Flush with Success
Coeur d’Alene Press  - 6/24/2003
By Karen Sherman

COEUR d’ALENE - In a recent interview, Ann Louise Gittleman wouldn’t disclose her age.

Is she in her 30s, 40s or 50s? No one really knows except herself and close friends and family. But, she credits her fit shape and youthful appearance to healthy choices, many of which are described in her book- “The Fat Flush Plan.”

“I have a very rigorous schedule and I truly believe my lifestyle allows me to maintain it,” Gittleman said. “I’m 39 and holding.”

Gittleman lives in Post Falls but spends most of her days in airplanes, traveling across the nation to complete radio and television interviews and speaking appearances. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition education from Columbia University, is a certified nutrition specialist and has been in the health education field for more than two decades.

“I’ve written 20 books and several have been best-selling books,” Gittleman said. “I’ve been a late bloomer.”

On June 1, Gittleman’s book, “Before the Change,” was featured in the top 5 books of the New York Times Best-Sellers list. It was rated No. 3 in the paperback advice section-ranking just below “Dr Atkins’ New Diet Revolution,” by Robert C. Atkins and “Self Matters,” by Phillip C. McGraw.

Although the book was initially released in 1998, it was rediscovered for its natural solutions for synthetic hormone therapy. Within the book, she discusses a proper diet, supplements, use of essential fatty acids, and strength training and cardiovascular exercises to prepare women who are approaching menopause.

“I want to make the change before the change a smooth sailing experience,” Gittleman said. “It’s very basic and simple to understand.”

Gittleman said the book with be updated this fall, but it has already garnered acclaim in its original form.

On May 20, Gittleman appeared on the “Dr. Phil Show.”

“I was most impressed to the response of the book,” she said. “Dr. Phil’s wife, Robyn, had used my book and found it to be instrumental in her getting back on track hormonally.”

Following that engagement she appeared on “The View” for five weeks, which aired in late April and early May.

Among the recent television appearances, Gittleman is actively speaking across the country on her recent release, “The Fat Flush Plan.” The book was published in 2002, and is complied of tips and research that focus on the function and purpose of the liver.

Gittleman believes that one can obtain optimal body weight by cleansing the liver with essential fats, balanced proteins and quality carbohydrates.

“By cleansing and detoxifying the system and rejuvenating the liver, one can lose fat and weight in two weeks,” Gittleman said. “In two weeks time, one can lose 8 to 10 inches or 5 to 8 pounds.”

Some of the food tips she outlines within the book are unsweetened cranberry juice, organic protein, fresh vegetables, moderate fruit, fiber, flaxseed and flaxseed oil and essential fatty acids.

“Sleep is improved, skin conditions go away and migraine headaches disappear,” she said. “It’s quite a program – not just for weight loss, but for health.”

The Connecticut native was raised on the East Coast, but has lived throughout the country.

Gittleman moved to North Idaho with her partner, James Templeton, 18 months ago from Bozeman, Mont. They were attracted to the beauty and relaxed atmosphere, and decided to build a New-England style home on the Spokane River in Post Falls.

“This is one of the most beautiful places,” she said. “It’s just breathtaking.”

Gittleman hopes to spend some time in North Idaho between her jaunts to speaking tours and book signing engagements.

“I would love to try out for the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater, but I’m always touring with my book,” she said. “I’ll be winding down, I’m pleased to say."