Okay, so you’ve decided to do the HCG diet. How strange that this “diet” starts with two days of massive amounts of food. So, you may ask, how much is enough? What kinds of foods should I eat? Do I really have to do this? Why do I have to do this? Well, the answer is… Yes, you have to do this. The reason it’s so important is that eating high fat/high caloric foods for the first two days on the HCG allows the hcg to start circulating and burning fat, loading helps prepare the body so you won’t be hungry when you start the low calorie phase of the diet. The important thing to remember is to think high fat. More important than carbs or protein, or anything else you should focus on high fat foods.
The “Healthy” Load
So, what kinds of food to eat? Well, I say there are two ways to look at loading. Being a health conscious person, much more so than when I first did the diet, there is a healthier way to do it. So the first and healthiest way to load is to focus on foods like high fat nuts (Walnuts, almonds) oils like coconut oil, olive oil, real buter etc, high fat meats and proteins, avocado, cream, high fat cheeses.
The “Say Goodbye” Load.
This is the load where you pretty much eat anything and everything you have ever loved, craved, or overindulged with in the past. I call it the say goodbye loading method because in order to maintain successfully after the diet it is important to eliminate or minimize certain foods and make certain lifestyle changes. Not that you can’t enjoy the foods you love once in a while but if you go back to eating fast food, cookies and sugary sodas you will override your new higher metabolism and regain the weight in time. The HCG Diet is the perfect opportunity to detox from those foods. So, for this loading strategy you could consider foods like french fries, fast food, double cheese pizza, super rich chocolate, chocolate shakes, creme brulee, cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting, chips, deep fried foods, macaroni and cheese and other high fat comfort foods.
3 Important HCG Diet Loading Secrets
- Focus on High Fat Foods (not high carb)
- Eat rich loading foods consistently throughout the day (every few hours) for your first two days on hCG
- If you load with carbs, make sure you eat them with a high fat ingredient. i.e.: Chips with Dip, Noodles with sauce etc.
- Throw out or give away any loading leftovers so that you aren’t tempted when you start the low calorie HCG Phase 2
I know it sounds weird to eat high fat foods as part of a diet but it really is necessary. By the way, eat more than you think you can. Don’t hold back. When I did my own, personal loading, I pretty much made sure I was at home, well prepared with the refrigerator stocked with high fat food and pretty much didn’t stop eating all day long. Loading is actually uncomfortable but it is necessary. You may find that you are having a really hard time getting enough down. Do your best and focus on high fat content foods. If you load properly for the first two days, you should have little to no hunger at all once you start the low calorie diet.
Healthy Loading Foods List
Healthy Oils: Coconut oil, Olive oil, butter, and cream
Filet Mignon or other rich meats
Seafood: Fish, Lobster, Crab, Shrimp broiled or served with butter
Cheese
Buttered vegetables
Avocados
Walnuts, Nuts, and Nut Butters
Olives
Full Fat Greek Yogurt (served with fruit or as a savory dip)
Well said, Tammy. I’ve done big loads, and on other occasions I’ve done no load – the first week of the protocol is much more pleasant after a big load. Don’t be alarmed if you gain a few pounds by the end of your second loading day (the mornng weigh-in of the first effective day). A typical pattern for me is gaining 5 or 6 lbs. after the first loading day, and then staying flat +/- 1 lb. after the second loading day despite eating just as much as the first day, as the HCG kicks in and counteracts the effects of all that food. When that happens, I know I won’t feel any untoward hunger going into the VLC portion of the protocol.
I personally recommend focusing on fat, rather than carbs, for the loading – desserts, nuts, ice cream, pizza, etc., vs. pasta et. al. – but that’s just me…
Thanks for sharing Dave. Judging by the “formerly” I’d say you have had some success with this diet. Thanks for your input and sharing your own “loading secrets” Just to add to that…. Loaders could go to the “Eat this/not that” website and eat the “Not That” foods. A Cinnabon Pecan roll for example has 84 grams of fat.
Where can I get HCG and know that it is the real stuff?
The best place is a reputable Dr or clinic. I also recommend asking lots of questions when making the decision on an HCG program. Word of mouth referral is another way you can better assure a quality hcg product. Asking other dieters in a support group where they got their hcg and if they were happy with the product. Hope that helps you.
I have taken a pharmaceutical hcg tablet through a local clinic and successfully lost 30 pounds in my first round. My question is, does the homeopathic version of the spray or drops work as well. The expense of the pharmaceutical product is overwhelming and I have heard testimonials of those on the homeopathic products receiving similar results. I question if it is the product or the restricted diet in those cases. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
I haven’t personally tried the homeopathic. Homeopathic formulations have been very successful for a lot of people so you could feel comfortable trying that on your next round. I caution anyone who is trying the homeopathic to really investigate and choose a reliable source. Don’t just buy anything off the internet or ebay and please don’t pay too much. Ideally get a referral on a quality hhcg product from a friend. The best proof is if you don’t have hunger, lose weight and maintain a good energy level while on the product. If you feel ravenous or weak don’t continue. Best to you 🙂
Using Homeopathic Sublingual Drops & Tammy’s cookbook I lost 32 lbs. during 40 day 1st Rnd (59 yrs)
In regard to loading days: I am into my 2nd Rnd and have experienced the difference between loading with the attitude of “Goodbye to Bad Food” vs the attitude of “Healthy Load”. In the 1st Rnd I blew it all out and ate desserts (cookies, cakes, brownies, milk shakes, etc.) and assorted restaurant foods, not holding back. Because of the empty calorie foods the first week of Rnd 1 was extremely unpleasant with cravings and hunger pains. I increased my dose a wee bit and the hunger ceased but the cravings did not.
I vowed to eat healthy for the 2nd Rnd. I am just over a week into my 2nd Rnd. I have lost another 8 lbs from my previous set weight. This time I loaded up with healthy fat food from Whole Foods. I ate a lot of avocados and fatty cheeses, salmon, natural/organic pizza, smoked mozzarella salad, etc. but stayed away from a lot of the sugary baked goods and desserts I ate for 1st Rnd load days. I am not experiencing the cravings I did in the 1st Rnd nor the hunger. This is definitely a better way to go into the VLCD.
In regard to Homeopathic Subingual Drops: I have been purchasing herbal remedies from a licensed homeopath in Arkansas for 15 years. When inexpensive Homeopathic Sublingual HCG drops were offered I bought it from this source. I have heard & read horror stories about online purchases of HCG from snake oil sellers and rip-off websites that charge ridiculous prices for HCG. I suggest that If possible speak with your source before buying. DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST. Use the Internet and read, read, read the websites and blogs. There are very informative books available about the HCG Diet application that contain very specific info for all forms of application including homeopathic drops. So many women I speak with are totally uninformed and relying on someone else to guide them through the diet – they don’t even know how to use the homeopathic drops correctly and report to blogs that they don’t work – not true! The homeopathic drops are easier on your system/body than the prescription version (and do not require a prescription) especially if you plan to continue through several rounds.
Can’t wait for Tammy’s new P2 recipe book – the first one it saved me (and my family) from a very boring 40 days on the VLCD!!
Hiya Shirl, Really appreciate you sharing your experience with us all 🙂
Shirl, where can I purchase the homeopathic drops?
Hello Tammy, I started the hcg diet on January 2,11 with 2 gorge days to begin. A week after starting the program my doctor discovered I was confused on the dosage of hcg, I was only taking 1 drop instead of 7ccs. I was told to keep going on the diet and of course up the amount to 7ccs a day which I did. I have now been on the diet for 27 days and have only lost 8 pds total. My question is, would i have lost more weight in a shorter amount of time if I would have started over after realizing I was not taking the required dose. And my 2ed question is, I am getting ready to start my secound bottle and wondered if I should start over and do the 2 gorge days to kick it in gear so I dont waste the product and my time sence I am on the 43 day streach and I am only on my 27th day? I look forward to hearing from you, thank you , Selena
My first question to you would be how do you feel? Are you hungry? Do you feel weak, disoriented, fuzzy etc. That is generally the first sign that you aren’t getting the right dose. It is also unusual that you would have only lost 8 pounds in 27 days. I would examine your skin care and body products as well and keep a food journal. Evaluate everything that you are eating. Some people skip the breadstick and find that it helps. You could start fresh and reload for a day or two but make sure you take a break at the end of the 43 days and allow your body to rest up. Eat extra healthy during that time. Best to you. Tammy
I want to purchase the ebook of your cookbook. Dont want to wait to get to bookstore to get hard copy as i live in rural area. Can you please tell me how to get the ebook? Thanks, wendy
Hi Wendy, I am discontinuing the e-book. The HCG Diet Gourmet cookbook is currently available for kindle and is getting converted for the Sony reader, Ipad, and Nook. Those are the available digital versions. I’m sure the US post office can deliver to your rural address so you can always order the print book at http://www.hcgrecipes.com All the best to you with your diet!
Tammy
Thanks for your input, Tammy and Shirl. I’m on my first round of phase 2 and I did NOT properly load. Now, I’m a smart woman and I usually research EVERYTHING before beginning, but I did not do enough homework about loading. I ate rather normal meals. Luckily, my last night of loading was Valentine’s Day dinner. We ate out and I had a large filet mignon and 1/2 serving of creme brulee. Still, that wasn’t enough. I was quite hungry for the first three days. Will load the “healthy” way for my second round, though I might sneak in a whole serving of creme brulee!
Thanks for sharing your experience because the LOADING is so important. I cannot stress that enough. In my experience and other dieters… you just plain feel better, and literally NO HUNGER. It is almost a relief to go on the low calorie portion when you have loaded properly. That means… eating more rich food than you think you can. Anything fat laden and ultra rich, creamy, oily, etc. Focusing on oily foods rather than bread and carbs will make the most difference. I also really appreciate your emphasis on “healthy” HCG Diet loading next time around. While it seems really fun to eat a 6 pack of Cinna-bons with double cream cheese frosting… it’s so much better for us to eat walnuts, avocados, olive oil, and rich dairy during a load. Still, it’s a way to say goodbye to an old lifestyle. All the best on your next round 🙂
Tammy,
There seems to be a couple of different ways to mix the HCG injections. My dr is aware I am on the program and even got me a b12 RX.
How do I mix the HCG its 5000 ius for 200 iu shots? Some say use 10 ml Baristatic water some say 5 ml. Which is best??
Goal to loose 50 lbs.
I bought your book cant wait to try some recipes.
Thanks
Hi Ima,
I refer people back to their Dr. for mixing instructions. It is essentially math. There are many resources out there on support groups and mixing videos etc. Hope that helps you! Good luck!
Tammy
Hi. I am having ankle surgery outpatient in about 3 weeks. I would really like to do another round of
Hcg. Would that be okay while Im in the middle
of surgery and recouping?
I don’t recommend it. The HCG protocol is a very focused and intense period of time. Ideally, it is best to be as clear from any medications (safely and with advice from your physician of course) during this time and also just really focus on the weight loss. The HCG Diet is a mental journey as well as a physical one. Your body is in delicate balance while on the HCG. You would also likely be on pain medication and simply not at your best while recouping from surgery. I recommend just waiting until you have completed the surgery and feeling more balanced and prepared. That can mean all the difference with successful weight loss on this program.
Is it okay to still take my birth control pill while doing this diet?
Yes, you can continue your birth control pill. In fact… it’s helpful if you don’t want to get pregnant since HCG is often used as a fertility treatment.
Has anyone had to have a meal off of the diet mid diet? I have an event that I now cannot get out of (full day) and am wondering how to work this ?? Can I treat it as a loading day?
HELP!!
Selena, Pounds and Inches and Dr. Simeons recommend taking a planned interruption. Treat it as you would the transition to P3 and take your 72 hours off from the HCG, then take the day off and do your very best to stick to P3 friendly foods avoiding starch and sugar as best you can. Then, reload and resume your diet. The other and better alternative is to bring your own food to the event. Sip a sparkling water with lemon and enjoy the day. Hope that helps and good luck!
Hello, I just found out today I have to have gallbladder surgery on Monday. I am on day 7 of p2 and I am not sure what to do? I was told I need to eat well the day before surgery. I don’t know if I should just stop and then resume after surgery or what. I am already down 12 pounds and hate to ruin it. Thank you!
Hi Jessica and thanks for writing! You must complete a 23 day cycle to have the lasting results on this diet. My opinion is that surgery, illness, etc. are too stressful on the body to attempt a break or interruption in the diet and being only one week in, I would suggest that you stop and start over after you are fully recovered.
Best of luck on your quick recovery!
ok can anyone give me advice i got my hcg drops but dint come with good instructions so i started my load days but dint take the drops, so on day 3 after the load days i started the vlcd and the drops. my question is should i reload or just stay with it?
Hi Andrew! You really should get all the information on the HCG Diet so you’ll know exactly what you can and can’t do throughout each Phase. I suggest you get Dr. A.T.W. Simeons original “Pounds and Inches” ebook (found on the internet) and read it, then you can get my cookbook if you would like to add variety to your diet at http://www.HCGRecipes.com. Once you’ve learned about the diet, then you can start over.
Best of luck!!
Hi Debra! There is always that possibility so I would check with your physician before continuing. There are still people who don’t believe in the HCG Diet, but that’s usually because they’ve never tried it or seen the incredible transformation that people have had with it!
Best of luck on your diet and please keep me updated on your progress!
Hi Tammy,
So, is it correct that if you do go off the diet in the middle for a reason, you just take 2 more reload days and continue as though you were starting all over?
Hi LaVelle and thanks for writing! The best way is to do a “Planned interruption” It’s best if you have completed at least 3 weeks on P2. Discontinue the hcg for 72 hours, transition to a P3 style planned interruption for up to 2 weeks, then you can resume your P2 diet without reloading. If you go longer than 2 weeks on a planned interruption then you should ideally take a longer break and then reload.
Hi,
I am needing some help!! I was on about day 9 of my VLCD days when we went on vacation. After one day of cheating I discontinued the hcg and continued to cheat. It has now been 5 days since I stopped and am ready to give it another try. Do I need to reload? I would love not to, but want to do the diet 100% this time. I have the book and all the information I need, just not sure how to handle my 5 days off the wagon.. Thanks for your help!!
Hi Sarah! So sorry for the delay in answering – we’ve been having technology problems that just got fixed! You could choose to transition directly to phase 3 at this point. Take a break and start fresh again in another 3 weeks. That is probably the preferable choice. Best of luck to you!
Hi, just started 1st rd of HCG one week ago. I did not load at AT ALL 1st two days as I was extremely nauseous. Experienced 1st hand it is not a good idea to plan on quitting drinking (as a heavy drinker) as part of your diet reset. I was basically detoxing from alcohol on my load days so could only keep down a small filet on day 3 (threw up my strawberries) and didn’t feel digestively right until 5 days in. Good news is I feel great today and have lost 10 lbs in one wk BUT am contantly craving deep dish pizza, fast food, fried chicken, to where I want to chew my arm off! This is beginning to subside a bit and I’m told it will get better. I can feel the poisons leaving my body…and I’m not going to cheat, but man what a tough 1st week!….thanks
Hi John! You are right, quitting drinking at the same time as starting the HCG diet mades this extremely challenging, to say the least. The hunger is from not being able to load properly. If you can hang in there, the hunger usually subsides in about a week. Keep us updated!
Started my HCG diet today, Load Day 1 and I had to force myself to eat the fatty foods. I cant believe that I am not hungry and how quickly I got full. This is VERY exciting and I can’t wait to drop the pounds. I am thinking I will need to do at least 3 rounds to achieve my desired weight.
Hi Jan! Even though you may not feel hungry, be sure to almost overeat during loading, eating lots of fats and oils. This will help you tremendously when you move into the 500 calorie Phase 2. This is an amazing diet and I know you’ll have great success with it as long as you stay strict to the orginal protocol as written by Dr. Simeons. Best of luck and keep us updated on your progress!
Hi Jan, did you start losing??
Hi! I started my HCG drops yesterday. I’ve researched it for quite a while and shopped accordingly. I began my drops and it was not until I was taking my evening dose that I realized I wasn’t taking 8-10 “drops” but droppers (which only fill half way..) I was horrified at my mistake, as I will now have to get more before I planned to finish my cycle..But mainly I’m concerned if it will adversely affect my loss. It’s my second load day and I took the correct amount. I just want to make sure I an proceed. Thanks!
Hi Jennifer! I believe you caught this early enough and its only the second day. Should be fine. Just keep going and best of luck to you!
Thank you! 🙂 I’ve already lost 8 lbs since my “before” weight last week (and 12 counting load weight “gain”) I am stoked. The best part is actually FEELING the difference in how clothes fit already. Amazing! Thanks for this site and all of your info too.
Hi Jennifer! Congratulations on your 8 pound weight loss – that’s a wonderful start!! I loved the feeling of my body shrinking in my clothes – and soon having to buy smaller clothes! In case you’ve not read my article about this, go to http://hcgrecipes.com/my-weight-is-dropping-and-i-have-nothing-to-wear-hcg-diet-closet-tricks. Best of luck on your diet and keep me updated!
HI! OMG, I started the two days binge and I put on 6 pounds! will I lose it? I can not go out, my clothes do not fit. I had cheese, cookies, chocolate, butter, pizza etc. This is so scary! did you experience the same? thank you all!
Hi Sara! Many people to gain during the load although the 2 days of loading isn’t so much a binge as it is loading on fats and oils. You should start by taking in high quality supplements, green tea drinks, trace minerals, and eat lots of quality healthy food, including lots of fruits and veggies. Lots of fats should be eaten; eat until you almost feel sick. Be sure to stop taking the supplements during P2, then resume in P3. I also recommend what I call “nutritional loading” by taking healthy supplements, eating super nutrient rich foods, and juicing. During this time, there are no caloric or carbohydrate restrictions so I recommend normal calories, healthy fats, and a whole food diet. You should take additional vitamin and mineral supplements to prepare your body for the diet, to help maximize weight loss and improve your overall health. Instead of sweets and starches, try the above to load properly. Loading Foods include things such as oil, butter, cream, other fats; Avocado; Cheese; Nuts; Meat; and other High Fat foods. Favor high fat, rich foods over carbohydrate rich foods for best results. The “load” is important to help you avoid hunger when you transition to the low calorie Diet. Hope that helps to clarify and best of luck on your diet!
Thank you TAmmy. I dont understand, I have to take the drops every day not just hte goring days. That is what I am doing. I lost already 2 pounds but I am extremely hungry.
Hi Sara! Yes, you take the HCG during Phases 1 and 2. It’s the fats and oils that are to be loaded on in Phase 1 that keep your hunger down. Since you didn’t do a lot of fat and oil loading, this is most likely the cause of your hunger. Best of luck to you!
Oh, you meant the supplements to stop on phase 2? I did the loading fine, cheese, pizza, ice cream, chocolate, smoked salmon, butter, sweet potato but I am very very hungry so much so that I cant sleep
Sara, you do stop taking the supplements during P2. The items you listed for your loading aren’t necessarily the foods you need to load on; you needed to load on fats and oils (listed in the first post I responded to). Since you have already finished your load, you can just wait out the hunger as it normally only lasts 4-6 days. Also make sure your hcg is fresh.
Hello, I loaded with bacon, pizza, beef, milk, milkshake, cheese.
I am into the third day , first day of phase 2 and I feel hungry and slightly week.
I have looked and looked and cannot locate how many drops I am supposed to take?
I am taking 8-10. – 3 x a day. Morning, noon and night.
I also seem to be gritting my teeth . ?
Please let me know how many drops, is it according to your weight or ?
Hi Lin, You loaded with plenty of high fat foods and shouldn’t be feeling weak or hungry on your very first VLCD day. I would check the potency of your hCG. For the number of drops, you will have to refer back to your provider and instructions. If your drops don’t seem to be working properly I would try a different brand or ask your Dr. to prescribe you Rx hCG. Good luck with your diet!
Hi There I’m just starting on day 4 , can i eat Shirataki Pasta?
Yes Michele! Most people can eat Shirataki pasta with no stalls or issues. It must be the pure fiber noodles (Like Miracle Noodles) and not the tofu kind.
HI Tammy: What are the best HCG drops that they sell over the counter? I bought mine from Meijer but I am getting ready to start on the 12 & 13 as gorge days. I want the BEST drops out there. I have 20 lbs to loose. I don’t think my doctor will right a script out. Please help Thank you
Hello Tammy,
My name is Ludmila and I have a PT background as well, 7 years ago I did this diet with a Homeopathic protocol (23days) and lost 20lbs easy! Went from 135 to 115lbs. In this occasion I decided to do it again since in the last 3 years started gaining weight and ended up with 150lbs, started 14 days ago lost 8lbs really quick but since 7days ago I have been in a plateau, and actually in the last 2 days I noticed the weight is coming back! I’ve done apple day already and didn’t work. What to do now?
Many of the drops around today don’t work very well. I suggest getting an Rx for real hCG from your physician and trying it again. Real hCG gives you that lasting metabolic reset that we LOVE this diet for. I hope that helps you.