One of the hardest things to do when on the HCG diet is having to deal with uncontrollable sugar cravings, particularly during the low-calorie phase. Usually, in the low-calorie phase, the allowable calorie per day is 500 calories only. This isn’t much. You might find yourself feeling very hungry. You may also crave foods not found on the HCG diet list like sugar.
Well, sugar cravings are common but if you bring sugar into any phases of the HCG Diet, the HCG protocol will simply not happen. The HCG Diet and sugar do not mix. If you are on the HCG Diet, any form of sugar that does not come from veggies or fruits is not allowed.
There are many ways to prevent sugar cravings and stay on track with your plan. You don’t have to eliminate sugar, except during the second phase, as occasional indulgence is necessary. What’s important is that you have to deal with these cravings healthily.
Ways to fight off sugar cravings on the HCG diet
- Take supplements to control your cravings
Supplements like glutamine and chromium are very effective in controlling cravings, including sugar cravings. Chromium is a trace mineral effective in helping keep the blood sugar level in control. Glutamine is an amino-acid used to balance blood sugar, improve metabolism and heal the GI tract lining.
- Eat filling foods that are lower in calorie
Vegetables like lettuce, broccoli, asparagus, and celery are some examples of filling food you can have while on hcg injections. Lettuce, for example, is mostly water that you can virtually have as much as you want. You can make an incredible meal out from filling foods without going beyond the 500 calories limit.
- Do something else to prevent eating
Sometimes all it takes is a little distraction. Do something that you would normally do that would prevent you from eating. Go for a walk outside or treat yourself to a spa. Brush your teeth, so you don’t have to eat right after you brush.
- Reach for fruits
When craving for sugar hits, grab some fruits. Keep fruit handy at all times. Along with some sweetness, you’ll get some fiber and nutrients too. Stock up on HCG diet-friendly fresh fruits, seeds, and nuts, so you can reach for them instead of reaching for the old.
- Drink more water
You can sometimes get confused between dehydration and hunger. Water can fill up your stomach and keep you fuller until the next meal. Drink water throughout the day. You can add some lemon or mint leaves to it.
- Drink tea
Tea HCG diet friendly no matter what phase you are in. Tea can naturally satisfy your cravings and stave off hunger pangs. It can also keep your blood sugar level at a more even level. Moreover, the catechin in teas helps prevent the movement of glucose into fat cells.
- Eat something when you are starving
If you are starving, and you haven’t eaten for a long time, eat something from the allowable list of foods. It doesn’t matter how little you eat as long as you follow the HCG diet.