The HCG diet is a weight-loss regimen based on a protocol developed and published by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons in the book, “Pounds and Inches.” During the diet, people combine their carefully regulated menu with daily supplements that contain the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. It is not uncommon for people to hit stalls or plateaus during the diet. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to overcome such phases.
Step 1
Keep a food diary. Recording all that you eat during the day will make it easier for you to keep track of your daily calorie consumption. You’ll be able to determine if you are eating more than permitted on the diet. Do not neglect to keep track of the liquids you consume as well.
Step 2
Have an apple day. Eat nothing but six big apples during the day. Start your apple day at lunchtime and maintain it over the next 24 hours. Save your apples for whenever you are hungry and limit the amount of water you drink. An apple day is a technique recommended by Dr. Simeons to break stalls during the HCG diet. An apple day will also help in cleansing your colon.
Step 3
Drink water. Water will keep you hydrated and prevent you from experiencing false hunger pangs. Slight dehydration can reduce your energy levels, leaving you fatigued and slowing down your metabolism. To avoid this, Mayo Clinic advises that you drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water daily.
Step 4
Diversify your food intake. Your metabolism slows down when your body gets used to certain meals. Prevent this by eating different meals during the week. Some foods take longer to digest than others. Avoid foods that take too long such as red meat. Spicing up your menu will keep your metabolism active.
Step 5
Get enough sleep. You'll have more energy during the day, and this will allow you to do more physically. Irregular sleeping habits can affect your body’s metabolism, reducing the rate at which you lose weight. Not getting enough sleep can also encourage you to eat more during the day.
Things You'll Need
- A diary
- 6 apples
- 3 liters of bottled/filtered water
References
- GreenHCG.com: Apple Day to Break Plateau During the Maintenance Phase
- HCGInfo.com: Tips and Tricks
- Mayo Clinic; Water: How Much Should You Drink Every Day?; April 2010
- HCGWeightLoss.com: Ways to Break Stalls on HCG Diet
- Mayo Clinic; Does the HCG Diet Work — and Is It Safe?; Jennifer K. Nelso
- "Pounds and Inches"; Dr A.T.W. Simeons
