What can I eat on the HCG diet ?

So you’re all set to go with a new diet plan, Dr. Albert Simeons’ HCG Diet, you've   consulted a doctor and you’re cleared for takeoff.  We’ll skip through Phase I quickly, you've all ready done your homework and bought the drops, stored your fat by eating all the crabs possible for a couple days and are ready for Phase II.  And now you may be wondering, what can I eat on the HCG diet?

Here We Go!

Have Things Gone Far Enough?

Make sure you take your HCG drops three times a day and drink as much water, herbal tea or coffee as you want, and remember, no juice, regular tea or diet drinks, and stay away from sugar.  Artificial sweeteners are all right if you really need them, but avoid aspartame(Equal) and diet sodas especially, as most of them contain aspartame too.

The Phase II portion of the plan will be monotonous, you’ll probably eat the same thing every day for a month.  Sticking to only 500 calories a day is really hard, but to turn yourself into a fat burner, it’s something you’ll really need to endure, and remember it won’t last forever, there is a light at the end of this tunnel.  To only take in 500 calories a day, all you get to eat is 8 oz. of protein, two fruit servings, two vegetable servings and two bread sticks.  You can divide them up any way you want, it isn't much, most people skip breakfast and just eat lunch and dinner.  Don’t forget you can still drink all you want, water, herbal tea or coffee, but no juices!  The drinks will help you feel less empty and provide a cleansing affect as well.

Avoid Processed Food

Now the ‘cleaner’ the food is the better, by that I mean, no processed foods.  If you buy vegetables, buy them fresh from the produce section, not out of a can.  Organic food is the best, though usually pretty expensive, and Kosher is another good choice.  The less chemicals and pesticides you take in, the better off you’ll be(even if you aren't on this diet!), and fresh food is naturally more nutritious and at only 500 calories a day, you’ll need all the nutrition you can get from everything you eat.  Don’t worry, the HCG drops will maintain your blood sugar level and will be releasing the energy from your stored fat, so you won’t be having hunger pangs or feeling weak. It’s also important mentally to remember why you’re going through this, the light at the end of the tunnel will be a slim new you.  If you’re having doubts while choosing food at the grocery store, remember that natural food doesn't have several ingredients, there shouldn't be a list of chemicals on the package.

Protein

Eight ounces of protein isn't a lot, and it needs to be lean meat.  Let’snot pretend by barbecuing burgers all the fat is burned off by the flames.  Why not stick to skinless chicken or fish for the duration of this period, don’t worry, it won’t last a lifetime, keep thinking of your goal.  You can season your meat as much as you like, just make sure it doesn't contain a lot of fat, that’s what you’re trying to get rid of, so why ingest more, besides, if you think you can cheat on the diet, you’re really only cheating yourself.  If you like fish, you’re ahead of the game, cod, red snapper, crab, shrimp, lobster(no butter) and halibut are all fine to eat, as for red meat, veal and steak are okay as well.  Just remember to watch the portion sizes, and to keep your servings small; four ounces twice a day, low sodium and low fat.

Vegetables

Green vegetables are really great for this diet, they are low in calories but provide you with the nutrition and fiber you need.  Spinach, cabbage, celery, cucumbers and asparagus fit this category.  There are vegetables to avoid during Phase II, potatoes, corn, peas and carrots are starchy and should be left off your list for now.  Onions, tomatoes, radishes and beet greens are okay.  Generally the vegetables are eaten as a salad, the salad containing three different ingredients and being a little larger than your hand in a bowl shape.  For dressing, there’s lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, but no bottled dressings or oil.

Fruit

There are no desserts in this diet, and only two fruit servings throughout the day, an apple, grapefruit, orange or some strawberries, which most people eat as between meal snacks.  Two bread sticks or Melba toast are included in the diet, and don’t forget to drink all the water or herbal tea you can, to help you feel full.  Ice water actually burns calories, which is an added bonus and keeping yourself hydrated even if you aren't dieting provides many other health benefits as well.

When It’s Time To Quit

There are three things to watch for that will tell you it’s time to stop taking the drops and change your diet.  One is you've reached your weight loss goal.  The second is you've lost 34 pounds.  And the third is you've been on the 500 calorie phase for 40 days.  If any of these events happen, it’s time to move into Phase III and stop taking the drops.  Increase your calorie intake and add fats to the menu.  For the exact procedure, and really before you even start the process, you should read the book by the doctor who created the HCG Diet,  Pounds & Inches, A New Approach to Obesity,  by Dr. Albert Simons.  If you want to lose more than 34 pounds, give your body a rest, but maintain your healthy eating habits so you don’t gain any weight back, and in six weeks, you can start the process again for an additional weight loss.

I’m sure that once you've cut out the processed foods and sugar drinks from your diet, and discover how much more delicious fresh meat and vegetables are, that you won’t be gaining more weight.  Fresh food doesn't contain the salt, sugar and chemicals that are the main culprits in weight gain to start with.  By continuing to watch your portion sizes coupled with some daily exercise, you’ll be on your way to a healthy new life style with more energy than you would have thought possible.  You will feel reborn.