The Basics of the HCG Diet

Losing weight and getting in shape have been two of the most talked about things in America over the past five years. Losing weight is frustrating for many simply because we all know that it's easier to gain it than it is to lose it. How we choose to lose it may be different, but within the past year I discovered a method that I believe to be effective and extremely healthy to follow. It isn't the easiest method, but it isn't impossible either. If you are struggling with pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, have high blood pressure, or any other ailment that medicines don't seem to help this could also be an option for you. There are different reasons that this diet is helpful and effective, and I will review those with you here in this article.

What is HCG?

HCG is known as Human Chorionic Gonadotrapin, the hormone that is produced early in a woman's pregnancy, by the placenta. The only time that this protein hormone is in the body is during pregnancy, and is never found in the male. Dr. Simeons found in his research that for one the HCG hormone was misunderstood, and was not a sex gland. However, the potency of HCG and what it can do for the body is misunderstood also, and Dr. Simeons discovered that it could be used effectively to help those who are obese to shed the pounds and in the process also works as an appetite suppressant.

Why is HCG a Good Choice?

Dr. Simeons made it his life's passion to help those who were obese, and to find a way to help them treat it. Through many years of research and experimentation, Dr. Simeons discovered that even those who were following what they considered to be a healthy diet were not losing weight when coupled with physical activity. This in turn leaves anyone frustrated and as a result patients were suffering from complications with obesity. In a quest to help patients suffering from high blood pressure, joint pain, and many other ailments, he began suggesting that they do the HCG diet. Through monitoring the process and continuous research, Dr. Simeons realized that more people could be helped.

The Highs of the HCG Diet

I personally have done the HCG diet twice, and I am on my third round as I write this article. There are more highs than lows, and I know it is right for me, but I cannot tell you that it is right for you. The highs I have experienced are energy, ability to sleep better, weight loss of one to two pounds per day, reduction in the appearance of cellulite, and reduced inflammation in my joints and muscles. Additionally, once doing the diet and following the protocol, it resets the hypothalamus gland, meaning that you won't gain the weight back. Following the protocol is critical, otherwise it won't work and you will gain the weight back.

The Lows of the HCG Diet

The lows of the HCG diet are minimal, but they are important for you to know about. The "diet" portion itself consists of 21 days of injections of the HCG hormone, and 21 days of a low calorie diet of 500 calories. The first two days you eat pretty much anything you want as much as you want, ending with a total of around 5,000 calories. The third day, you go down to the 500 calories a day. So, for the remaining 21 days you stay on the 500 calories a day regimen. It is very rigid, but what you put into the body during this time is simply nothing but healthy food. An example day would be a half apple for breakfast, 3.5 ounces of baked, grilled or broiled chicken breast with 3.5 ounces of fresh spinach, kale, or other specified vegetable. For dinner, you would either repeat or change up the meat to white fish. No oils, starches or sugars are permitted during this time so it is so important that you follow it. Once you have completed the diet, then you go into a maintenance phase in which you begin to add foods back in. Your doctor can go over the foods that are allowed so that you know what to expect and how to shop. Over time as long as you follow the protocol, the diet and the maintenance phase, then you should never gain the weight back.

I would say overall the benefits outweigh any other aspect of the diet. You weigh yourself every day and when you see results it is encouraging and much easier to abide by. Looking at the consistent weight loss is what did it for me, and I know that you can have success too. This diet is not for everyone so please consult with your doctor before you make any hasty decisions.

A.T.W. Simeons M.D.

"Pounds and Inches; a New Approach to Obesity"

Salvator Mundi International Hospital