What is the HCG Diet?

The HCG diet is a popular weight-loss regimen that pairs altered eating habits with HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin hormone injections. The diet allows for rapid weight loss of up to a pound a day without feeling exceptionally hungry throughout the plan. HCG dieting is completed in three phases:

1. Begin taking HCG and eat high-fat, high-calorie food for two days
2. Continue taking HCG and limit food to 500-600 calories a day for 3-6 weeks
3. Stop taking HCG and gradually increase food intake, avoiding sugar and starches for three weeks. 

If you have a lot of weight to lose, you may be advised to follow the diet for longer periods of time and to repeat the three-phase cycle multiple times until you have reached your weight loss goal. 

What is HCG?

HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone that is produced naturally by the body to help heal and maintain tissues. This hormone is protein-based and is typically associated with pregnancy, but has multiple restorative functions in the body. 

What should I eat on the HCG Diet?

During the second phase of the HCG diet, it’s recommended that you eat 3 meals that each contains 4 ounces of lean protein, such as chicken or fish, and a serving of non-starchy vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli or cucumber. Also, you are allowed 2 small snacks mid-morning and mid-afternoon consisting of a breadstick or Melba toast or a serving of fruit, such as berries or an apple. Throughout the diet, you may also drink as much water, tea, or coffee as you wish. 

To learn more about the HCG diet, schedule a complimentary consultation with Laser Skin & Wellness. Call (561) 641-9490 or contact us online.