An Entrepreneur Who Heals

Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of 25 books on health and healing, Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., C.N.S., says that "detox, not diet" is the "correct mantra for our toxic times!"

Currently living in Post Falls, Idaho, Ann Louise has carved out an atypical entrepreneurial niche for herself based on her superb expertise in nutrition and healing. Amng her most successful books are The Fat Flush Plan and Before the Change.

Ann Louise became interested in health and nutrition in her early teen, motivated not by her weight but her "sensitive skin. I learned early on that what went on inside was reflected on the outside!"

After receiving her BA in English, with a minor in religion from Connecticut College, Ann Louise received a dietetic internship at the New York Institute of Dietetics and then a master's degree in education from Teachers College, Columbia University. "I also received an advanced certification as a certified nutrition specialist from the American College of Nutrition and finally a doctorate in holistic nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health," she notes.

Ann Louise served as the director of nutrition at the famed Pritikin Longevity Center in Santa Monica. In the early 1980s, she recognized "that many foods were creating a "toxic shock" response to the body, especially the grain -based carbs so popular at the time. I therefore created a program which basically served as an elimination diet and then added the "missing" essential fatty acids as well as liver and lympth supporting protocols for cleansing. This is background for the ground flaxseeds, cran-water and gentle rebounding" that are part of her famous "fat flush" program.

Changing People's Lives

"I am very grateful for the ways in which my programs have touched and changed people's lives beyond just weight loss," reflects Ann Louise. "Migraine headaches, chronic fatigue, rosacea, cellulite, and type 2 diabetes are just some of the seemingly unrelated conditions that my program has helped. The Internet has been a huge factor in all of this and has enabled Fat Flush to become a grassroots phenonmenon." For example, the well-known Greenhouse in Arlington, Texas "chose Fat Flush as their exclusive residential program available to guests throughout the year. We have an annual Cruise to Lose and special weekends at the Greenhouse."

Her goal remains that of a healing entrepreneur, seeking "to nourish, inspire, and educate people everywhere. I will be coming out with a line of organic snacks and meals in a pouch with a shelf life of 3 -5 years that can be used for busy people and for "natural disasters" and plagues whether that be hurricanes or avian flu."

Ann Louise's advice to other women who aspire to follow in her footsteps? "I would tell them to always be in touch with their inner compass and take time to listen to their innermost dreams. Through prayer, meditation, and affirmations we can all align our values and dreams to practical actions. I made my dream come true, so can you!!"