Losing weight can be difficult especially when you don’t know where to start. It is fundamental you understand the ins and outs of a particular diet before you settle upon it. HCG diet has been around for some time now, with thousands of people using it to shed pounds. However, not everybody can sing to the same tune when it comes to losing weight successfully with its diet program.
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Phase 1: Days 1-2 (the “gorging days)
These first 2 days are referred to as the gorging or loading days. During this period, you can eat whatever you like while taking HCG. Many try to focus on the consumption of fatty foods which provide valuable fat stores for the days ahead can help decrease the shock to the body when you decrease the calories on day 3. Any weight gained here will be quickly lost in the next phase.
Phase 2: Days 3-23,28 or 42 (depending on the plan)
This is the real weight loss phase of the diet. During these days, you will consume only 500 calories total per day. It does not sound like much but this is the key to prompt the HCG to use your stored abnormal fats for energy. While you are on the HCG diet your body is actually releasing 1,500-4,000 calories from abnormal fat stores. During this phase, the body does not go without, it just needs to be convinced where to get the calories from. The 500 calories are very food-specific. Apples, strawberries, oranges, lemons, and limes will become your best friend while on the HCG diet. Chicken and whitefish will be the main component for protein calories but beef is also OK for almost as long as all fats and oils have been drained. Lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, and various other vegetables will also give you fiber and vitamins.
Phase 3: Transition Phase
The transition phase is every bit as important as the weight loss phase. The purpose of the transition phase is to maintain metabolic function and customize your metabolic balance with your new weight. This phase lasts for three weeks and begins immediately after your last day of very-low-calorie dieting. You will gradually increase your caloric intake to 1500 calories, making up 3 meals and snacks. It is important that these meals are comprised of healthy foods and spread out throughout the day. You may now consume any meats, eggs, fruits, cheeses, milk, vegetables, and low sugar dairy products. Avoid foods with significant starches such as corn and potatoes. Stay away from starches and sugar religiously. When they are combined, weight gain will occur drastically. It is important to note that your new weight has not yet become stable (i.e. does not show extreme fluctuations after occasional excess eating.
During the transition phase, you may reintroduce healthy oils into your body such as flaxseed oil, extra virgin olive oil, and coconut oil. Avoid unhealthy oils such as vegetable oil and shortening. Butter may also be consumed sparingly.
During and after the transition phase you should not gain any weight.
Phase 4: Lifetime Maintenance
This is the lifetime maintenance of the program. Continue to keep sugars to a minimum, and introduce starches back to your diet very slowly and consume sugars, starches, and healthy carbs in moderation. We recommend whole grains, oats, wheat bread, etc… Avoid heavy starch and sugars such as those found in potatoes, yams, and rice. Hydrogenated oils typically found in some canned goods and pastries should be avoided. Strive to stay away from processed foods. Avoid high volumes of fructose syrup in such things as canned fruit, fruit drinks, and soda. Continue to eat proteins and stay away from heavily processed or fast foods. If you did not reach your weight loss goal during the 1st Cycle, you can now continue onto Cycle 2. This Cycle is a repeat of the 1st Cycle. The time off needed between each cycle will vary but is usually 2-4 weeks. After this break, you can continue until you reach your intended goal. Many individuals have lost in excess of 150 lbs over several courses of the diet.
Maintaining weight loss involves a commitment to a healthful lifestyle, from which there is no “vacation.” Although people should feel free to enjoy a special meal out, a birthday celebration, or a joyful holiday feast without feeling guilty, they should try not to stray too far from the path of healthful eating and frequent physical activity.
Credit: ThriveMD
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