What Do You Eat on a HCG Diet?

Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, a British physician, was the first person to discover the use of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) for fast weight loss. HCG is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy and controls a woman's metabolic functions during pregnancy. Simeons published a paper in 1954 about his discovery, and it did not gain attention initially, but has continued to grow in popularity, according to the website americanchronicle.com.

Significance

According to Simeon, HCG injections reshape the body as well as create weight loss. You are allowed a very restrictive diet of only 500 calories per day. Mild exercise is recommended for cardiovascular health. According to the website hcgdietinfo.com, many HCG dieters report a loss of 1 to 2 lbs. a day. The diet is recommended for both men and women. Taking HCG shots along with a restrictive diet prevents muscle loss, according to wideworldoffood.com

Breakfast

The original diet recommends that you eat nothing for breakfast. You are allowed coffee or tea with no added sugar or cream. Add stevia or another no-calorie sweetener in your coffee or tea to sweeten. The diet has been modified to allow 1/2 grapefruit or an apple with your breakfast after the first day of the diet.

Lunch

Lunch consists of 100 g of protein to include veal, chicken breast, fresh white fish or seafood. There is no remaining fat nor added fats on any of the protein selections. Choose one vegetable such as asparagus, celery, cucumbers, green salad, spinach or tomatoes. Have one piece of melba toast and one piece of fruit such as an orange, apple, 1/2 grapefruit or several strawberries.

Dinner

The dinner meal is basically the same as lunch. You select from the same meats, fruits and vegetables, and the portions remain the same. It is suggested that you change these selections to have variety. Some of the current varieties of this diet recommend eating only organic produce and protein. Use spices and herbs to enhance your dinner such as basil, thyme, oregano, curry and rosemary.

Controversy

According to Katherine Keratsky, a nutritionist at Mayo Clinic, HCG shots are no better than taking a placebo. Eating healthy, low calorie food and developing viable eating habits is the best way to lose weight. Exercising on a regular basis will add to weight loss and good shape. HCG injections are used today primarily to increase fertility.