HCG diet plans may seem like magic, but they are not. They are based on solid scientific research. Furthermore, an HCG diet works only to the extent that Dr. Simeon’s protocols are followed. You cannot consume more than 500 calories a day (this forces your body to pull out the additional 1,000 – 2,000 calories necessary for normal metabolism from your fat stores when regulated by HCG), and there are only certain foods that you may eat. This is important; all aspects of the HCG diet work together to restore balance to your bodily systems and normal fat burning.
Verboten
You will need to eliminate all sources of fat – and not only from your diet. Soaps and skin creams that contain fat should also be avoided. Basically, you need to make certain that your body has no other source of fat other than what you are carrying around your belly or hips. Fat is necessary for good health, but if there is another source available, your body will get it from that source and not your own fat stores. For this reason, you must also avoid sugar and refined grains – which as carbohydrates are chemically similar to fat and metabolize in the same way.
Alcohol is also forbidden. In addition to being largely empty calories, alcohol is a depressant that can slow down your metabolism – and this you absolutely do not want to have happen.
In General
Pretty much, all you are allowed to have while on the HCG program is lean meat, poultry and fish and fresh vegetables. For drink, think black coffee, unsweetened tea, or plain water. It is best to select organic foods and purified water, since chemical adulterants have played a major part in throwing our bodies out of balance and causing abnormal weight gain in the first place. If you must have something sweet, you are allowed a small apple, citrus fruit or cup of berries (unsweetened, unless you are using stevia).
Your Daily Diet
Breakfast will generally be half a citrus fruit (such as grapefruit) or an apple and a cup of tea. At lunch, you may have a bit of chicken or cold water fish with some celery, onion and lettuce, along with a piece of whole grain zwieback. Dinner could be a small piece of lean ham or beef with spinach or asparagus.
It is important that these foods not be fried in oil or butter. They may be roasted in an oven or grilled, but again, you need to avoid ingesting any fat whatsoever in order for the HCG program to work.
Staying With It
HCG diets may not have a lot of appeal, but keep in mind that once the HCG kicks in, you won’t be feeling hungry or deprived. In fact, because of the fat that’s being burned, these small portions are likely to be quite satisfying.
In any event, you won’t be on the HCG for very long at a time. Because the body builds up tolerance to HCG, it is necessary to take a three-to-four week break every 21-42 days.
Anyone can do anything for a few weeks – and the rewards are worth it.