Phase 3 and 4 of the HCG diet is the freedom phase. This comes after the very low-calorie diet. Phase 3 and 4 is the time where you live your freedom from the caloric cut down. Start the stabilization phase as soon as you have completed the entire duration of 500 calorie cut down. These two phases will take place as soon as the HCG is fully out of your system. Your intake of calories must be gradually increased to prevent your body from shock. Continue to avoid sugar and starch during phase 3. You can do the steak or apple day in case your weight stalls or increases.
Phase 3 of the HCG diet
Phase 3 is known as the stabilization phase. This phase is not about losing weight anymore. But, this is about stabilizing your weight loss as you introduce more foods on your body. You have to be careful during this phase because you will likely to gain weight easily. Be watchful with your intake of calories as well as the food portion to avoid sudden weight gain.
The usual duration of phase 3 lasts for 21 days. Your metabolism will get complicated if you fail to complete the 21-day duration. Spend a great deal of time to adjust from real foods. Observe each food choices that you eat and see if it causes weight gain. To succeed in your stabilization phase you have to be watchful in loading.
The foods you can add back on Phase 3 of the HCG diet
- All cuts of chicken, pork and beef meat
These two meat choices are rich in protein and are helpful for your heart health. It can also maintain your muscle and bone health. All cuts of chicken and beef meat are allowed except for the fatty portion. Chicken and beef meat will maintain the feeling of fullness. Thus, aids in avoiding cravings and constant attack of hunger. These meats can also build your tissues and prevents bone loss. The high protein content can also boost your metabolic rate and take off extra calories. Pork meat as well such as bacon and ham are allowed. However, you have to make sure that it does not contain various food ingredients such as preservatives.
- Seafood such as crab, lobster, fish and shrimp
Eating seafood can lower your cholesterol levels. Seafood is sources of excellent protein compared to other meats. It is also loaded with important minerals that include potassium and zinc. It has healthy fats that are loaded with antioxidant and vitamin E. Eating seafood can promote heart and brain health because it is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Eggs, cheese, and dairy
Eggs are beneficial for brain functions and maintaining the health of the brain cells. Eggs also allow your muscle to work well. It can also lower the rate of bone and muscle loss. Eggs are very filling which helps you during the stabilization phase. Cheeses as well are a great source of calcium, protein, and fats. It is also loaded with vitamin B-12, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids, and riboflavin. It improves skin and bone health as you stabilize your weight loss. Last are the dairy products which maintain healthy blood pressure. You have to choose unsweetened dairy products to avoid weight gain.
- Carrots, mushrooms, and sprouts
Carrots have high levels of antioxidants that fight against cancer. It can also protect your muscles and cardiovascular health. Carrots are linked to lower the cholesterol levels on your body. Mushroom too is considered as one of the superfoods. This is because of its health-promoting properties that help bodily functions. It has various health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Mushrooms are also high in proteins. Sprouts as well as help for easier digestion and it improve blood sugar levels. This helps in lowering the risk of heart diseases.
- Melon, Kiwi, apricots, and plums
Melon lowers your blood pressure and it is also vital to bone health. It can also maintain proper digestion because it is rich in water content. These fruit choices as well as boost your immune system and help you lose even more weight. These fruits can help you deal with cravings. You can also have these fruits as a substitute for your unhealthy snacks.
Phase 4 of the HCG diet
Phase 4 is known as the phase for a lifetime. This comes after the 21 days weight loss stabilization. This is when you completely reach your weight loss goal and you have just to maintain it. You can now eat real foods including sugar and carbs. However, you still have to avoid unhealthy food choices that cause you to gain weight. You can also add back healthy and fatty foods during this phase.
Continue to eat healthy and organic food choices as you increase your caloric intake. Keep off your indulgences of foods because of even organic foods has calories. You have to eat normally, load on the reasonable portion as you maintain your weight loss. Do not hesitate to do correction days in case of unusual weight gain. Phase 4 is the expanded version of phase 3. Load on the healthy carbs choices that you can find from whole foods. You must maintain your upper limit of carbs. It can help your body in adjusting from adding back more foods.
Healthy carbs allowed during phase 4 of the HCG diet
- Whole grains and legumes
This can be part of your healthy diet that helps lower chronic diseases. Grains and legumes are sources of various nutrients including fiber and B vitamins. These can also prevent coronary heart diseases that help in maintaining the feeling of fullness. You can incorporate whole wheat on your breakfast meal.
- Tubers such as potatoes and sweet potatoes
Tubers have fiber that lowers your cholesterol in your blood. It lowers your risk of having heart diseases. These are also helpful in lowering inflammation and constipation.
- Squash, corns, brown rice
These are whole foods that have high fiber. It promotes fullness and control hunger from occurring. Squash, brown rice and corn have a low glycemic index. These can also prevent the formation of blood clots.
