The HCG diet consists of 500 calories daily combined with injections or supplements of the HCG hormone. MayoClinic.com nutritionist Jennifer Nelson explains that HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy. She notes the safety of the HCG diet for weight loss is uncertain and the hormone does not have Food and Drug Administration approval as a weight loss treatment. She also reports that once you stop the diet, you're likely to regain the weight you lose. If you do decide to start the plan, it's best to be monitored by a doctor for safety.
Fattening Foods
HCG Diet Direct says a key to the diet plan is to eat lots of fattening foods the first two days you take HCG. It notes that by eating all day, you jump start your metabolism and set the level of HCG. After two days, you begin the calorie-restricted part of the diet. The 500-calorie-a-day plan is intended to last for no more than 40 days.
Coffee and Tea
HCG True Diet and HCG Diet Direct report that you can have as much tea and coffee for breakfast as you like on this diet. You're not allowed any sugar in your drink, and you may use only one tablespoon of milk in any 24-hour period. If you need something to sweeten your brew, try saccharine or stevia.
Meat
The HCG diet plan calls for the consumption of 200 grams of meat a day, usually divided as 100 grams for lunch and another 100 grams for dinner. HCG dieters can choose items such as beef, chicken breast, turkey, fish, lobster, crab or shrimp.
Vegetables
HCG Diet Direct notes you can consume two servings of vegetables each day--one for lunch and one at dinner. Choices include spinach, asparagus, cabbage, green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, chicory, beet greens, red radishes, cucumbers or chard.You can use the juice of one lemon, pepper, vinegar, mustard powder, garlic, sweet basil, parsley, thyme, marjoram and a little bit of salt for seasoning. Skip all butter, oil and dressings.
Fruits
The HCG diet calls for two servings of fruit each day which may be consumed any time you like. Enjoy an apple, grapefruit, orange or handful of strawberries--about six to nine.
Breads
Breads are extremely limited on the HCG diet plan. The HCG Diet Direct sample diet calls for one breadstick or one piece of melba toast at lunch and dinner. Again, don't use any butter or oils.
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