When it comes to trying to lose weight, it’s easy to succumb to temptation. We try so hard to stay satisfied with the foods we eat, all just to give up and have to start all over again. Get rid of those yo-yo diet patterns and start a new healthy lifestyle with the HCG diet. Here’s everything you need to know about this hormonal supplement and how it works to help you lose your extra weight.
What is the HCG Diet?
The HCG diet is an innovative lifestyle changed that allows you to effectively change your poor eating habits in just a few short months, resulting in major weight loss. The HCG diet introduces supplemental Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) into your system. This hormone, known for controlling the release of other hormones in your body through pregnancy, helps you on your journey to restructure your daily diet and establish new lifestyle choices.
How Does the HCG Diet Work?
The HCG diet consists of three main phases.
- Phase I. The first phase is referred to as the “loading phase,” and allows you two days to start taking the HCG hormone while eating plenty of high-fat, high-calorie foods. This may seem counterintuitive when starting a healthy lifestyle, but stocking up on those fats allows your body to store them and release them during your second phase.
- Phase II. This phase of the HCG diet is called the “weight loss phase.” This phase, lasting between three and six weeks, is based upon only eating two meals per day, usually lunch and dinner. At this time, we recommend a low-calorie diet rich in vegetables, lean protein, and fruit.
- Phase III. Also known as the “maintenance phase,” this last stretch of your diet lasts about three weeks. During this time, you’ll gradually increase your food intake, while still avoiding most sugars and starches.
Following your last phase, you can continue to maintain, or repeat the cycle again to continue losing weight.
What Can You Eat on the HCG Diet?
A typical day on the HCG diet may be different for everyone, but here’s an example of what we suggest. Start your morning off with lots of liquids and a piece of fruit to boost your metabolism during the day. If you get hungry again before lunch, consider snacking on an apple sprinkled with cinnamon. For lunch and dinner, we suggest up to 100 grams of lean protein with one cup of fresh veggies and a serving of fruit if you’re still hungry.
*Tip from Dr. Ballenas: Eating two apples each day and drinking plenty of water helps you stay full and focused throughout the day.
Will I be Hungry on the HCG Diet?
We’re not going to lie to you – starting the HCG diet takes some adjusting. It’s totally normal to feel hunger for the first week of your diet plan, but we promise it will subside. This is partly due to your brain and body adjusting to your new caloric intake.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can benefit from the HCG diet, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Ballenas.