Foods for Phase 3 of the HCG Diet

Foods for Phase 3 of the HCG Diet
Photo Credit sirloin-steak, tenderloin-steak-Filet with Salad,potato puree image by Svenja98 from Fotolia.com

According to diet and nutrition website Every Diet, the HCG diet is popular despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. Instead of just restricting your caloric intake, the HCG diet involves taking injections of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. Every Diet says that this hormone controls the metabolism of pregnant women and is purported to reduce body weight. The HCG diet is also divided into phases, each of which has distinct dietary recommendations. Before beginning any phase of the HCG diet, consult your doctor.

Coconut Oil

According to the online HCG Diet Information resource HCG Fat Loss, you should consume 2 tsp. of raw organic coconut oil each day. According to lifestyle magazine Marie Claire, coconuts and coconut oil are high in fat, but the specific type of fat can actually help you lose weight. This is because coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs. Marie Claire says that MCTs are burned for energy quickly rather than circulated throughout your body, which increases the likelihood of fat storage. In addition, your body expends extra energy digesting MCTs, which can aid in weight loss.

Apples

According to the HCG Diet information website HCG Diet Journey, you should monitor your weight carefully during the third phase of this diet plan. The website explains that if your weight strays beyond 2 lbs. more than your goal weight, you should have an apple-only day. While apples are low in calories and can help you lose weight, they lack protein and essential fats. In addition to helping build tissues, fats and protein help you feel full, which is important when dieting.

Tea

HCG Fat Loss recommends consuming a variety of teas in "any quantities you desire" during phase three of the HCG Diet. The teas the website suggests include organic green tea, organic chamomile tea and organic yerba mate tea. Tea contains the stimulant caffeine, which may increase your metabolic rate and suppress your appetite. The Mayo Clinic says that yerba mate is purported to increase energy levels and support weight loss but notes that some research links yerba mate consumption to increased cancer risk.

Steak

HCG Diet Journey suggests that maintaining weight loss during the third phase of the HCG diet can be done effectively through the use of a low-carbohydrate diet plan. The website specifically suggests consuming steak, which contains zero carbohydrates and is high in protein. However, steak is also high in fat and calories, which may prevent you from losing additional weight if your overall calorie intake is too high.

Chicken

Chicken is a staple food of many diets because it contains zero carbohydrates, is low in fat and high in protein. According to HCG Fat Loss, chicken should be consumed in 100g servings on occasion. Be careful not to cook your chicken with butter or oils, which will increase the fat and calorie content.

Olive Oil

Although cutting fat can help you reduce overall calorie intake, you do need some fats for your body to function properly. Such fats can be found in olive oil, according to HCG Diet Journey. However, olive oil is high in calories, so control your portions appropriately.

References

Article reviewed by Eric Lochridge Last updated on: Aug 11, 2011

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