Many individuals are conscious about their weight and try many techniques for weight loss. One such popular weight loss programs is the hCG diet. Information about this weight loss diet menu is provided in this article.
hCG or the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the placenta in pregnant women. This hormone plays an important role in controlling the metabolic function of the body throughout pregnancy. Apart from the syncytiotrophoblast, which is a portion of the placenta, hCG is also secreted in small quantities in the pituitary gland of the brain. Medically, the hCG is used for a number of therapies, one of them being weight loss. The hCG hormone is administered in the body orally or through injections. There is also a hCG diet menu that has been designed exclusively for this weight loss program.
hCG Diet Information
The hCG diet plan is the brainchild of Dr. A. T. W. Simeons who in his book ‘Pounds and Inches – A New Approach to Obesity’ has described about the hCG diet. In this book, he defines the three phases of this diet, where the first phase is two loading days, which means that for the first two days, the individual is expected to eat foods that have a very high fat percentage and start the daily dose of 60 hCG drops. The cells in the body need to be overstocked with fat, by consuming good fat rich food, so that they don’t go into a starvation mode.
The next phase in the diet plan is the VLCD or Very Low Calorie Diet phase. This diet has to have the lowest calorie i.e. 500 calories per day and should be followed quickly. The diet must include limited vegetables, fruits and foods less in protein. This diet may last from 25 to 60 days according to the desired weight loss. During this phase oral hCG and hCG injections are used. For the last three days, the hCG dose is stopped but the diet is maintained. This ensures that the hCG has been completely drained out of the body, hence preparing the body for the last phase of the hCG protocol.
The final phase is the maintenance phase since it helps in stabilizing the body’s metabolic rate. For three weeks after the VLCD phase, sugar or starch must be totally avoided. However natural sugar and starch from fruits and vegetables is permitted. Approximately 1500 calories in the form of a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, proteins and organic food should be consumed.
hCG Diet Menu Plan
The menu for the hCG diet according to Dr. Simeons may include sweet basil, salt, pepper, thyme, marjoram, garlic, parsley, vinegar, garlic and mustard powder etc. for seasoning. But butter, dressing or oil must be completely avoided. Only certain herbs and seasonings are allowed in this diet plan. Vegetables like cabbage, cucumbers, spinach, celery, and tomatoes can be had for lunch and dinner. These vegetables should not be cooked in oil or fats and should only be steamed, boiled or grilled. Only one kind of vegetable may be eaten in the meal.
Organic, skinless chicken breast, organic fed veal or beef and different types of fish which are low in mercury content may be included in the lunch or dinner. The vegetable or meat that is included in lunch should be eaten during dinner on the same day. Fruits like apples, grapefruit or a cup of strawberries or a bread stick can be eaten between meals instead of including them during lunch or dinner. Organic coffee or tea without milk can be taken. Plain or mineral water can be taken in any quantity and at all times.
hCG Diet Reviews
This weight loss diet has received mixed reviews from the people. Most of them swear by this fad diet, saying that it is 100 percent effective and has helped them lose weight considerably. Whereas many other claim that they have not been able to shed their extra weight in spite of following this weight loss diet.
There are many reviews about the effects of the hCG diet menu. People taking hCG shots have complained about experiencing certain hCG injection side effects like nausea, headaches, lack of concentration, depression and restlessness etc. A few other negative effects that can be observed in women like breast tenderness, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), water retention and swelling of the limbs.
You must also be aware of the dangers of this weight loss diet, so that you can follow this diet regimen after getting in touch with your health care provider, keeping the pros and cons in mind. Before opting for a hCG diet menu, always consult your dietitian who will advice you regarding what to use and what not to use and guide you in attaining the desired weight loss, sans harmful effects.
