HCG diet plan is a miraculous weight loss strategy that has brought effective results for millions of people across the globe. Many of the weight watchers who have struggled with weight issues and absence of results have been able to achieve amazing results with this diet. HCG diet phases, as the name suggests, is based on the hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. Although known as the pregnancy hormone, it is found in normal men and women too. Functionally, it is responsible for stimulating the hypothalamus gland for boosting the metabolic function and this increasing the fat burning capacity of the body. It has been conventionally used for fertility treatments though it is now becoming a popular weight loss aid.
Even though HCG hormone forms the mainstay of the HCG diet plan, it has to be combined with the right kind of diet for getting the results. The hormone is taken in the form of injections or sublingual drops, though the latter is more popular these days. At the same time, the dieter has to adhere to a strict diet protocol that limits the daily calorie intake to 500 calories. Both the strategies work wonderfully as the drops boost the metabolism while the low calorie diet pushes the action of the hormonal drops. It is possible for an average dieter to lose as much as 1 pound a day if he follows the plan properly. HCG diet plan comprises of three phases that are to be well understood and followed religiously for effective results. Here is all you need to know about these HCG diet phases:
Phase 1: The Loading Phase
The HCG diet plan phase 1 is also known as the loading phase. As the name suggests, this is the period when you will be allowed to load yourself with calories so that you can prep up for the upcoming harder phases of the plan. People tend to overlook this phase and take it lightly but this is perhaps the most important amongst all the three phases. In fact, it is the cleansing phase that purges your body and makes it ready for the next phases. Also, it gives you a chance to indulge before you start with the strict regimen that HCG diet is so well known for.
This is the initial phase that covers the first 2-3 days of the plan and involves high intake of fats and calories. Even if this is not your first tryst with HCG diet, you have to follow this regimen as it has a far-reaching impact on its success. To understand the significance of this phase, you need to know what works behind it. The basis of HCG diet is that the hormone prevents the deposition of new fat cells and lipids in the body. With this plan, the body mobilizes fats and lipids that are lodged in the body. Once the plan is initiated, these “new” fats and lipids are easier to burn and accelerate the weight loss efforts. Besides taking a high calorie diet, you need to take the HCG drops during this phase of the plan. Once you start taking the drops, they have to be continued till the completion of the full cycle.
Phase 2: The Fat Loss Phase
The second phase of the diet is the fat loss phase, which brings the real challenge for the dieter. It is also the longest phase that continues for the major period of time of the plan. It requires strict adherence to a daily caloric intake between 500-700 calories. The best way to handle it is to find a right diet plan that comprises of variety in ingredients so that you feel motivated enough to take it to the end. You have to include the right types of food items in your diet. Lean protein such as fish and chicken are ideal as a single serving during the day. Include two servings of fruits and vegetables and two bread sticks to stay within the calorie limit. Drinking plenty of water is a great idea to keep you hydrated.
Meals comprise of coffee and tea for the breakfast, followed by two major meals, namely lunch and dinner. You can talk to fellow dieters or check out online HCG recipes for getting ideas to cook up healthy and delicious meals during the Phase 2. During the entire phase, you need to take your HCG drops without missing even a single dose. This “very low calorie diet” phase may go up to 60 days and this is the period when you will get visible results for your efforts. In fact, the first 5-10 days of the phase are the most powerful when it comes to actual weight loss. After this, most dieters continue to lose consistently, with the average daily loss reaching anywhere between 0.5 to 1 pound. This part of the plan is the one when maximum weight loss is experienced.
Phase 3: The Maintenance Phase
Finally, when you have done all the hard work in Phase 2, it is time to relax and take things easier. Phase 3 is the maintenance phase, which as the name suggests, is more about maintaining the weight loss you have achieved. This is the time when the caloric intake is increased gradually to reach a figure of 1200-1500 per day. But this does not mean that you can take liberties with your diet as you still have to avoid fat and milk portions to prevent the entry of external unnatural hormones in the body. Phase 3 is initiated after 43-60 days of the plan, depending on the protocol you have followed.
During this phase, HCG intake is stopped and a “stability” diet plan is activated. HCG hormone has to be flushed out from the body for a minimum time period of 23 days, before initiating this diet. This ensures that your body is able to continue shedding weight, even without taking the hormone externally. Phase 3 is. therefore, aimed to adapt your system to consistent weight loss without the support of the HCG medication. For this reason, the Maintenance Phase is often regarded as perhaps the most critical part of the entire plan. You can follow recipes specially made for Phase 3. There are plenty that you can find online as sustenance of weight loss is even more challenging than losing it.
Each of these phases entails a different set of steps, which have to be well understood before you start with the plan. While following these steps is important, continuing with your daily dose of HCG drop is equally vital. Missing a dose is not a problem but it may hamper your schedule. An HCG expert can modify these phases and also give you advice regarding the right kind of food and diet plan to follow. Adherence to all the three phases and their principles is the best way to ensure rapid and lasting results for your weight loss efforts.
Those looking for massive weight loss may require taking up more than one course or round of HCG diet phases. Each time, the same protocol is to be followed for getting the best results and also being prepped up for the next course of the plan. One thing to ensure before taking up a single or multiple HCG plans is to see your physician and get advice from him. Those suffering from a chronic condition or taking some prescription medications need to get the physician’s approval before starting with the diet. Women should not follow the diet during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
