This phase is the “loading” period. Dieters are advised to eat as much food as they can stand, preferably fatty foods that they will not eat for a while. The purpose of this phase is to reduce cravings, hunger pangs, and other symptoms of deprivation that dieters may experience during the first few days of calorie restriction. Phase one lasts for two days. Start the HCG injections during this phase because HCG takes at least two days to reach an effective level. The dosage amount will be between 15-20 units a day (this is between the number “15” to “20” on the syringe). Please refer to the dosage instructions on our website.
Phase 1
Phase 2
The next phase involves extreme calorie restriction. Dieters should give up fatty foods, junk food, sweets, alcohol, butter, and cooking oils. At this point, one should eat no more than 500 calories a day. Dr. Simeons recommends splitting one’s calorie intake between two meals, rather than three. Dieters are advised to drink tea or coffee for breakfast instead of eating. People on this stage of the HCG diet plan should drink up to 2 liters of water every day. They should also make sure to meet nutritional requirements by taking supplements if necessary.
The diet is considered relatively safe, because the HCG converts the stored fat in the body into usable energy. This adds an additional 2,000 calories each day to the 500 calorie diet, so that individuals are not starving their bodies, simply using the stored fat that exists within the body rather than outside sources of calories. The diet is typically done for 28-52 days, and then a resting period occurs where the dieters eat a healthy diet aside from processed sugar, white flours, and starches like potatoes.
Our clients have reported tremendous amounts of weight loss while on the HCG diet. In fact, there have been reports of weight loss up to 40 or 60 pounds in one month. Individual results will vary since not everyone loses weight at the same speed and not everyone will react to the diet in the same way. During the diet, individuals are not permitted to have condiments, sweeteners (other than the all-natural sweetener Stevia), carbs, starches or white flour. They are encouraged to have plenty of vegetables, fruits and lean meats. All meals should consist of one serving of meat, one serving of vegetables, and a bit of fruit if possible. Each serving should be roughly 3.5 ounces (100 grams) to keep calorie intake low.
Dieters should also avoid eating two types of the same category in one meal. For example, a salad with lettuce and tomatoes would not be recommended. Although dressings, oils, and the like are not allowed during this phase, dieters are free to use herbal seasonings as needed. Melba toast is a good way to get some carbohydrates in one’s diet. This phase lasts for a maximum of 52 days.
Phase 3
In phase three, dieters can reintroduce some of the previously restricted foods. During the 21 days of this phase, dieters should let their hypothalamus and metabolism slowly return to normal. While more foods are allowed in this phase than in phase two, one should avoid fast food, sugars, starches, and ice-cold drinks. The caloric restrictions are lifted during the so-called maintenance phase, but dieters are advised to reduce calories or fast if they weigh two pounds more than their goal weight. This phase is designed to help one avoid sudden weight gain after completing the HCG diet plan.