The HCG Diet is a weight loss program that involves severe caloric restriction and the use of the hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin. According to The Seattle Times, this diet plan is "drastic," with your calorie intake limited to 500 calories per day in some cases. Although the HCG supplementation--through injections or oral drops--is a constant throughout the diet, the HCG Diet involves four phases that entail different food restrictions and other factors. Because of the controversial nature and potential danger of the HCG Diet, consult a doctor before attempting this diet plan.
Phase 1
According to the HCG Diet information website HCG Fat Loss, the first phase of the HCG Diet is highly recommended, though not required. This phase lasts 30 days and may "accelerate the fat and weight loss in Phase 2," according to HCG Fat Loss. Phase 1 involves many dietary modifications, including eating organic grapefruit and apples, drinking green tea, apple cider vinegar and raw coconut oil, and taking a colon cleanse product. HCG Fat Loss suggests not eating late at night and remaining hydrated throughout this phase as well. The website explains that in addition to making dietary changes, you should walk for one hour each day at a moderate pace.
Phase 2
Phase 2 of the HCG Diet lasts for 45 days. According to online HCG Diet resource HCG Weight Loss, the first two days of Phase 2 involve drinking a gallon of water and eating as much food as you want. From day three on, severe caloric restriction is in place, with your breakfast limited to organic coffee or tea and lunch consisting of 100 grams of a lean protein source such as chicken, fish or lean beef cooked without oil or fat.
HCG Weight Loss also explains that Phase 2 lunches may also include low-calorie vegetables such as spinach. Your choices for dinner are the same as you have for lunch, except you can't have the exact same meal twice in one day. In addition, HCG Weight Loss notes you should be walking for exercise, visiting the sauna and doing yoga as much as possible.
Phase 3
According to the website HCG Diet Journey, the length of time you stay in Phase 3 varies with your HCG Diet experience. The site explains that on your first and second HCG Diet run, you should stay in this phase for eight weeks, and for 12 weeks on your third and fourth HCG Diet runs. During Phase 3, you will still be taking HCG injections, but you are permitted to eat whatever you want, as long as you remain within two pounds of your current weight. However, your metabolism may have slowed down from dieting, meaning that you'll still be restricted to a very low calorie count in order to maintain your weight.
Phase 4
According to HCG Fat Loss, the fourth phase begins a "a whole new life" for you, as "until now you have been a slave to food." The website explains that you can eat whatever you want, but it must be 100 percent organic and cannot be a "brand name" product or restaurant food. You are also supposed to do a liver cleanse, colon cleanse and parasite cleanse. Other Phase 4 restrictions include avoiding microwaves, farm-raised fish, ice-cold drinks and artificial sweeteners.
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