The original HCG diet began as a weight loss plan introduced by ATW Simeons, a British endocrinologist in the 1950s. The diet protocol follows a low-calorie menu of 500 to 1600 calories per day combined with daily injections of HCG, the hormone produced by the placenta during early pregnancy. Participants plan and prepare meals using the HCG diet food list comprising high-protein, healthy carb foods that hydrate, nourish and cleanse the body.
While studying the psychological aspects related to obesity, Dr. Simeons examined the part of the brain called the diencephalon. This part of the central nervous system controls important functions of the body including sleep, breathing, sex, and digestion. The study led to the connection between the diencephalon and how the body stores and burns fuel. Over the next 10 years, Simeons discovered that the men and women who followed a strict diet, exercised and took the HCG hormone lost large amounts of abnormal fat.
The HCG diet followed the release of his findings in his book Pounds and Inches: A New Approach to Obesity. The HCG Diet Protocol birthed a new approach to weight loss helping people lose quickly by balancing the body’s hormones and resetting the metabolism. This allows the body a chance to establish a new, lower set-point weight.
The HCG Diet Plan includes:
The HCG diet targets abnormal fat reducing using your choice of drops, pellets or injections of the hormone. The HCG hormone diminishes appetite by working on the hypothalamus-the part of the brain that regulates hunger and thirst. By following Simeons protocol, research states the HCG hormone was effective in curbing and even eliminating cravings for the most fattening foods including sugar and starch.
The HCG Diet food protocol helps people lose quickly by balancing the body’s hormones and resetting the metabolism. This gives your body a chance to adopt a new, lower set-point weight. Getting started with the HCG Diet Plan includes eating foods on the HCG diet food list, following the menu plan guidelines, and choosing which form of HCG to take.
Following the HCG diet plan will take you through 4 phases requiring menu planning under the HCG diet food list. Being prepared can make the difference once the “loading phase” is complete. Your body will most likely crave the food it’s been addicted to, causing you to eat unhealthy foods during the transition period between Phase 1 and Phase 2. Individuals who do not stick to the two-day loading phase usually have stronger cravings during the first few days of P2 resulting in fewer pounds lost.
The loading phase, also known as Phase 1 starts with two days where the participant consumes unlimited amounts of calorie-dense foods to their satisfaction. This raises the fat stores in the body and prepares it for Phase 2 where the calorie limit is 500 per day. Individuals begin taking their chosen form of HCG when “loading” and continue through Phase 2. The body begins accumulating HCG in your body reaching full strength on day 3 when it effectively releases your stored fat while you’re eating fewer calories. This is a critical stage which can lead to rapid weight loss during the first week.
If you are female, choose a day to begin the loading phase far from the time of your menstrual cycle. Take your HCG on day one of Phase 1. Carefully choose the food you wish to eat during P1, selecting foods you crave containing lots of calories. If you’re concerned about gaining weight during P1, you can lessen the effects by focusing on healthy fats and staying low carb. The average weight gain during the loading phase is approximately one to three pounds. These pounds will usually drop following your first low-calorie day.
No two people have the same results-everyone is different. However, most dieters lose between eight and 12 pounds in the first week (including load weight). Much of the loss is water weight, however, you will also lose fat. Fat loss is calculable by using an accurate fat scale. It is important to exercise during P1 (consult your doctor). If you’re a beginner, a less strenuous, low impact, a 20-minute routine is beneficial including:
The purpose is to create healthy habits that will help you maintain your weight and improve your overall health even after you achieve your goal. HCG dieters choosing to eat Phase 1 foods abundant in fats containing less sugar carbs will burn fat quicker with less hunger during the initial days of Phase 2. Choosing fatty foods included on the HCG diet food list minimizes the effects of food addictions and withdrawals. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Adequate hydration helps the body flush toxins, food additives, and preservatives.
The following products and food groups can be found on the HCG diet food list.
Guidelines: Unrestricted amounts of listed drinks and beverages are permitted. Diet Sodas are not recommended, especially if they contain aspartame.
Guidelines: Check for personal food sensitivities when consuming soy products.
Guidelines: These are the only sweeteners included in the HCG diet food list.
Guidelines: Limited to 100 grams for both lunch and dinner. Each portion should have fat removed and weighed before cooking. Do not add additional fat during the cooking process.
Guidelines: The HCG food list does not recommend mixing vegetables, and the program allowsonly one serving at each meal. If you mix veggies, be sure to stay within the daily calorie allowance.
Guidelines: No additional fruits are permitted.
Guidelines: 1 of each are permitted at lunch and dinner. Check ingredients for calories and additives.
The HCG diet food list for Phase 2 includes no sauces, salad dressings or butter. The only sauce allowed is homemade HCG Diet sauce recipes that have Simeons-approved foods and ingredients. The foods below list products not on the original protocol. The weights, portions, and calories are included.
Phase 4 of the HCG Diet Plan is the goal of every participant. You’ve lost weight, learned how to keep it off and successfully incorporated your new eating habits into your lifestyle. This phase is a great achievement in determination, commitment, and self-preservation. The good news is there are plenty of people worldwide available to help and support you if (and when) the time comes.