to speedy slimming and when this hormone is signaling correctly, it should decrease your appetite.

As a key appetite hormone, it would stand to reason that levels of leptin should be lower when you’re thin and higher when you’re overweight. So, you would think that overweight people would have less of an appetite, but this isn’t how it seems to work. People who are overweight and have high leptin levels somehow don’t get the signal to stop eating and stop storing fat. They develop a condition called leptin resistance, which is similar to insulin resistance, where the body is no longer sensitive to the appetite-decreasing effects of leptin.

Both leptin and insulin resistance are triggered by an excess of refined carbs, sugar—especially fructose (fruit sugar)—and not enough exercise or sleep and too much stress. Leptin resistance, however, is especially frustrating when it comes to long-lasting fat loss because it has a habit of actually increasing the level of visceral fat—the fat that is deep within the abdomen.

Leptin is balanced primarily by omega-3 fats, like fatty fish and fish oils. From a dietary standpoint, the essential fats from the omega-3 rich fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies, and mackerel) as well as EPA- and DHA-rich fish oil can stabilize leptin levels by helping to balance brain chemistry.

Since more than 60 percent of the brain is made from fat (primarily the ones that cannot be synthesized by the body, but must be eaten in the form of foods), I would say that these omega 3s are pretty darn important to trigger specific brain receptors which control leptin and ghrelin.

In terms of weight loss, in a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, individuals who consumed fish oil and walked for 45 minutes three times a week lost up to 5 pounds more than the control group. Reams of research demonstrate how fish oil can make you thinner, soothe arthritis, improve focus, protect the eyes, balance blood sugar, and boost brainpower.

I recently celebrated another birthday, a time of year that always gives me pause to reflect. One thing I’m most grateful for is my incredible inner circle of remarkably knowledgeable, insightful friends. My friend, television host of “Know the Cause” and best-selling author, Doug Kaufmann—whom I regard as a pioneer and a trendsetter—had the best antidote of all for aging: he recently emailed me and told me that he was “too busy to age.” I love that since I think the same way!

Besides such insightful words of wisdom, Doug updated me on his latest news and I want to share some highlights with you—especially if you are looking for root causes of degenerative disease.

“In the past 45 days, I have delivered two Continuing Medical Education presentations. I have stood before hundreds of interested physicians who all seemed to accept and love my belief that links fungus and their mycotoxins to cancer.

Ann Louise, what is happening to me currently is only defined as unbelievable. I feel that I’m 100 percent correct and that my scientific references (which have all been scrutinized by doctors via peer review) prove the facts. So, I believe that antibiotics, booze, and grains impregnated with mycotoxins increase the risk of cancer.

But why?

Because as my presentations prove, FUNGUS mimics and is being misdiagnosed as “cancer.” Know that the Kaufmann Diet halts many skin conditions in time, therefore just diet (the right diet) helps many folks (I worked in a large dermatology clinic in Dallas for five years and saw this hundreds of times), but if supplements are required (to starve the fungus and kill the fungus) it seems that cinnamon, curcumin, and chlorophyll are in a three-way tie for the best natural anti-mycotic fungistatins.

These three all have wonderful health benefits because they stop fungus in its tracks! For acute fungal skin flare ups, in addition to diet, I’d use topical oregano oil or tea tree oil. For chronic fungal dermal conditions like eczema or psoriasis, I’d recommend the “inside out” approach—antifungals like omega 3 and 7 fatty acids, along with beta glucan. I’ve been asked to publish another fungus/cancer article in another respected cancer journal… I’m far too busy to age! lol”

If you think you might be struggling with yeast and candida overgrowth, do consider a natural yeast cleanse. Telltale signs include:

• Incessant cravings for sweets and bread
• Headaches and a lack of mental clarity
• Belly fat that won’t budge
• Gastrointestinal issues

When left untreated, normally harmless Candida albicans can grow out of control throughout your body—all while you may be in the dark about what’s really going on.

Your “healthy” sunscreen is packed. CHECK! Your wide brimmed hat is in the bag. CHECK! Even healthy snacks are now part of your travel accompaniments. But there’s one thing I bet will be forgotten on far too many of the approximately 1.7 billion trips taken this year.

No matter where your travels may lead you (even here in the USA) you need to be proactive when it comes to uninvited guests—parasites, that is! These can lurk in the most pristine water, in ice cubes (absolutely none in drinks, please), fresh water lakes, and on those white silver sands.

How exactly do they make their way into your body? I hate to tell you that it’s easier than you’d think. I bet you’re quite aware that it’s imperative to be cautious of your diet during international travel. Parasites can lurk in all sorts of food and drink. Plus, the local population might not even be aware because they’ve developed an immunity—but you have not.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re safe in certain places because you can be anywhere and come in contact with parasites—such as dining at a trendy sushi restaurant, consuming undercooked meat at a steak house, or a drinking out of a glass that wasn’t properly washed.

Seemingly Innocent Sources

But it doesn’t end at dietary. You can pick up parasites simply by taking a dip in a local body of water or even unwittingly walking through scat of some sort. I recently became privy to the story of a man who had what his doctor originally thought was a varicose vein in his foot. Upon noticing that the location of this vein was moving, they discovered that it was actually a parasite living inside his foot that he’d picked up during a recent trip!

Whether you’re in a remote jungle or you’re walking along the beach, ensure that you’re wearing the proper footwear to prevent coming in direct contact with sneaky parasites.

Along these lines, a recent study of the brain tissue of deceased patients who’d suffered from neurological conditions found that 19 of those studies contained three Borrelia pathogens—including the one known to cause Lyme disease. This is another discovery in the growing body of research showing a strong connection between untreated parasitic infections and Lyme disease. Many believe that they picked up this frustrating and debilitating illness from horseback riding, time spent in the woods, and most certainly, excursions while on vacation.

To make matters worse, symptoms often don’t immediately appear, so you could be settled in back home before while the parasites have been silently multiplying and preparing for attack, unbeknown to you.

Parasitic Problem

If a selection of these symptoms has recently popped up (or have been plaguing you for some time), there might be an issue.

• Anxiety, nervousness and depression
• Frequent infections including yeast infections and colds
• Nagging cravings for sweets
• Intestinal issues like intermittent constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas
• Joint or muscle pain
• Difficulty sleeping or nighttime teeth grinding
• Fatigue that won’t let up
• Dark circles around or under the eyes
• Acne, eczema, hives, rashes or other skin conditions
• Sensory disorders such as vertigo, brain fog or poor coordination

Prepare Before You Pack

So, what can you do?

While you’re on your trip, you can—and should—be very aware of what you eat. Research restaurants, stay away from street vendors, be cautious of pre-cut fruits and veggies that could have been washed in contaminated water, and avoid undercooked meat, fish, dairy, and cold topping and condiments.

You can take it a big step further by prepping your body prior to your travels. My mentor Dr. Hazel Parcells (who lived to be 106!) was a huge believer in detox baths—and so am I. The idea behind these baths is that they supercharge your immunity by balancing your cellular pH level, creating an undesirable environment for parasitic invaders.

Please do try this bath once or twice a week during the time leading up to your trip, as well as after your return.

1. Run a tub to the hottest temperature you can manage. Dissolve 1 pound of salt (like Kosher salt) and 1 pound of baking soda in the water, and begin to soak.
2. Sip a glass of warm water mixed with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of baking soda for internal pH balance.
3. Get out of the bath when the water is cool. Don’t shower for at least four hours.

GLA (gamma linolenic acid) is known for its beautifying, fat-blasting, and disease-fighting benefits. But I can’t tell you about GLA without also telling you about GLA’s BFF, CLA.

What’s the difference between these two?

GLA raises your metabolism by stimulating brown fat (adipose tissue) in the body to burn calories for energy, while conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) targets visceral fat (found deep within the abdominal area) to powerfully burn belly fat while increasing lean muscle mass. I recommend taking this powerhouse duo together for full body fat-burning benefits.

When I think of how powerful CLA is, I remember a client that I worked with years ago. She was wheelchair-bound and had persistent belly fat she couldn’t seem to get rid of. I directed her to begin taking CLA supplements and merely one week later she was starting to see a noticeable whittling of her middle!

The Benefits Don’t Stop At Belly Fat

CLA has profound fat loss and healing benefits. A ready-made innate calorie burner, it helps reduce body fat while simultaneously retaining lean muscle mass. It’s also considered a necessary fatty acid for both cell growth and as a building block for cell membranes.

To date, there are over 500 published studies on this previously unrecognized nutrient. The first human clinical trial using CLA was conducted in 1997 in Norway. It was a 90-day double-blind clinical study that showed a stunning 20 percent decrease in body fat, with an average loss of seven pounds of fat in the group taking CLA.

These results were achieved without a single change in dietary habits, establishing CLA supplementation for the first time as a simple, effortless weight loss tool.

In addition to the ability to reduce body fat, CLA has also been shown to increase lean muscle mass. In this same study, although participants lost body fat, they experienced very little change in overall body weight due to the increase in lean muscle mass. The end result was a stronger, healthier body.

And, there’s more.

Over the past two decades, researchers have found that CLA also modulates the immune response, protects against heart disease, and inhibits the growth of various cancers. It may also prevent and control adult onset diabetes—a disease running rampant in our overweight country. And, because it helps prevent bone loss, CLA may also be a potent agent for preventing osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

Sources of CLA

For those who are able to tolerate dairy without issue, CLA occurs naturally in grass-fed dairy foods—especially cream, butter and full-fat cheese. It’s also found in  whey proteins made from grass-fed, non-denatured A2 milk protein, as well as in organic beef and lamb.

While adding grass-fed meats (and the right dairy, if you can) back into your diet is a fantastic idea for a variety of health reasons, I still recommend adding a CLA supplement that’s made from conjugated safflower or sunflower oil. This is because of its potency and convenience.

To put it into perspective, you would need to eat six pounds of steak or 50 slices of Colby cheese to receive the same amount of CLA found in most supplements.

I recommend one 1,000 mg softgel with each meal—for a total of 3,000 mg daily. Please be cautious to not take it too close to bedtime, as occasionally people have reported difficulty falling asleep when taken too late.

It’s also best to avoid taking CLA with fiber supplements or high-fiber meals because the fiber may absorb some of the CLA. To avoid this, take CLA about an hour after your meal or fiber supplement.

A cleansing detox feels wonderful for your body and it can also be delicious! Your liver is your premiere detox organ, and all too frequently, factors interrupt its healthy functioning.

Examples include highly refined foods, nitrates, hormones and preservatives, along with environmental xenohormones, caffeine, alcohol, hormone birth control, overuse of antibiotics, prescription drugs, smog, secondhand smoke, and even metabolic residue from your foods.

When these elements come into play, your liver no longer performs normally, causing toxins to build up in your system, where they provoke chronic health conditions – but there are plenty of natural remedies available!

Love Your Liver

Your liver, as the center of action, also purifies the bloodstream, maintains sugar levels, produces enzymes and amino acids to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins, produces bile during the digestive process for fat metabolism, then houses the bile in the gallbladder, and helps keep your body in hormonal balance.

Simply put, the liver is the key to life. When your liver is sluggish, every organ in your body becomes affected by it. Your blood vessels enlarge, and blood flow becomes restricted. The congested liver starts to propel toxins into your circulatory system, producing a dull ache under your lower right rib cage—particularly after a rich meal.

With toxins running amok in your body, secondary problems are usually not far behind it. The liver – which produces enzymes and amino acids to aid in digestion – becomes overwhelmed and throws the whole body out of balance, which weakens the gastro lining and releases more toxins into the system.

And as higher amounts of these poisons are released, even more make their way into your liver, which starts the insidious circle all over again.

As the seat of energy flow for the body, your liver is susceptible to stagnation problems. Unresolved or prolonged anger and depression – the emotional markers of a compromised liver – prevent the body’s energy from flowing as it should. You may have a deep vertical crease between your eyebrows as a result, or a dark reddish complexion.

You could also experience a myriad of secondary symptoms such as acne, itchy rashes, petachiae (red spots), splitting or breaking fingernails, and digestive problems.

Hormonal imbalances could also come into play. These symptoms range from premenstrual irritability, mood swings and cramping, to perimenopausal irritability, mental fog, anxiety and depression, to menopausal hot flashes, palpitations and night sweats.

In fact, contending with years of a stress-damaged liver has also been known to bring about earlier menopausal symptoms.

Foods for Liver Health

These are four fantastic foods to feed your liver what it critically needs for peak performance.

• Dandelion Root

  Dandelion root is dandy for stimulating liver function and detox because it’s loaded with nutrients and minerals.

  One such is inulin, a fiber-like substance that functions as a prebiotic to help nourish the friendly bacteria in the gut.

  The humble dandelion root is also good for lowering blood sugar and boosting the overall health of the microbiome.

  Usage

  It’s the perfect swap or trade-off to have in place of coffee for those of you on a detox.

  Another easy and delicious option is to add it to your daily smoothie.

• Beets

  You can’t beat beets! They're full of betaine, a prominent protector of the liver against the damaging effects of alcohol.

  Betaine also thins the bile and helps it move freely within the bile ducts, and is an incredibly rich dietary source of nitric oxide and antioxidants.

• Flaxseeds

  Flaxseeds are fabulous for fiber, which keeps toxins moving out of your body – where they should be.

  They’ve also been found to power up the immune system and even be an effective cancer fighter.

  They can be of particular benefit to post-menopausal women because the lignans in the fibrous shell counteract the cell-proliferating power of excess estrogen.

  Usage

  From flaxseed crackers to an excellent smoothie add-in, there are many ways to work flax’s healthful crunch into your routine.

• Burdock Root

  Burdock root rocks as a liver cleansing agent by encouraging the body to remove waste and metabolize built up fats, old cholesterol deposits, and toxins.

  As an added bonus, it can be very helpful for skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.

  Usage

  My favorite way to prepare it is to peel it and use it plentifully as an ingredient in a slaw. Yum!

Scary news about people being exposed to toxins is nothing news. In Flint, Michigan, a group of children were tested for lead due to contaminated water, and nearly 5 percent of them had elevated levels. Lead is a potent neurotoxin and can dramatically lower IQ.

Wrap your mind around the fact that in 2014 in New York, cities outside of New York City showed almost 7 percent with elevated lead, in Pennsylvania it was 8.5 percent – and in a section of Detroit it was 20 percent!!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 535,000 American children between the ages of 1 and 5 are infected with lead poisoning. The theory on why is that lead-contaminated soil is tracked into homes on shoes – right where kids of this age play – as well as exposure to chipped lead paint in older homes.

And lead poisoning isn’t by any stretch of the imagination where it ends. Sneaky chemicals seem to be infiltrating our bodies everywhere. Even brand new sofas are soaked in flame-retardant chemicals – a major hormonal disrupter of the immune system.

Since these toxic substances buildup in your body slowly and silently, they don’t get nearly the public attention they so desperately need.

I don’t think there’s any question that our bodies are becoming toxic waste dumps and as the CDC has confirmed – we are all contaminated – 100%.

So, what do we do about it?

Cleansing Your Body Toxin-Free

While we become more aware of ways to prevent these toxins from being able to get into our systems through organic and non-GMO foods as well as supplements, exercise, and deep breathing, there are some simple and gentle ways to start to undo the toxic overload.

A great strategy is regular detox baths.

These are therapeutic baths that were recommended by my mentor, the grand dame of alternative medicine, Dr. Hazel Parcells, who lived to the ripe old age of 106.

This particular bath has been used for over 25 years by my students, followers and readers. Don’t take more than one bath a day, and don’t mix the formulas. Twice a week would be great – and after it rains or snows!

The salt and soda bath is quite relaxing and very simple to implement.

It is specific for radiation from X-rays, CT scans, fallout, and nuclear plants (think Fukushima). I take this one regularly after an airplane trip as well.

1. Run a tub to the hottest temperature you can manage. Dissolve 1 pound of salt (like Kosher salt) and 1 pound of baking soda in the water, and begin to soak.
2. Sip a glass of warm water mixed with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of baking soda for internal pH balance to counter the radiation’s acidity.
3. Get out of the bath when the water is cool. Don’t shower for at least four hours.

Sweat to Detox

Another fantastic cleansing approach that complements detox baths is the infrared sauna. Sweating is a marvelous way to especially rid the body of virus and heavy metals. It also targets those nasty fat-storage toxins.

The skin is your largest external organ and spending time in a sauna works wonders to relieve the toxic overload on the liver and kidneys.

It’s also good for your heart and your body. Blood flow is improved, while your heart gets a very gentle workout. Besides cardiovascular benefits, sauna therapy can help musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, chronic fatigue, and depression.

Here’s how to best use a sauna:

Start with 5-10 minutes at 135°F. Gradually work your way up to 45 minutes. After a month or so, increase to 145°F. Do not overdo – once or twice per week only.

For more information, check out www.sunlighten.com.

The Colonic Connection

Last, but not least, is colon hydrotherapy. Home enemas and colonic irrigation can play an important role in cleansing the colon of parasites and pathogenic bacteria that upset a healthy microbiome.

Colonic irrigation (sometimes called a high enema) is a procedure whereby a lukewarm water solution is irrigated into the entire length of the large intestine. The procedure, which dislodges and removes toxins over the entire length of the intestine, takes about 45 minutes and is usually performed in a professional office. Please visit I-ACT to find qualified colon hydrotherapists in your area.

For those of you who prefer the do-it-yourself method, home enemas can be effective. Remember, however, that enemas only reach the lower 12 ½ inches of the 5 ½ foot colon, whereas colonic irrigation cleanses the entire length of the colon, up to the ileocecal valve.

A word of caution when performing an enema on yourself in your home: Use only properly filtered or purchase distilled water and further sterilize it by heating to a rolling boil for at least ten minutes. Sterilize the tubing and enema bag by soaking them in a bath of a comprehensive antiseptic. I like equal parts vinegar and hot water for fifteen minutes.

Rinse thoroughly with sterilized water. This procedure prevents the further introduction of water-borne parasites into your body.

From a metabolic perspective, coconut can do no wrong. It feeds the thyroid and is the only source of saturated fat that does not require bile to break it down for your body to use it. Coconut oil actually bypasses the gallbladder. This is great news for anyone with a gallbladder condition or fatty liver.

It is a rich source of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can improve the efficiency of your thyroid and boost metabolism over 50 percent. The beneficial fatty acids in coconut oil are fast burners that create a most efficient food fuel not only for your thyroid but also for your brain, where it can aid cognitive function. In fact, the MCTs produce ketones, substances your body produces when it breaks down fats for energy, which can play a major role in treating Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. 

Burn Belly Fat with Coconut Oil

At least two studies document the effectiveness of coconut oil on belly fat burn for both sexes. In one, participants received a daily dose of two tablespoons of coconut oil for a period of 12 weeks. At the end of the study, both men and women evidenced a reduction in waist circumference while the women also saw their HDL (good) cholesterol levels rise. 

This newly revived ancient oil, which has become wildly popular, has very few drawbacks. It does seem, however, to work best for those who have an A blood type due to the presence of dietary lectins (protein-based antigens) in other blood types. When it is not tolerated well, it may be due to this type of allergic response as lectins can disrupt digestion, impair immunity, and create agglutination of blood cells.

Still and all, coconut oil has been proven to be not only safe but also extremely effective at targeting abdominal fat in both men and women. Just the addition of two or more tablespoons of this delicious smart fat to your diet can reduce your belly fat and elevate your good cholesterol levels. 

As a rich source of lauric and caprylic acids, coconut functions as a marvelous antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic food.

Most of you are probably familiar with hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone and thyroid. But I’ll bet you’ve never considered one of the most important fat burning hormones of all that’s the key hormone to fire up tummy fat burn.

This special “super hormone” that activates your body’s fat burning switch is already circulating in your blood stream. And the more you have of it, the more fat you will burn for fuel, especially from the abdominal area.

It’s no surprise then that low levels of this hormone have been linked with higher levels of obesity.

Still unsure of what I’m referring to?

Then it’s time to become familiar with adiponectin, which has been nicknamed the body’s “fat burning torch.”

To kick-start your levels of adiponectin and stoke those fat burning fires, there are many things you can do starting today to raise your levels naturally.

1. Increase your consumption of healthy monounsaturated fats. These “good” fats have been known to raise the production of adiponectin in your system. The magnificent monos can also lower inflammation, lessen cellular damage, elevate antioxidant absorption by 400%, and decrease your body fat (especially troublesome belly fat) while protecting your heart and liver.

Use olive oil, grapeseed oil, avocados, and avocado seed oil (at least 2 tbsp a day) for cooking, or as a salad dressing. All of these oils have rich stores of precious monounsaturated fats which are literally slimming miracles when used the right way.

I particularly like avocado seed oil for use on the grill when you need to brush veggies, chicken, fish, and meat. Avocado seed oil contains a very high smoking point near 500 degrees. And this delicious, buttery-flavored grilling and roasting oil is simply the best for making food nice and crispy when cooking at high heat.

When it comes to salad dressings, I’m still a big fan of using 100% extra virgin olive oil as the basis. This creates a dressing that triggers the production of major appetite suppressing hormones, to help keep you satisfied for up to 4 hours. One of my all-time favorites is a mixture of 1 part apple cider vinegar to 2 parts olive oil with lots of fresh garlic, parsley, and a dash of mustard powder.

2. Increase your dietary magnesium intake. Eat more pumpkin seeds, almonds, and green leafy veggies like escarole, romaine lettuce and kale. Consider taking a magnesium supplement with the most highly absorbable cofactors for assimilation and utilization. Always aim for a 2 to 1 ratio in favor of magnesium to calcium.

3. Consider intermittent fasting.  Last but not least, you might consider engaging in a new approach which is known as intermittent fasting. This type of fasting and eating has been demonstrated to increase adiponectin levels big time. Take a look at my One Day Miracle Juice Fast in Fast Track Detox Diet for one of the healthiest fasts out there.