question!!

[kristin83]

I am on day 5 of the hcg 28 day diet and the first 3 days loading days i guess you call them, i ate whatever. Yesterday and today I havent been real hungry but hungry and the scale is going up it seems from yesterday. I ate little, turkey, celery, with salsa, piece of cheese no fat carb cheese, an orange and thats it, i ate that both days really. I find im the hungriest at night....what i want to know is if im eating stuff low or zero carbs,sugars,fats how come im gaining weight? and how come its not ok to have fat free french vanilla creamer if thats going to be my only carb,sugar intake for the day then the rest no carbs,sugars and 500 calories only that diet I can up stick to. My body should still burn up fat because its getting no fat, and tiny very tiny like 15 sugar carbs a day.. wouldnt that be the same as the fruit intake dr.simeons reccomends a day anyway....i think so! So my question is>>>> I want to get my sugars/carbs from my creamer, forget eating any fruit or starches and just get my calories from no carb, no sugar, no fat food like a low carb diet but fat free too...i think i would burn more fat this way anyway right? any help would be appreciated! thanks so much! 2m will be day 6 for mei take 170 iu's of hcg every morning

thanks and good luck to you all

[shelbyla]

Kristin - have you read Pounds & Inches? Or any sort of food list for the diet? Turkey, cheese and creamer--no matter how low fat--are not part of the list of allowed foods. If you want to deviate from the list that is perfectly fine (it's called going "rogue" around here!) but you may have different results if you do not follow protocol. It's not just the calories or lack of sugar or fat; it can actually be related to reducing food allergies and detoxing from things like what may be in stuff like creamers. I will post the food list and short form below...

Welcome and good luck, whatever you decide to do! (if you want to not follow protocol, check out the weekly roguers thread... )

[shelbyla]

Here is the diet - short form - although it is HIGHLY recommended to read the original Pounds & Inches document. It's boring but there is a lot of good stuff in there.

The HCG Diet

The HCG Diet most commonly refers to the protocol that British physician Dr. Simeon identified in the mid-1950's. He discovered that when administered daily, HCG patients could maintain their health through a low calorie diet. When on a low calorie diet without HCG, patients became irritable, had hunger cravings, weakness, and/or headaches.

The use of HCG in a diet will dispose of the abnormal fat first, which will allow for a visual transformation of the body. It also helps to correct the patient's metabolism which in turn will help the patient from gaining the weight back once off a restricted diet. However, in order to maintain a healthy weight after a weight loss program, one must continue to have a well balanced diet.

Dr Simeon's protocol requires you to eat fruit, vegetables and meat, fish or poultry. As with any diet your success is dependent on how closely you abide by the diet plan and consume only food and portion sizes allowed.



HCG Diet Phases



Phase 1
Detoxification (optional)

Phase 2 (aka P2)
- Days 1 & 2 - Start hCG injections, drops or pellets and begin high fat, high calorie diet. This is often called "loading" and is an essential step in resetting the body's fat regulating system.
- Days 3-21 ( up to 42 days ) - Continue hCG that is now triggering the body to release stored fat as "food" for the body and supplement with the low calorie diet. The burned fat is providing a constant flow of fuel so you won't feel hungry as pounds & inches melt away.
- Two days for homeopathic and three days for Rx AFTER ending - Continue low calorie diet with NO hCG.

Phase 3 (aka P3)
Metabolism Reset Phase 21 days - Figure your BMR by using an online calculator and multiply by your activity level. Eat as many calories as indicated but do NOT eat sugars and starches (except for fruit allowed in P2 plus additional low glycemic fruits such as other types of berries). This will stabilize your new weight. If your weight fluctuates more than 2 pounds above your LDW, correct your weight by doing a correction day.

Phase 4 (aka P4)
Maintenance Phase 21 days - The body's fat regulation system is now adjusted. Begin to add back sugars and starches slowly, adjusting if your weight fluctuates more than two pounds above your LDW, using a correction day.


Low Calorie Diet Breakdown

One Serving of Fruit ( 2 x's a day ) - Apple, 6-9 strawberries, an orange, OR ½ grapefruit

100 grams of lean meat (2 x’s a day) (3.5 oz if weighed raw, 3.0 oz if cooked) - Veal, beef, chicken breast, white fish (swai, tilapia, halibut, flounder, sole, wild Chilean sea bass), lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat must be carefully removed before cooking. 3 egg whites & 1 egg with yolk can be substituted for a protein once or twice a week. 3oz low-fat cottage cheese may be substituted once per week for a protein portion.

Vegetables (2 x’s a day) - Spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens, lettuce (any type), tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus and cabbage (any type).

Drinks - Water (1/2 to 1 gallon per day), Tea (any kind) or coffee in any quantity without sugar. Only 1 Tablespoon of milk allowed in a 24 hour period. Stevia may be used as a sweetener. Green tea is also great to help with energy and even helps to burn more fat. (see fruity cold green tea recipe!)

2 Grissini/breadsticks or 2 melba toasts

Seasonings, etc. The juice of one lemon is allowed for all purposes and recommended to alkalize the body. Sea Salt (include it in your diet everyday), pepper, vinegar, mustard, garlic, sweet basil, parsley, thyme, chives, cilantro, etc. may be used for seasoning. Salsa/ pico de gallo in moderation. NO oil, butter, sugar or dressing.



Approved Food & Drink

Drinks Approved: * Black Coffee * Wu Long Tea * Yerba Mate Tea * Green Tea * Chamomile Tea You may have as much as you desire of plain spring water, mineral water, tea, coffee, or Zevia. You should drink about 2 liters of these liquids per day.

Proteins Approved: 100 grams or 3.5oz (weighed raw) of grilled (no oil or fat) one of the meat choices below: * beef * veal * white fish * venison * chicken breast * shell fish (shrimp, crab etc) * Eggs are occasionally allowed (one whole egg+3 egg whites=100 grams of protein) *3.5oz low-fat cottage cheese is allowed*

Vegetables Approved: One large handful or 100g (3.5oz) of one of the following vegetables: * spinach * fennel * celery * cabbage * chard * white, red & yellow onions * tomatoes * asparagus * beet greens * Red Radishes * lettuce of any kind * cucumbers These can be eaten raw, steamed, grilled or boiled. Do not mix vegetables in the same meal.

Fruits Approved: One of the following fruits - * 1 apple * 1 orange * 1/2 grapefruit * 1 handful of strawberries: approx 6-9

Breads Approved: One grissini breadstick or one melba toast.

Seasonings Approved: Salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard powder, garlic, basil, parsley, thyme, marjoram, etc. Watch for sugar in your spices!

Miscellaneous:

* You may eat the breadstick and fruit as a snack in between meals instead of with your meals if you choose.

* No over the counter non-prescription drugs should be taken (with the exception of Aspirin).

* No cosmetics other than lipstick, eyebrow pencil and facial powder should be used. Buy mineral foundation.

* No creams, lotions or moisturizers that contain fat should be used. (Check the ingredient list. It is not safe to use if it contains “oil” or anything ending in “-ose”). Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer or Lubriderm Sensitive Skin are two oil free moisturizers. Conditioners for oily hair should be used.

* You must eat everything as prescribed. Do not skip meals or leave out one of the food groups.

* Only Thai massage is allowed. No massages of any other type

* Food is sweetened with Stevia, an all-natural, sugar-free sweetener.

* No mint is allowed. Buy non-mint toothpaste. Crest Cinnamon is a good one.

* Do not put your drops or pellets next to electronic equipment (computers, printers, fax machines, ipods, phones, etc.)

* If you are taking drops or pellets, do not touch the dropper or the bottle opening to your mouth or hands (can contaminate and deactivate drops or pellets)


Light Exercise

It is recommended that you do only light exercise while doing the hCG Diet. Walking, Yoga ,Pilates, lighter weight lifting (resistance) is great to keep up your strength. Stay away from high calorie burning exercises (ex. Running, aerobics). Over exercising will cause the body to go into starvation mode and hold on to the fat, fighting against the hCG.



Keep Track of Weight

It is important to weigh yourself and keep track of your success. You will want to weigh yourself when you first get up in the morning (the same clothing attire every time) after you have emptied your bladder.



The Maintenance Phase

The maintenance phase in the HCG diet comes after we have completed our goal for HCG whether it follows the 20 day or 40 day program. The purpose of the maintenance phase is to restore the metabolism and balance in the body and prevent any circumstance that the body will gain the weight back.

The maintenance phase lasts 3 weeks long and it is a crucial part of the diet in order to be successful with HCG. Without the maintenance phase the weight gain will be uncontrollable after we are off the diet. When the last day of the diet drops expire then it is said that you can eat whatever you want which is true except you must avoid foods that have sugar and starch. During the three week time frame it is imperative to have a scale with you and make sure to find a time every day to weigh yourself. It takes about 3 weeks for the weight to stabilize and cease fluctuation. During this period patients must realize that the carbohydrates, such as sugar, bread, rice, potatoes, pastries, etc, are to be avoided at all costs. If no carbohydrates whatsoever are eaten, fats can be indulged in somewhat more liberally and even small quantities of alcohol, such as a glass of wine with meals, does no harm, but as soon as fats and starch are combined things are very likely to get out of hand. This has to be observed very carefully during the first 3 weeks after the treatment is ended otherwise disappointments are almost sure to occur.

When you end your last day of taking the drops you must remain on the 500 calorie intake diet for 3 more days (2 days on homeopathic) before increasing your calories to allow time for the HCG to get out of the system. When you start the 4th day you are welcome to increase your calorie intake to an appropriate amount for a healthy BMR for the remainder of the maintenance phase. You can also pick up on an exercise routine since now you have a sufficient amount of calories to support the new food intake for the diet.

Bear in mind, your weight will fluctuate the first week or two, this is normal. Do a steak, fish, or chicken day if you need to. The weight will eventually stabilize and cease to fluctuate. Watch the starch and sugar very carefully during the 3 weeks. Eat as many organic foods as possible. Eat whatever you want, without starch or sugar, during the maintenance phase. Make sure you are eating enough. Use healthy fats and dairy products to up your calorie intake if necessary. Drink enough water.

[kristin83]

Thank you for all that and your time My problem is I'm not that hungry to eat the diet and I just thought I would lose more weight if I'm consuming even less calories because no matter what the hcg burns 3000 calories at rest. IDK this diet I know works but it's one of the most bizzare/difficultest ones I've ever tried lol.

[kristin83]

thanks!!

[emel]

Originally Posted by kristin83

Thank you for all that and your time My problem is I'm not that hungry to eat the diet and I just thought I would lose more weight if I'm consuming even less calories because no matter what the hcg burns 3000 calories at rest. IDK this diet I know works but it's one of the most bizzare/difficultest ones I've ever tried lol.

On one of my rounds I stalled out bigtime. I finally figured out that it was because I was eating too little. When I started eating exactly what the food list told me to, I started losing again.

HCG isn't a miracle. It is a substance that releases our body fat and makes it usable for energy. Add the 500 calories per day, using the foods specified, and the plan works. Simeons is very clear that your weight loss will suffer if you substitute non-protocol foods and swap one food group for another (like choosing cheese which is dairy instead of the protein, veg, fruit, and tiny starch servings)

The plan is not that bizarre, really, and not that difficult once you get in the groove. (the first few days can be a little rough as we change our food habits, though).

[kristin83]

ok im going to the grocery store right now! lol I just had a small orange and im still hungry so will go buy whats on food list, You are right! I can do this! and once I stick to it it'll probably be easy as 1,2,3 This whole week I've been drinking poweade zeros and crystal light cause I don't like just plain water lol but I am going to buy a bunch of water and stevia for my coffee no more creamer! Yes the first week was hard but I'm on to a new day and I know I can do it! So basically force yourself to eat the 500 calories a day off of diet plan even if I'm not hungry, because if not I won't lose weight right?
Thanks so much for all your help!

[kristin83]

also if im only on the 28 day plan, i dont go through phases right?

[privatediva]

Yes, force yourself to eat all the food. You need to eat it even if you don't want it so that your body won't freak out and think you're trying to kill it by starving yourself.

And no matter how short/long your plan is, it is *very important* that you complete ALL phases or you will just gain back anything you lost really quickly

[laylabean]

don't be in such a rush that you end up unprepared, making *random* choices without being informed will not help you be successful!

from reading the posts from experienced hcg'ers, and p+i, i realized that p3 is the most important step to lasting results and success. im taking my own advice, going back and re-reading so i am solid through maintenance. i also am getting a ton of feedback from the experienced people on this board.

please take care of your health first and be prepared before starting. this plan works but it is strict. informing yourself will be the best start, set yourself up for success!

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by kristin83

ok im going to the grocery store right now! lol I just had a small orange and im still hungry so will go buy whats on food list, You are right! I can do this! and once I stick to it it'll probably be easy as 1,2,3 This whole week I've been drinking poweade zeros and crystal light cause I don't like just plain water lol but I am going to buy a bunch of water and stevia for my coffee no more creamer! Yes the first week was hard but I'm on to a new day and I know I can do it! So basically force yourself to eat the 500 calories a day off of diet plan even if I'm not hungry, because if not I won't lose weight right?
Thanks so much for all your help!

Good for you! You CAN do it! Once you get into the swing of things you'll see the pounds start to just fall off...

[kristin83]

grrrr lol Today is my 7th day so it makes exactly one week since starting the hcg injections. I just don't get it I am still freakin hungry!? The last 2 days were hard probably because it was the weekend idk. I cheated a little bit well lets just say I probably consumed about a 1000 calories each day and last night I thought ok 2m starts me 2nd week imI can do this, well what ya know! had coffee, lil bit cottage cheese around breakfast but then around lunch time I found my body starving and I binged ate everything I was so hungry etc...but on healthy stuff at least but not exactly on diet, i had a greek yogurt. I'm just discouraged everybody else seems to not be hungry and have energy on the hcg injection diet... but NOT ME! I probably wont eat anything else the rest of the night just drink water. I just want to not be hungry adn get energy liek everybody else seems to have...what can I do?? I also would liek to know if I've screwed the diet and phases up completely please let me know and I'll just quit..I don't want to and know I can do this 2m will probably be easier at least I hope!! Maybe for me its just taking me longer idk any help, suggestions, would be appreciated...thank you so much for all your support!

[torister]

Sounds like your dosage is off. What type of HCG are you doing (homeopathic vs RX)?

[kristin83]

I am taking the injections I take 17UNITS SO 170 IU'S .... I didn't take any today and I've decided to stop the hcg and let it get out of my system over the next 3 days, then load for 2 days properly and start hcg again on Monday but was thinking to start at 125 IU'S instead or 150 what do you guys think? I do think the hcg maybe was too high for me. I am 27 years old, 5'7 and weigh 150lbs. I want to and was advised to lose 15 lbs specially in the abdomen for health reasons and the hcg diet was recommended because of the type of fat in burns. I know I can do it I just feel like I've screwed up so that's why I thought to start over and with different dose? I will tell you this, today I've only had a starbucks light frappuccino which I love.. it has 270 calories in it and I had one small piece of turkey.... I don't seem as hungry so far like I did yesterday and the other days, again I did not take any hcg today but I know it is still in my system so I will try and eat healthy over the next 2 days until it has left my system.

[torister]

Originally Posted by kristin83

I am taking the injections I take 17UNITS SO 170 IU'S .... I didn't take any today and I've decided to stop the hcg and let it get out of my system over the next 3 days, then load for 2 days properly and start hcg again on Monday but was thinking to start at 125 IU'S instead or 150 what do you guys think? I do think the hcg maybe was too high for me. I am 27 years old, 5'7 and weigh 150lbs. I want to and was advised to lose 15 lbs specially in the abdomen for health reasons and the hcg diet was recommended because of the type of fat in burns. I know I can do it I just feel like I've screwed up so that's why I thought to start over and with different dose? I will tell you this, today I've only had a starbucks light frappuccino which I love.. it has 270 calories in it and I had one small piece of turkey.... I don't seem as hungry so far like I did yesterday and the other days, again I did not take any hcg today but I know it is still in my system so I will try and eat healthy over the next 2 days until it has left my system.

I would not stop and start like that. Just get the things that you should be eating and start. I would adjust my dosage to 150 and see how that is.

[garnet10]

My very first round I was hungry for the first 10 days. The tough thing is finding the right dose. Simeons injected 125IU of hCG deep intramuscular into the gluteal muscle. So it could either be you need more time to not feel hungry, or you have to adjust your dose.

Most people find that lowering the hCG dose helps, although I did sublingual hCG and tried 250IU twice a day(sublingual is done twice a day) as well as 125IU twice a day, and 166IU twice a day and saw absolutely no difference. But with injecting, it might make more of a difference. I hope you find the dose that relieves your hunger!

[kristin83]

thanks guys! Torister I thought startigng over would be better because It would be resetting my metabolism basically and because I've screwed up so bad and not followed the protocol or have done phases correctly.

[torister]

Originally Posted by kristin83

thanks guys! Torister I thought startigng over would be better because It would be resetting my metabolism basically and because I've screwed up so bad and not followed the protocol or have done phases correctly.

You don't reset your metabolism in a few short days of P3 eating after a few short days of P2 with an improper dosage and not following the plan. I would get your dosage right *for you* and go forward. Good luck!

[kristin83]

Thanks Torister, I guess I can try taking the hcg again 2m at 150 ius and see how that goes.. Is there anything that will help my face!? hcg has made me break out not gross white heads thank god but little red bumps and its embarrassing I swear I shouls just stop it and let it leave me system... certain diets are for everyone >>obviously! I would love for it to work for me but it hasn't so far I've cheated since been on it which is one week and one day I probably only followed diet 3 or 4 days out of 7 and I have to deal with the face! Idk what to do!?

[torister]

Originally Posted by kristin83

Thanks Torister, I guess I can try taking the hcg again 2m at 150 ius and see how that goes.. Is there anything that will help my face!? hcg has made me break out not gross white heads thank god but little red bumps and its embarrassing I swear I shouls just stop it and let it leave me system... certain diets are for everyone >>obviously! I would love for it to work for me but it hasn't so far I've cheated since been on it which is one week and one day I probably only followed diet 3 or 4 days out of 7 and I have to deal with the face! Idk what to do!?

I dunno...that is up to you. I will take thin with some bumps over heavy and clear faced. The bumps won't be there forever. That said, it sure doesn't sound like your head is into this....and that is a good reason to move on to another plan. This plan is simple, but it is not easy....