HCG Diet FAQ and Commonly Asked Questions
- What is the HCG Diet?
- The HCG Diet is a medical diet using low doses of HCG in combination with a low fat 500 calorie per day diet for a period of 23-43 days followed by a three week period of “No Starch/No Sugar” stabilizing phase. After the HCG Diet, the dieter can expect to have an improved metabolism and maintain weight more easily than after a traditional low calorie diet and expect weight loss of up to a pound a day on average. (Click to close…)
- What is HCG?
- HCG is a substance called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a common and natural prescribed fertility medication. HCG occurs naturally in the body during pregnancy in very high levels (10,000 iu’s or more). The amounts taken daily while on the HCG are 125-200 iu so it is a very low dose. It is commonly taken for the HCG Diet as a daily injection or a twice daily sublingual dose under the tongue. (Click to close…)
- Is the HCG Diet safe?
- Although the HCG Diet has not been officially approved for weight loss by the FDA, the HCG Diet has worked successfully for 1000’s of people with little to no side effects reported. It is always recommended that you follow the advice or be monitored by a healthcare professional especially if you are on medications or have any major health concerns. I suggest finding an HCG Diet physician that understands the science behind the diet and how it works to improve metabolism and combat obesity. The 500 calorie “HCG Phase” (also known as Phase 2 or P2) is only for a period of 23 or 43 days and to my knowledge no harmful effects have been observed from participating in the diet for that length of time. (Click to close…)
- How much will I lose?
- People have reported weight loss of up to a pound a day or more on the HCG diet. Women lose an average of 1/2 pound per day and men lose more. Results may vary depending on how much there is to lose.
(Click to close…) - Why only 500 calories a day on the HCG Diet?
- Dr. Simeons theorized that eating 500 calories a day allowed the HCG to remove “abnormal fat stores” from the body while resetting the hypothalamus gland which controls the endocrine functions of the body. The thyroid, pituitary, and other glands that control hormone production, sugar metabolism and many other bodily functions are controlled by the hypothalamus. (Click to close…)
- What foods can I eat?
- Please see the About the HCG Diet page on this website for a breakdown of the foods allowed on the HDG Diet. Dr. Simeons tested a very specific list of foods allowed on the HCG Diet. He determined what foods work well with the HCG Diet protocol after many years of research working with 1000’s of overweight and obese patients. It is not recommended to deviate or substitute any of the allowed foods on the list for maximal weight loss. (Click to close…)
- How long should I stay on the HCG Diet?
- A minimum of 23 days on the HCG is required and a maximum of 43 days is recommended. Following the “HCG Phase” (also known as Phase 2 or P2) you must complete the diet with three full weeks observing a “no starch/no sugar” diet. After the diet is completed, you can resume phasing in carbohydrates back into your meals. It is not recommended to continue the “HCG Phase” longer than the recommended period to allow your body to receive a greater variety of nutrients, give the body a break, and the potential of developing “Immunity”. (Click to close…)
- What is Immunity?
- Immunity is a condition described by Dr. Simeons in his book “Pounds and Inches, a new approach to obesity” as a time when the HCG stops working and a break from the HCG Diet Protocol is indicated. Symptoms of “Immunity” are weakness, fatigue, extreme hunger, and lightheadedness.
(Click to close…) - What is “Loading” and why is it important?
- For the first two days while taking the HCG, it is important to “Load” correctly by eating large amounts of very high fat foods. Foods like nuts, cheeses, fatty meats, oils and fats, cream, avocados, and other high fat foods you can have while loading. By “loading” with high fat foods, dieters find that there is little to no hunger once the restricted calorie “HCG Phase” begins. By the end of the two “loading” days, the HCG is circulating in the body and burning reserve fat stores for fuel and hunger should be minimal or nonexistent throughout the protocol.
(Click to close…) - Can I take my medication on the HCG Diet?
- Do NOT stop any medication without discussing it with your physician. Many people as they lose weight, may find, that they require lower doses of medications such as insulin, BP medication, etc. as they lose weight with the HCG Diet. Monitor how you feel throughout the diet and work closely with your physician as you go through the protocol to safely adjust your medication. (Click to close…)
- Who is Dr. A.T.W. Simeons?
- Dr. A.T.W. Simeons is the original physician who developed and researched the HCG Diet Protocol in the 1950’s in Italy. His book, “Pounds and Inches; a new approach to obesity” details the way the HCG Diet changes the metabolism and offers instructions on the specific foods and methods to do the diet correctly. (Click to close…)
- Who is Kevin Trudeau? What is the Weight Loss Cure?
- Kevin Trudeau is the author of “The Weight Loss Cure They Don’t Want You to Know About”, a book that features the HCG Diet Protocol by Dr. Simeons in detail along with many other recommendations. Kevin Trudeau is best known for his book “Natural Cures They don’t Want You to Know About”, a bestselling book of natural remedies and recommendations for health and wellness. (Click to close…)
- Can I eat eggs or cheese on the protocol?
- Yes, you can occasionally have eggs (1 whole egg + 3 egg whites) or non fat cottage cheese as a protein substitution for the other proteins and as a vegetarian option. We do not suggest eating the cheese for every meal but you can enjoy it as an occasional treat 2-3 times per week. The milk sugars in the cheese can be particularly problematic for some dieters if eaten too frequently.
(Click to close…) - What can I do for dry skin? or as a lotion?
- No oil can be used on the skin while on phase 2 of the HCG Diet protocol. Occasionally , If you have severely dry skin or cracking, you can use small amounts of mineral oil as this kind of oil cannot be absorbed by the body. We also recommend aloe vera gel on the skin as a healthy alternative to regular lotions. There are many dieters who have found oil free type lotions and sunscreens that don’t cause a stall with the diet. We can’t recommend any specific brands at this time but may be able to offer more information in the future. (Click to close…)
- How do I get a digital version of this book?
- You can get a digital version for Kindle on
Amazon.com The HCG Diet Gourmet Cookbook. e-reader versions are coming soon for ipad, nook, sony, and the other readers through www.smashwords.com (Click to close…) - When will my book ship after I place my order?
- Your products will ship the following business day and delivery time may vary depending on the shipping method you chose. Free shipping can take 5-7 business days. Please note that international shipments can take significantly longer so please allow plenty of time for them to clear customs before sending in a support request. (Click to close…)
- I’m on my period. Do I have to stop the HCG?
- . (Click to close…)
- What about the homeopathic
- . (Click to close…)
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22 Responses to “HCG Diet FAQ and Commonly Asked Questions”
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i see on your main page the phase 3 cookbook but i cant seem to find out how to order it. please help! I thoroughly enjoyed your original cookbook.
thanks
Why is it more expensive to buy this book directly from you than from amazon or barnes & noble? I was hoping that you’d offer a package price for the 2 books together.
Major booksellers like Amazon and B&N get the books in bulk at a discount so they are able to pass this savings on to their customers. Whichever way you happen to purchase the book, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! My second book will be available directly from my website soon, before it’s available at the booksellers too!
My question is the same as the one above, I need to know how to purchase your phase 3 cookbook please. Thank you. I hope this is the correct place to ask the question.
Glenda, you can ask anything related to the HCG Recipes books here! The next P2 cookbook is coming out soon but the P3 book won’t be coming out until after the first of 2012. I’m still in the kitchen, working hard to find the perfect recipes for you. If you’re not already signed up on my email list, you can go to http://www.HCGRecipes.com and sign up on the right side of the page. I’ll be sending out recipes, tips, book release information, etc — as well as a super-special discount on my new book when it comes out! Thanks, Tammy
Tammy,
I purchased your cookbook for my kindle and LOVE IT!
I am a bit scared to move to Phase 3 the week after next.
Any tips?
Thanks,
pamela
Hi Pamela! So happy that you liked my cookbook! I do have a lot of posts here about P3 and I’m sure you noticed there are quite a few P3 tips throughout my cookbook, which should also help you.
A hint on P3. It’s not so much about calories. I’ve moved away from calorie counting and am now focusing more on the kind of food and quality of food that I eat. I also eat a lot of healthy fat even now on maintenance. It helps with hunger and you actually eat less and are more easily satisfied. Olive oil, coconut oil, some nuts are fine. Real butter, Cream or half and half are better choices than fat free dairy or eliminating fat. I realize this will be controversial and even uncomfortable for a lot of people who believe calorie counting and fat gram counting are the way to stay slim. The other secret is just to eat clean, healthy, unprocessed, high fiber food and lots of fruits and vegetables. On Phase 3 and for life.
Please also know that during the Phase 3 portion of the HCG Diet, there are often wild swings in your weight but things will regulate themselves as you go if you’re super vigilant about your food. In P3, do a Steak Day if you need to, and do not continue dieting as you need to eat enough calories! You need to add oils and proteins back into your diet and eat a variety of vegetables and fruits (don’t limit yourself to just the ones in P2). You can also resume your normal exercise and you definitely should resume taking high quality supplements.
Hope this helps and best of luck on P3!
Hi: I was on the HCG diet last year and purchased the HCG Diet Gourmet cookbook. I would go back to it for recipes at that time. I am now starting and came to log in and I don\’t know where to go. Has this area been discontinued or is there another way to access this book?
Hi Judy — I hope you received my email as well! Since you purchased your book through Amazon, you will need to contact them to find out how to access your book although you certainly shouldn’t have to purchase it again!
Hi Tammy, I have been on phase 2 counting loading days for 44 days and I was going to do my last day tomorrow as day 45 then start phase 3. Now, reading a lot of comments I am scare because I think I was supposed to do 42 days?? Idk where I read that I was supposed to do phase 2 for 45 days.. What should I do now?. Also, I want to tell you that during the six weeks on HCG I cheated about 4 times with a non-fat latte or soy latte and it never affected my weight but made me lose less I guess? I lost so far 21.5 lbs taking drops. My questions are: I have a lot of weight to loose, and i have plans to continue doing HCG for a long time, could I do 3wks now on phase 3 then start phase 2 for another six, then 4wks on phase 3 then start phase 2 for another 6wks then phase 3 for 5wks??? What do you think? I am basically adding an extra week on phase 3 every time. Also, do you think I can drink my latte on phase 3 on my first day starting this phase or should I wait at least one week? I am not really crazy about anything more than my lattes:(. Last, how about almond butter instead of peanut butter in phase 3? I know I need to avoid starches and sugars but so far all almond and peanut butters have a little sugar, is there any minimum amount allow in this phase? Maybe a Melba toast with almond butter and thin slices of apple? Thanks so much for being here for all of us!!
Hi Yeanett! A day or two greater or less than 43 is most likely fine. I suggest the 3 weeks on Phase 3 and then 3 weeks on Maintenance for a total of 6 weeks off between rounds, then increase each break by 2 weeks per round until you reach your goal weight. I suspect the cheating did slow down your weight loss. Most people lose at least 30+ pounds during a 43 day round. Best to stay on track but certainly don’t beat yourself up about it. Just do better next time and you will reach your goal! Both the cookbook I have out now and my upcoming cookbook have recipes that can help add variety to your diet, and include Modifications for Phase 3 so I hope you enjoy them!
Tammy,
Your HCG Cookbook is totally great. Recipes are wonderful. I am looking forward to the Phase 3 cookbook (wish it would be here sooner
. I am not quite sure what to do after Phase 2 (I have lost 27 lbs. in 32 days and will be at Phase 3 Thanksgiving Day (boo! – but I will stick to it!). I don’t understand what you replied to Yeanett about 3 weeks on Phase 3, 3 weeks on Maintenance and switch to a 2 week break. Does this mean then do 2 weeks of Phase 3 and 2 weeks of Maintenance until I reach my goal?
Thank you so very much for writing such a great cookbook and looking forward to the new one!
Cheryl
Thank you so much Cheryl — I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy my cookbook! As you know, my cookbooks have P3 modifications to help you out until my P3 cookbook is out sometime next year. I’m still working hard in the kitchen to make sure the book is spectacular! My second P2 cookbook will be out hopefully by the end of the year — we’re working on the final edits now.
Congratulations on your 27 pound weight loss and good luck with Phase 3. Just to clarify, it is 3 weeks on P3 and then 3 weeks on Maintenance before you begin an additional round. Also, the time on maintenance should be increased with subsequent rounds to prevent immunity.
Hope that helps and we’ll let you know when the new cookbooks are ready!
I am in day 6 of what I guess you call phase one of the HCG diet (through metabolic weight loss clinics) and they have me at 800 calories, which is far too much for me to handle with the HCG drops. I feel overstuffed and uncomfortable with the portion sizes. Would it be safe to follow your 500 calorie guidelines?
Hi Theresa! If you’re on Day 6 and taking the drops, that would put you in Phase 2 (P1 is your Prep and Load Phase). My recommendation is to always follow the standard, original HCG Diet as taught by Dr. Simeons, the HCG Diet creator, to drop pounds and inches. I do realize that some doctors and clinics modify the program and it’s up to the discretion of each individual on whether or not they would like to deviate from the program he created as each person can react differently to any changes.
I hope that helps and please keep me updated on how things are going!
Best of luck with your diet!
hi!!I NEED HELP FIGURING THIS OUT OK TODAY IS MY FIRST DAY I WANT TO LOSE 41. MY CURRENT WEIGHT 176.6 AND MY GOAL 135. FOR THE TODAY AND TOMORROW I SHOULD STUFF MYSELF WHICH I DONT THINK I’LL HAVE A PROBLEM. SO THEN ON THE THIRD DAY I START WITH MY 500 CAL FOR WHAT 40 DAYS? THEN I GO TO MY 3 WEEKS OF REG CAL AND FATS EXCEPT STARCHES AND SUGAR, WHAT IS THAT OR WHAT WOULD BE MY REG CAL AND FAT CONSUMTION? THEN PHASE FOR IS MAINTAINING YOUR WEIGHT WITH GOOD BAL DIET RIGHT? SO HOW LOST AM I OR DO I HAVE IT RIGHT PLEASE HELP I REALLY WANT THIS TO WORK FOR ME THANKS!
Hi Shakira! You really need to read Dr. Simeons’ original Pounds and Inches book, which we’re currently working on. I’ve emailed you a ‘non pretty’ version since you really need this information right away! This ebook should answer all your questions about the diet.
Best of luck on your weight loss and please keep me updated!
So happy to have found your recipe book! However, there are no calorie counts listed. Do you have these coming out in the 2nd publication?
Hi Lynn! Calorie counts are included on each recipe in all my cookbooks. If you look at the upper right-hand corner of each recipe, you will find the calorie count, serving size, fat and protein counts, etc.
Hope that helps and best of luck on your diet!
Is lean ground turkey allowed on the diet? Also, if I buy the electronic version of the book, can I print copies of the recipes? I have an iPad, but have never purchased anything via kindle before.
Hi Suzi! Unfortunately turkey nearly always causes a stall on this diet so I don’t recommend it. Also, Kindle allows you to print a portion of nearly any book but due to the copyrights, only a percentage is allowed.
Hope that helps and best of luck on your diet!
I am on Day 14 of Phase 2. Why am I waking up feeling so light headed and dizzy? This also occurred on Day 12 where I even took the day off work because I was afraid to get in the car and drive.