HCG protocol is specifically detailed about the foods you should and should not eat. There are no variations allowed and any foods not on the HCG diet list are strictly prohibited. Altering your diet in any way and any form could undermine your weight loss result and would only defeat the purpose of your weight loss journey.
The original HCG diet protocol
The original protocol is based on the findings of Dr. Simeons in the 1950s. The protocol allows for 500 calories a day along with the daily administration of HGC injection. Together, they promote rapid weight loss to at least a pound each day.
However, the protocol is very specific. While on the weight loss phase, you are allowed to have 500 calories a day following a specific list of HCG diet-friendly foods. In the morning, you are allowed to have sugarless coffee or tea with 1 tablespoon of milk. During lunch or dinner, you have the option of choosing from a limited list of very lean meats with all fat removed. You can also select from a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, a breadstick, or a slice of Melba toast.
Although it’s okay to have lunch and dinner, it’s hard to stay satiated at about 250 calories per meal. However, with the help of the hormone, you will feel less hungry as your body makes use of the stored fats as a source of energy.
Changing the diet
Dietary variations are prohibited, as are foods that are not listed on the list. Altering the diet could prevent you from losing the maximum amount of weight. Some dieters, however, think they can pretty much do anything they want while on the HCG injection.
Changes that went well
Several small changes are just right for most dieters, but some may be considered “off protocol”. It is therefore important that you understand the circumstances of each change you make because they make a difference.
- On eating off-protocol vegetables: Off protocol vegetables, you may incorporate includes zucchini, broccoli, mushrooms, red bell pepper, and carrots. Make sure that you pay attention to the carb content of each vegetable and choose those that seem in line with the original list.
- On removing fruits during the weight loss phase and replacing it with vegetables or yogurt: Some dieters do this to break their sugar cravings. They find that removing fruits helps them with their cravings. They also felt more satisfied even with the very low-calorie intake, and they had better energy.
- On mixing vegetables: Dr. Simeon emphasized in his book not to mix vegetables during the second phase of the HCG Diet. That means if you eat cucumber for your lunch, you can’t have tomatoes either but there is a way around this, and you can mix your veggies. The thing is- use a small amount of each veggie and not to eat so much. Make sure that you are also familiar with the calorie content of each vegetable.
