When you are only allowed the equivalent of one meal a day, food options are limited. On the HCG diet, you are to consume only 500 calories each day, which is considered a very low calorie diet. Dieters experience rapid weight loss from the extreme calorie restriction, which is coupled with injections of HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced in pregnancy. Choices in each food group are limited to only a few selections.
Beverages and Seasonings
British endocrinologist A.T.W. Simeons first developed the HCG diet in the 1950s, and his original restrictions have largely been the basis for more modern versions. The seasonings allowed on the original HCG diet are salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard powder, garlic, basil, parsley and other similar herbs. The juice of one lemon is also allowed. High fat items such as oil, butter and dressings are not allowed. The only acceptable beverages are water, mineral water, tea and coffee. These beverages may be taken liberally.
Protein
In the protein food group, only very lean protein foods should be included. There is a limited amount of protein allowed as well, in order to maintain the 500 calorie a day diet. Permitted protein foods include veal, beef, chicken breast, white fish, lobster, crab and shrimp. Avoid higher fat fish, such as salmon. The diet calls for only 100 g of a protein food at each lunch and dinner, and the meat must be prepared without adding any fat. Occasionally an egg can be substituted for meat on the diet, as well as low-fat cottage cheese.
Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables and fruits are allowed on the HCG diet, although in very small quantities. There are limitations on the choice of vegetables and fruits as well. One vegetable may be included with lunch and dinner, and must be chosen from spinach, green salad, chard, chicory, fennel, cabbage, beet-greens, celery, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus or tomatoes. In addition, one fruit is allowed with lunch and dinner, from an even smaller selection. An apple, orange, 1/2 grapefruit or a handful of strawberries are the only fruit choices allowed.
Carbohydrates
The most severely restricted food group on the HCG diet is carbohydrates. One breadstick or one Melba toast are the only carbohydrate options, and only one may be included with lunch and dinner. Carbohydrates provide the body with energy, and with the HCG diet being only 500 calories per day, energy intake is severely restricted. The HCG plan claims that the injections of HCG that are given daily on the diet prevent you from feeling hungry while being so restricted on energy intake. Many health experts have challenged the HCG diet due to the near-starvation level of calories allowed daily. Always consult with your physician prior to starting any new diet plan.
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