Human chorionic gonadotropin, commonly known as HCG, is a hormone secreted by the placenta during pregnancy. According to the Oral HCG and Obesity website, this hormone may also act upon the brain's hypothalamus to enhance the metabolism of fat. Although to date the most proven means of taking HCG for weight loss is through injections, it can also be taken orally.
Releana is a diet plan that combines oral administration of HCG with a low-calorie diet. According to the Oral HCG and Obesity website, oral HCG doesn't significantly enhance overall weight loss, but it may increase fat loss. Talk to your doctor before starting any diet.
Beverages
According to a study of oral HCG posted on the Releana website, the Releana program appears to be based on a very low calorie diet. In the study, which was led by Daniel Belluscio, the study participants were permitted to drink tea or coffee in any amount, without sugar. Only 1 tbsp. of milk was permitted per day. Water and mineral water were the only other drinks allowed and were permitted in unlimited amounts.
Meats
According to the Releana diet represented in the cited study, those receiving the oral HCG are permitted various types of meat with fat trimmed away. For lunch or dinner, study participants in the HCG and placebo groups were permitted 100 g of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster crab or shrimp. Fish such as salmon, tuna, herring and pickled or dried fish were not allowed, according to the Releana website.
Fruits and Vegetables
Participants in the Releana study were permitted to choose one type of vegetable for lunch or dinner. They could choose from the following: spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens, salad greens, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus and cabbage. Fruit options included an apple, an orange, half a grapefruit or a handful of strawberries, according to the study.
Carbs, Condiments and Other Foods
The Releana diet as reflected in the referenced study was very restrictive in terms of carbohydrates, with participants given the option of one breadstick or one melba toast at lunch and dinner. No oil, butter or dressing was permitted, but study participants could season their food with salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard powder, garlic, sweet basil, parsley, thyme or marjoram. While the study reported similar weight-loss results between oral HCG and placebo groups, those receiving HCG appeared to handle stress and irritation more effectively, the Releana website reports.
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