The nutrients you get from the food you eat during the HCG diet are a significant part of leading your body to a healthy lifestyle. Combined with the HCG diet, you can successfully maintain a healthy weight loss. Food nutrients promote your overall health so that you can go beyond your weight loss process.
Rapid weight loss through the HCG diet may also increase the nutrient absorption of the body and improve your overall health. Proper nutrition helps in sustaining your energy throughout the weight loss process. Nonetheless, ensure that you choose the right foods to avoid compromising your progress.
Nutrient-rich Recipe Ideas for the HCG Diet
Recipe #1: Protein-rich Recipe: Braised Brisket & Roots
This protein-packed recipe is perfect for active adults who want to add more lean muscle to their bodies.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds flat, first-cut brisket, trimmed
- At least 3 medium-sized onion
- 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, or ¾ tsp dried
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp salt and ½ teaspoon of ground pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 4 medium carrots, peeled
- 1-2 Tbsp. water
How to Cook?
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat non-stick spray in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add brisket and cook until browned, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a large plate and set aside.
- Add onions to the pot and stir frequently until softened
- Stir in thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaves, then pour in some broth and allow to boil for 3 minutes.
- Stir in broth and return the brisket to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
- Bring to a simmer. Cover, place in the oven, and bake for 1½ hours.
- Test vegetables and brisket for tenderness by piercing with the tip of a sharp knife.
- Slice the brisket thinly against the grain and arrange slices on a serving platter.
- Using a slotted spoon, mound the vegetables around the brisket.
Recipe #2: Fiber-rich Recipe: Roasted Vegetables
Fiber-rich foods improve metabolism and digestion. It also increases your satiety without adding excessive calories to your diet.
Ingredients:
- 2 cup broccoli florets
- 1 zucchini, sliced and quartered
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, or more, to taste (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
- Place broccoli florets, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Add balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Gently toss to combine.
- Place into oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.
- Serve immediately.
Bonus Recipe: Vegetable Protein Shake
It is a guilt-free strategy to drink some of those pesky vegetables! Prepare an HCG-safe protein powder and combine it with raw greens and citrus to give you a protein-packed, nutrient-dense meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop of sugar-free protein powder
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup raw chopped kale
- 1 medium sized-orange fruit, peel, and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon of stevia
- 1 pinch of ginger powder
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth, you can also add some ice cubes.
