The brief loading phase of the HCG diet has no limitations on the food. You can load as much food as you want. This is a two-day brief loading which is considered as preparatory days. You are encouraged to eat as much fatty food as you want. Focus on the foods that are high in calories and good fats. The purpose of this is to prepare your fat stores when the weight loss phase begins.
Once the weight loss phase begins you will start to cut down your food intake. Cutting down food intake also means that you have to cut down your intake of calories. You will be discouraged to eat foods that are high in calories. There are only a few foods that are considered as acceptable during this phase. The purpose of the VLCD is not to ruin your body’s composition. This is to help shift into new habits. You are allowed to eat 500 calories a day during this phase. There is also a new set of food choices during the VLCD.
The food choices during the HCG diet are low in calories but have the most nutritional value. These are carefully chosen not just to help you lose weight. It will also maintain your health as you undergo VLCD. You will be loading food choices that are whole or organic products. It helps your body in taking a break from unhealthy food ingredients. It will also cleanse your body and helps in preparing for weight loss stabilization and maintenance.
- Lean, fat-free protein
What are the foods that are allowed during the HCG diet?
Eating foods that have high protein levels help burn calories. It has a thermic effect on the body that expends energy. This energy helps in the digestion and burning of calories. Lean meat also reduces your risk of getting hungry in between meals. It also builds and protects your bone and muscle during fast weight loss. The high intake of lean meat also helps in maintaining a fat-free mass. This is the best food portion during the HCG diet.
- Approved vegetables
The approved vegetables are usually those that are green and leafy. It has high fiber content which aids in digestion. Vegetables are also low in calories and help in maintaining a healthy weight loss. Vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and other health benefits. Approved vegetables on the HCG diet help your body in fighting against free radicals. It keeps your body safe from weight-related diseases. You can have more portion of vegetable serving during the HCG diet. However, you are not allowed to mix 2 or more kinds of vegetables. You are only allowed to serve one vegetable in each meal setting.
- Approved fruits
Be aware that you are not allowed to eat as many fruits as you can. You are not allowed to eat all kinds of fruits during the HCG diet. This is because there are fruit choices that have natural sugar content. It may stop your weight loss process. You are only allowed to eat the fruits that help in keeping a high rate of metabolism. The fruits that are allowed during the HCG diet are rich in vitamins and minerals. It has the same function as vegetables in fighting against diseases. Fruits as well can also be easy to grab a snack. Eating fruits is a way of snacking that is free from guilt.
- Coffee, tea, and water
These are the unlimited items during the HCG diet. It helps your body to maintain its fullness and hydration. Water helps in distributing various food nutrients in most parts of your body. It also keeps you out of diseases such as high blood sugar and pressure levels. Tea and coffee are allowed as long as it is free from ingredients such as sugar. You can have a cup of tea or coffee to help you get through high-stress levels. Tea and coffee can help in relaxing your brain and lowers inflammation. It controls stress that may affect your weight loss journey.
What are the foods that are not allowed during the HCG diet?
- Dairy food products
Dairy food products such as yogurt, low-fat milk, and cheese are not allowed on the HCG diet. Dairy products are healthy foods however it can affect your weight loss. Stay away from dairy food products especially during the VLCD. Dairy food products are allowed after the HCG diet. You can gradually introduce these food products after your weight loss process.
- Foods that is high in carbs and sugar
Pasta, bread, white rice, cakes, cookies, and pastries are just some of the high sugar and carbs foods. Sugar and carbs are the main enemies during your weight loss. It does not just affect your weight but also with your health. It causes diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases. Sugar and carbs can also cause blockage in your blood vessels. Thus, affects the flow of the nutrients in various parts of your body. You also have to stay away from fats and desserts because of its ingredients such as sugar.
- Fats and oils
This includes deep-fried foods. You have to stay away from oils because it causes rapid weight gain. It raises unhealthy cholesterol in your blood. It will lead to the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Stay away from saturated fats such as the oils used in processed foods. It affects your weight and the stability of your body. Do not indulge in fatty or oily foods even if you are not doing the HCG diet.
- Sugary beverages and alcohol
These have a high level of liquid calories. The liquid calorie will silently steal your weight. The high level of sugar can add your weight. It will also stop your weight loss. Stay away from fruit juices, soft drinks, and diet soda. The high level of liquid calories will mislead your weight loss. Your body does not detect liquid calories the same way as it detects solid calories. That is why you will not be aware that you are rapidly gaining weight.
