Is HCG Diet Safe?
Go on a simple diet for 30 days and lose one or two pounds each day. Sounds like a dream for anyone who has struggled with a lifestyle change like weight loss … right?
The latest in controversial weight loss solutions, the HCG diet includes taking a dosage of the HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) hormone each day — either orally or by injection — and coupling it with a diet of 500 calories or less. Most HCG diet plans suggest that dieters eat only a few ounces of meat and vegetables, as well as one serving of bread, each day. The hormone itself is supposed to quell hunger and prevent the body from going into “starvation-mode.”
The HCG hormone, which is naturally produced by pregnant women, is already used to treat fertility issues in women and endocrine disorders in pre-pubescent boys. Doctors and nutritionists remain split on whether the HCG diet is effective in the long-term and if it’s even medically safe to begin with (HCG is not FDA approved for weight loss). Those who promote the diet tout weight loss effectiveness as the bottom line. However, those speaking out against it point out that anyone only consuming 500 calories a day would lose weight — as well as losing out on necessary nutrients.
“It’s reckless, irresponsible, and completely irrational,” Pieter Cohen, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, told U.S. News and World Report about the HCG diet. “Can you lose weight on it? Of course, but that’s mainly because you’re hardly consuming any calories. And
Marta A.
I was totally fine on 500 calories and HCG spray — even during CHRISTMAS! I did the diet during the holiday season on purpose! You don’t miss anything and your head is resetting what your body needs vs. wants. I lost 27 pounds in 41 days and have kept it off for four months and counting.
Miracle Diet or Mishap:HCG Diet?
NewsChannel 10
Amarillo, Texas – Some are calling it the miracle diet. It’s helping people shed dozens of pounds in a month.
It’s become widely popular, as people look for a quick fix to weight loss, but many doctors are saying the dangers far outweigh the benefits.
For some it sounds like a nightmare, for others it’s just what they’ve been looking for. A 30 day diet that involves a daily dose of a hormone called HCG and a calorie intake limited to 500 per day.
This is Dottie Williams’ second time on the diet. She explains, “Phase one is you gorge yourself for the first two days and then after that, you’re on this 500 calories.”
3 ounces of meat, two vegetables, and a serving of bread are all you can eat for lunch and dinner.
But when your supposed to have 1800 calories a day, your body is sure to lose out, says one nutritionist. Micah Wing, a Registered Dietician at BSA says, “You miss out on several vitamins, minerals, several pieces of nutrition that are important and key in helping to maintain daily function.”
Losing one to three pounds a day isn’t safe either, when the suggested maximum is two pounds a week, Wing tells us.
She explains your body reacts by slowing your metabolism down, which means your likely to gain the weight back. Wing explains, “You’ve slowed down your metabolism, you’ve lost your lean muscle mass and now in place of it, you’ve added fat mass for storage because your body thinks it needs to store up for the next starvation mode.”
What about the hormone itself? An OB/GYN tells us it’s used as a fertility drug and to treat endocrine disorders, not weight loss. Dr. Brian Eades says, “It can really mess up your cycles and create abnormal ovulations. There is some evidence if you’re very early pregnant and exposed to it that it can increase your risk of miscarriages and also cause birth defects.”
You can inject it or take it orally, but Dr. Eades says either way, it’s a placebo effect: “It has been found if you substitute the HCG for some innocuous solution like saline, if you’re on a diet with just 500 calories, you get the same kind of results.”
Williams disagrees, “One thing is, I’ve tried it before and it worked. I think what the HCG does is not so much helps you lose weight because it’s not a fat burner, what it does is reprograms your brain to say you’re not in starvation mode.”
She and countless others don’t share the same concerns. Williams says, “I really don’t see that there is any lasting effect. If it was something I was doing all the time and not just for a 30 day stint, I think there could be some harm in it.”
When we did this interview Dottie Williams was on her eighth day of the diet and had lost nine pounds. She hopes to lose 30 pounds.
The bottom line: you will lose weight, but there are conflicting opinions on just how safe the diet is. That’s for you to decide.
Episode 2 HCG Diet Reviews – Losing and Maintaining Weight Loss
The Lovely Lady I interviewed about her hCG Diet results and her review of the hCG Diet protocol:
Barbara Yaffee
There are several reasons I chose to interview Barbara about her experience with the hCG Diet- she, like many women, experienced weight gain NOT due to overreating when she found herself in forced menopause due to anti-cancer drugs she had to take which caused changes in her female hormone output, and she was able to lose the 15 lbs of excess weight she gained due to this, in 1 round of hCG. She is so happy and excited to find herself easily keeping it off. Her weight has been extremely stable right around 120lbs, at age 56. The other thing is, coming from a background of having eating disorders as a young person, going through therapy and learning how to love and treat her body properly, she has an interesting take on what many call the “starvation diet.” Contrary to what people who know nothing about the diet say, the foods and way of eating while on hCG are actually very balanced and teach you to take time out of your day to prepare real food. She felt very good mentally and physically while on the hCG diet protocol, and more importantly, was excited to find that it appears her metabolism has changed- for the better! Before doing the hCG Diet protocol, she was finding that eating any more than 1200 calories a day caused her to gain weight- now she is finding she can eat 1500-1800 calories and maintain her 120lbs scale number.
hCG Diet Reviews – Weight Loss in Menopause – Episode 3
The HCG Diet Reviews — Episode 3!
I had the delight of interviewing Bonnie today. A lovely woman to meet, low key and pleasant, her story will be one that I have a feeling many of you will identify with and that will give you confidence and motivation that you can make a success of the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Diet protocol as well. Her success is absolutely amazing- she went from a size 12 to a size 2, dropping over 50 lbs with the HCG Diet protocol from 180ish to 125ish and has been maintaining a healthy weight range of 125-129 lbs since the fall of 2012, several months now. She is actually smaller now, at 50 years old, then she’s ever been in her whole life.
Watch the interview if you’d like to see a real live bodyshot of Bonnie today. Read the rest or of her story here: http://hcgchica.com/hcg-diet-reviews-…
Doctors are more dangerous
Why doctors are more dangerous than guns – Health Ranger investigation
Published on Aug 2, 2012 by TheHealthRanger This investigation by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, reveals why you are 6200% more likely to be killed by your doctor than by a homicidal shooter. This is based on U.S. government statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, combined with doctor-caused deaths published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. These data show that FDA-approved prescription drugs kill 290 Americans every single day, meaning that for mass shootings to approach that number, you’d have to see a Colorado Batman movie massacre take place EVERY HOUR of every day, 365 days a year. That’s how dangerous doctors and FDA-approved prescription medications really are. Read more at: http://www.naturalnews.com
HCG Diet Deserts
Deserts
Baked Toffee Apples – 1 apple thinly sliced, 1 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1tsp stevia, ¼ tsp. nutmeg, 1 tbsp. water, English toffee stevia. Combine all dry ingredients in a small mixing bowl and mix well. Place the liquids into a small plastic zip bag along with apple slices and seal. Shake well, lay flat in baking dish and bake at 350 for 25 – 30 minutes until desired doneness.
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4-6 medium strawberries Approximately 3 cubes of ice Any powdered or flavored stevia to taste ½ teaspoon vanilla powder or cocoa (optional) 2 tablespoons lemon juice ¼ cup water Blend ingredients together until smooth. Pour into a dish or Popsicle molds and freeze until firm. Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) Phase 3 modifications: Add half and half or cream and whipped egg whites. Mix in chopped nuts and freeze for an ice cream style dessert.  Orange or Lemon Pops Juice of ½ lemon or 1 small orange juiced Powdered stevia to taste Mix stevia to taste into lemon or orange juice. Pour into Popsicle molds and freeze. Makes one serving (1 fruit)  Apple Chips 1 apple Dash of cinnamon Stevia to taste Slice apples thinly, coat with stevia and cinnamon. Place in a dehydrator or bake at 325 until chewy and a little crispy. Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) Apple Cookies Pulp from 1 apple 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon Pinch of nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon vanilla powder Stevia to taste 1 tablespoon lemon juice Mix pulp from 1 apple (use juice for a virgin apple martini) Mix with stevia and spices and form into cookies (1-2). Bake the cookies for approximately 15-20 minutes or until slightly brown. Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) Phase 3 modifications: Add chopped walnuts or pecan meal and a little butter to the apple mixture then bake. Iced and Spiced Orange Slices 1 orange sliced or segmented 2 tablespoons lemon juice ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon powdered vanilla Pinch of nutmeg to taste Pinch of powdered clove to taste Pinch of cardamom to taste Powdered stevia to taste Mix powdered spices and stevia together. Dip orange slices in lemon juice and dredge with spice mixture. Freeze until firm. Variations: substitute strawberry or apple slices. Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) Apple Slices with Cinnamon Sauce 1 apple sliced 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon Dash of nutmeg Powdered stevia to taste In the microwave or small saucepan heat the liquid and spice ingredients together stirring constantly. Serve in a small dipping bowl and serve with chilled apple slices or other fruit. Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) Phase 3 modifications: Dissolve spices in lemon juice. Whisk in small cubes of cold butter to make a sauce. Add rum extract or vanilla. Sauté apple slices in spiced butter mixture. Fruit with Warm Vanilla Sauce Your choice of allowed fruit 1 tablespoon vanilla powder 2 tablespoons lemon juice ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar Powdered stevia to taste In a small saucepan or dipping bowl stir stevia and vanilla powder into lemon juice and vinegar. Heat the sauce on the stove or in the microwave. Pour into a dipping bowl. Dip fresh fruit into the warm sauce and enjoy. Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) Phase 3 modifications: Stir in 1 tablespoon of cold butter cut into small cubes and whisk quickly until blended. Or add a small amount of cream and omit the lemon juice. Add a little cinnamon or rum extract for added flavor. Caramel Apple Pie 1 apple 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon water 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1 packet powdered stevia 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of nutmeg 1 tablespoon water English toffee stevia to taste Slice apple into very thin slices. Arrange in layers in a round 3 inch crème Brule dish. For each layer, sprinkle generously with cinnamon, nutmeg, and powdered and English toffee stevia. Continue layering with spices until dish is full. Sprinkle lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and water over the apple slices. Bake at 375 for approximately 20-25 minutes or until apples are cooked and top is slightly crispy. Drizzle with additional English toffee stevia if desired. Serve warm. Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) Phase 3 modifications: Add a small amount of melted butter to the mixture and top with a tablespoon of chopped walnuts or pecans. Warm Spiced Oranges One orange sliced or segmented 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon Dash of cloves Dash of nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon powdered vanilla Stevia to taste (powdered or flavored liquid) Mix spices with lemon juice and stevia. Warm slightly in saucepan and add oranges. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot or chilled. Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) Frozen Grapefruit Spears ½ grapefruit in slices or segments 2 tablespoons lemon juice Pinch of lemon zest Powdered stevia to taste Dip grapefruit chunks in lemon juice and coat with stevia and lemon zest. Freeze until firm and enjoy as an icy treat. Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) Iced Cocoa Strawberries 4-6 medium strawberries 1 tablespoon dry defatted cocoa (Wondercocoa) Powdered stevia to taste Mix cocoa and stevia together. Slice strawberries and dip in cocoa mixture. Place on wax or parchment paper and freeze until firm. Variations: Use orange segments. Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) Warm Strawberry Compote 1 serving fresh sliced strawberries 2 tablespoons lemon juice Dash of cinnamon Dash of nutmeg Dash of cayenne Dash of salt Vanilla or dark chocolate stevia to taste In a small saucepan, combine ingredients and stir thoroughly. Sauté on medium heat until warm and bubbly and a sauce develops. Serve warm in a bowl. Garnish with mint. Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) Phase 3 modifications: Omit the lemon juice and stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese or heavy cream. Top with chopped roasted nuts or phase 3 chocolate crumbles (see phase 3 bonus report). Applesauce with Cinnamon 1 apple ½ teaspoon cinnamon Pinch of nutmeg Powdered stevia to taste Peel and puree apple in a food processor. Add in cinnamon and stevia to taste. Serve chilled. Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) Dark Chocolate Flavored Strawberry or Orange Slices 1 orange peeled and sliced or handful of strawberries sliced Dark chocolate stevia extract Arrange orange or strawberry slices in a bowl. Drizzle dark chocolate stevia over the slices and serve chilled. Garnish with mint if desired. Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) |
Beverage Treats for Dieters
Frozen strawberry slushy
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 5 fresh strawberries
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Stevia to taste
Blend the ice, strawberries, and vanilla in the blender until a slush forms. Taste, and add stevia to desired sweetness. Pour into a cup and enjoy!
Strawberries out of season? No worries instead use 4 frozen strawberries, and 1 cup of water.
Additional alternatives are to use flavored liquid stevia to give yourself some variety and avoid boredom and cravings. Try replacing your vanilla and stevia with Chocolate flavored stevia for a super tasty treat!
This could also be done with your daily allotment of lemon juice for frozen lemonade! YUM
Blended Coffee
- 1 cup strong coffee
- 2 cups ice
- Stevia to taste
Blend and enjoy!
Once again you can get creative with flavored liquid stevia and use any of these flavors of Stevia, vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, cinnamon, or peppermint! Who needs a coffee shop now?
Grapefruit Spritzer
8 oz. sparking mineral water
Crushed ice
Juice of one grapefruit
Orange stevia drops to taste.
Mix the grapefruit juice and orange stevia drops together, gently stir into sparkling mineral water and pour over crushed ice.
Basic HCG Recipes
Roasted Steak and Onions – 100 grams of flank steak seasoned, in a medium sized skillet, brown your steak on both sides to seal in the juices before putting in a preheated oven set to broil. Add one small sliced onion and a splash of water to the skillet and sauté the onions to desired doneness.
Chicken Apple Wraps – 100 grams diced cooked chicken cooked with a dash of pepper, salt, and smoked paprika, 1 small apple diced, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon cardamom, and a sprinkling of stevia.
Whitefish Taco Wraps – 100 grams of whitefish, ¼ c. water, 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar, 1 clove crushed garlic, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon chili powder, dash of salt, season with cracked black pepper to taste. Bake fish with juice from half a lemon; add the spices until evenly coated. Bake at 350 until fluids run clear. Once the fish has been removed from the baking dish use a fork to lightly break up the fish, spoon into iceberg lettuce leaves and enjoy!
Side Dishes:
Roast Tomato Slices – 1 tomato per serving, 1 clove crushed garlic, 1 sprig rosemary chopped garlic salt. Slice tomatoes into thin slices, spread out on parchment paper lined cookie sheet, sprinkle with garlic salt and chopped rosemary. Place the garlic between the slices. Roast for 6 hours at 200 degrees.
Cucumber Dill Salad – 1 medium cucumber sliced and quartered, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 teaspoon dill, black pepper and stevia to taste. Mix vinegar, stevia and dill, pour over cucumbers and stir. Pepper to taste.
Oven Roasted Asparagus – 1 bunch of asparagus. 3 tablespoons water, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, black pepper to taste. Preheat oven to 425 F, toss asparagus in water and lemon juice to coat, sprinkle with dry ingredients, arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 12-15 minutes until desired tenderness is reached.
HCG Diet Menu
Some of you out there may need a little help in planning your HCG diet menu. So I thought it might be easier for you if I gave you same sample meals to plan. Taking the time to cook and plan your meals is very important for your success while on the program. However, your health is important and you don’t want to only lose weight but you also want to be healthy in the process.
Since lunch and dinner consist of the same quantities of food, any meal listed can be used for either lunch or dinner.
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