The HCG Diet, developed by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, involves a very low-calorie diet accompanied by daily injections of human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. The first phase of the diet is a two-day binge that helps you stock up your energy stores for the calorie restriction to come. The second phase involves the hCG injections and a 500 calorie-per-day diet chosen from a very short food list. The diet lasts for either 23 or 40 days, depending on weight-loss goals. The third and fourth phases involve reintroducing foods back into your meal plan, and practicing eating healthy for the long term. Consult your doctor before beginning a diet.
Step 1
Increase your daily calorie consumption to 1,200 calories two days after your final injection. It is important to go directly from 500 to 1,200 calories in a single day, even though it may seem like a lot of food. Don't attempt to phase the calories back in gradually, and don't be afraid of gaining weight.
Step 2
Re-introduce fats into your diet, keeping your 1,200 calorie limit in mind. You may begin cooking with canola oil once again, and you can also have salad dressing, as long as it's sugar-free. Dairy foods are permissible in limited quantities -- no more than one serving per day. Your meat, fruit and vegetable choices are no longer restricted, as long as they do not contain starch.
Step 3
Continue eating in this manner for three weeks, weighing yourself first thing every morning. If your weight increases by more than 2 lbs., skip breakfast and lunch. Eat as much steak as you can for dinner, accompanied by a raw tomato as outlined in Simeons' manuscript, "Pounds and Inches."
Step 4
Reintroduce starches gradually after three weeks, beginning with a single serving of whole grains per day. Your doctor may increase your calorie intake at this point, depending upon your size, age, activity level and progress. Continue to monitor your weight every morning, and do a "steak day" if you notice an increase of more than 2 lbs. Sugar is allowed at this point, although you may find it easier to stay within your calorie limit if you stick to sugar-free.
Step 5
Continue eating in this manner for an additional three weeks, gradually increasing your starch consumption and variety as long as your weight stays constant. At the end of the three weeks, you are free to eat whatever you want, but it is important to continue the daily weigh-in and do a "steak day" whenever you notice an increase.
Tips and Warnings
- Be honest with your doctor about your hunger level, cravings and energy levels -- he may need to make slight adjustments to the protocol to make it a better fit for you.
- Don't skip the morning weigh-in -- the pounds can creep back quickly if you don't keep track. Also, don't weigh yourself late in the day -- you'll see an increase, but it will be only water weight. Weigh yourself first thing in the morning after emptying your bladder.
References
- "Pounds and Inches"; Dr. A.T.W. Simeons; 1971
