Everyone should start with the Detox phase, regardless of specific body type or mixed body type. This Phase 1 eating plan will quickly get your body into fat burning.

Everyone should start with the Detox phase, regardless of specific body type.

This Phase 1 eating plan will quickly get your body into fat burning. It is known that eating only protein and fat puts someone in ketosis (fat burning); however, I have found this eating plan has the same effect but without the stress on the liver that happens with high protein and fat diets. Purchase some ketone strips at the drugstore and check it out for yourself.

All six fat-burning hormones do their work through the liver. In fact, as we covered earlier, 80 percent of your thyroid function occurs through the liver.

Here’s how the plan works:

You will be on this phase for at least 14 days. The first 3 days might be a bit rough for certain people, as the body is switching from running on sugar fuel to running on fat fuel. But, surprisingly, most people actually feel very good on this part of the program.

Your body’s receptors for sugar have to be readjusted; after this program you’ll find you will need less sugar, which will result in fewer cravings for sweets. Also, coming off caffeine can create some tiredness; this typically lasts for 1 to 2 days. The 4th day will be easier, and so on. Your energy usually starts to improve as your sleep becomes deeper. You’ll find you are not as hungry, but do not skip meals. Other benefits noted are weight loss, inches lost, reduced aches and pains, improvement in skin and nails, and some people experience an increased sex drive. As the liver improves, fat can be made more available for energy.

On the 14th day of the program – depending on your results – you will either continue with the Detox Phase for a longer period of time or start adding some animal protein with each meal as you transition into the body type diets. This is true whether you have a specific body type or a mixed body type. In other words, you won’t automatically switch to the next diet at the end of the 14 days. In fact, if you are doing well and losing weight, are not craving protein or getting fatigued, I recommend you stay on the Detox Phase for as long as you can before going to the next step.

However, some people will need to add a small quantity of animal protein throughout the two weeks of the Detox Phase.

A quick way to tell if you need more protein is by cravings for protein, dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, lethargy or feeling extra cold. If you experience any of these symptoms, even during the first two to three days, simply add 10 grams of protein (fish or eggs) per day – not per meal – and continue to add more protein until the symptoms resolve.

For more information on the Detox Phase of the Body Type Diet read The 7 Principles of Fat Burning.