Today, almost everyone is conscious of their diet in order to avoid gain in weight. People adopt different weight loss diets that consist of low calorie foods. To some extent they are effective, but they are not advisable to be continued in the long run. One such instant weight loss diet is hCG diet. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, is a hormone produced by women during early stages of pregnancy. The levels of this hormone is maximum during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. The fact that hCG shots for weight loss were capable to reduce weight, was first conceived by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons. He observed that boys who were given hCG shots for under developed sex organs, lost weight without having severe hanger pangs. He implemented the same idea, that women are also capable of losing extra fat from their shoulders, hips, thighs, upper arms and buttocks through hCG injections. There’s a particular hCG diet protocol that enables loss of 5 pounds per week.
What is the hCG Diet Protocol?
The weight loss program of hCG diet restricts consumption of calories. The daily intake is limited to 500 calories per day. hCG diet plan menu says that, for breakfast, a cup of tea and coffee is enough. Artificial sweeteners are permitted. For lunch, vegetables and lean meat is allowed, and for dinner, bread toast (whole grain), citrus fruits like grapes, oranges, strawberries, etc., are enough. One apple a day is considered healthy. Since it’s a hormonal therapy, medicines or cosmetics are not allowed. Aspirin and birth control pills are medically permitted. Lipsticks, powder and eye liner can be applied while sun lotions or creams containing animal or vegetable fats are not allowed.
That was the diet part. Weight loss is actually pronounced by the hormone hCG. Doctors administer 125 IU of hCG diet injections for 40 days. The duration of injection under hCG diet protocol is dependent on weight loss goals. The shots are paused during menstrual cycle but the diet plan must be continued to avoid regain of lost pounds.
hCG Diet Protocol Phases
hCG diet protocol consists of three phases: loading phase, maintenance phase and stabilization phase. During each phase, either oral hCG is consumed or shots are injected. The phases are described below in details.
Loading Phase
The loading phase lasts for 2 days. During this period, 10-15 hCG drops are administered thrice a day. This phase is called loading phase because it allows you to load your body with as much as food you can. You have the liberty to consume your favorite recipes just for 2 days. For more effective results, sometimes doctors opt for 6-10 drops, 6 times a day. The loading phase is followed by the maintenance phase.
Maintenance Phase
Maintenance phase lasts for 21 days and the dosage is 10-15 hCG drops, thrice a day. It’s also known as very low calorie diet (VCLD), phase. 500 calories are permitted along with the hormonal therapy for quick weight loss. Your body shall receive very low calorie foods and strict restriction on intake of sugars, starch and fried food items is imposed. You won’t experience hunger pangs as the food reserves during the loading phase shall satisfy your hunger.
Stabilization Phase
Stabilization period lasts for 21 days. The dose of hCG hormone is 10-15 days, three times daily. Calorie intake is gradually increased to 800 calories for women and to 1000 calories for men. Calorie intake is increased to maintain good health. Sugar and starch are strictly restricted during stabilization period. It’s also suggested to increase consumption of fruits in order to step up calorie levels. This allows shedding of 1-3 lbs everyday.
hCG diet protocol, although an effective strategy for weight loss has certain effects on the body. hCG injections side effects are associated with cramps in stomach, pelvic pain, vomiting, nausea and swelling in body parts. You should be aware of hCG diet dangers that can sometimes pose serious threat to health. Since, this hormone controls activity of the hypothalamus, improper dosage might cause Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, urinary gland disorder and diuretic problems. Therefore, it’s always advised to follow natural weight loss programs that involve control of diet and considerable exercises.
