Obesity is a rampant disease in America. It is estimated that about 60% of people on American are either overweight or obese. There are so many weight loss programs available to Americans it is overwhelming.
“I knew I had to lose weight and I understood that eating right and exercise was the key, but I needed structure. I had issues with my back problems, so exercise was never consistent. I needed help out of the vicious cycle. HCG helped stop the cycle and jump started my new life with the loss of 25 lbs in 32 days. Now I’m on a solid path of healthy eating habits and lifestyle because the protocol has taught me to be mindful with clean eating.” -Sue
What is HCG?
HCG is a naturally occurring hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. Women produce it in large amounts during pregnancy.
How does it involve weight loss?
When HCG is tailored with a very low-calorie diet, the hormone will naturally break down the fat cell membranes in order to release triglycerides and fatty acids which are stored in the abnormal fat reserves. We have three kinds of fat in our body: structural, normal, and abnormal. Structural fat gives us contour and cushions our joints and heels. Normal fat is immediate energy reserves which the body can use up quicker than abnormal fat. Abnormal fat is stored and locked away; it is very difficult for the body to tap into unless there is an emergency such as pregnancy.
Is it FDA approved?
HCG is not FDA approved for weight loss because taking the HCG alone does not cause the weight to drop; it is only when HCG is used with a very low-calorie diet that will cause rapid weight loss in about 3 to 0.5 pounds a day. HCG is FDA-approved for fertility only.
Is it safe for men and women?
Dr. Simeons, the creator of the HCG diet protocol, studied the diet for over 15 years in Italy with thousands of successful patients. Although is a pregnant hormone, it is safe for men and they will see faster weight drop than women due to reasons such as no interruptions of menses. During menses, women typically will not drop due to the body holding water for menstruation, but thereafter, the weight will drop again.
What makes this diet different than any other diet out there?
HCG will: 1) resets the hypothalamus to set you into a higher metabolism, so that you don’t gain the weight back, 2) rapid weight loss without feelings of extreme hunger from a very low-calorie diet, 3) locking into a permanent new weight and metabolism when finished with HCG.
Can I survive on 500 calories alone and still lose weight?
No, you can not survive on 500 calories alone to lose proper abnormal fat reserves. If you were to survive on 500 calories alone, the body will program itself into starvation mode, and break down the wrong types of fats and muscle. Ultimately, a patient on 500 calories alone will become fatigued, hungry, and look haggard.
Each day HCG releases about 1500 to 4000 calories from your abnormal fat reserves into your bloodstream; therefore, you are only allowed to eat 500 calories. When you add 500 calories by mouth plus calories in the bloodstream, your total calorie count will be about a minimum of 2000 calories, which is equivalent to 1 pound, thus, the rapid weight loss of about a pound a day. It is not a matter of how much you eat, but the total calories in your body that the brain thinks you have. This will explain why people who are on HCG will continue to have energy, and still lose weight without feelings of extreme hunger. By the second week of taking HCG, patients often report a sense of well-being and euphoria as they feel more in control of their appetite.
Can I cheat a little and still have rapid weight loss?
No, if you cheat you will not drop; in fact, you will actually gain weight during HCG if you were to eat regular meals. Remember, there is a high-calorie count in your bloodstream while you are on HCG. Your blood is already saturated with fatty acids and triglycerides, so extra calories will cause the body to hold onto the adipose cells to store more.
500 calories are nothing…what can I eat?
With over 15 years of research, Dr. Simeons created a list of certain food items that work with the HCG for rapid weight loss. The protocol is fairly simple: Breakfast: green tea, black coffee Lunch: 100 grams of lean protein, 2 cups of vegetables, 1 fruit, a Grissini breadstick, or Melba Toast. Dinner: 100 grams of lean protein, 2 cups of vegetables, 1 fruit, a Grissini breadstick, or Melba Toast.
Can I take my medications/vitamins during HCG?
Yes, you can take your medications during HCG. Most often patients who take medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid, and many others will do just fine. You should always talk to your doctor before changing or stopping your medications. Ultimately, patients will need to adjust their medications from the good benefits of HCG.
How long is this protocol?
You can take it for 20 days or 40 days, depending on your goals. If you need to lose 20 pounds or less then 20 days on HCG is adequate. If you need to lose more than 20, then trying for 40 days is conducive.
Will I gain all my weight back when I’m done taking HCG?
Performing the maintenance phase correctly after you are done with HCG is the secret to locking your body into a new weight and higher metabolism. Once you finish the 500 calorie phase, the next phase is easy. It is 6 weeks long, which is broken into 2 phases: 1st 3 weeks you must eat a minimum of 1500 calories of NO SUGARS, AND NO STARCH. Remember, the entire time you were on HCG, your brain thought you had at least 2000 calories a day! In the 2nd 3 weeks, you are slowly introducing sugars and starches back. By the end of the 6th week, you have locked into your new body! Congratulations!
What if I have more than 40 pounds to lose?
If you have more than 40 pounds to lose, then you would do Round 1 of 40 days on HCG, following 6 weeks of the maintenance phase. After that, you are ready for Round 2 which you will do it all over again. It is important to wait 6 weeks between Round 1 and Round 2, 8 weeks between Round 2 and Round 3, and 12 weeks between Round 3 and Round 4. The goal is to set you into a healthier lifestyle where you become mindful of clean eating as well. Also, waiting proper weeks between Rounds will prevent the body from becoming immune to the HCG.
HCG is a small-time in your life for a long-term healthy lifestyle.