I am currently on the hCG diet. I’ve lost a total of nine pounds so far, and my waist has decreased by two inches. I’m feeling great. However, I’ve also faced a lot of criticism. Perhaps one of the reasons for this is because I’ve lost these nine pounds in only a week. Friends and acquaintances also tend to freak out when I tell them I’m only eating 500 calories a day.
Yes, the hCG diet may seem a bit extreme. We all know there are a lot of crazy, unhealthy fad diets out there. Dr. Oz has even expressed some doubt about the diet. But even Dr. Oz admits that a number of people are seeing success on the program, who are not experiencing adverse effects. This is some of what I’ve learned about the hCG diet and why I decided to give it a try.
hCG Attacks the Right Fat
There are three kinds of fat in the body. Structural fat is the kind that cushions our internal organs. It is obviously very important to our well-being. Essential fat is the body’s fuel reserve, and it releases hormones that support our body. Non-essential fat is the kind we don’t need. It carries toxins and also releases hormones that increase blood fats, increase blood pressure and can lead to type 2 diabetes and other conditions. Decreasing calories alone burns protein, structural fat and essential fat before targeting the non-essential fat.
What hCG Does
It’s this non-essential fat that we need to get rid of. Unfortunately, when we restrict calories alone, it is the essential fat stores that are targeted first. The pregnancy hormone hCG, or Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin, is what resets the part of the brain stem that holds onto the non-essential fat. Because your body is now burning non-essential fat, it is receiving more than the 500 calories per day you’re consuming. The total is, in fact, more along the lines of 1500 – 4000 calories. Reducing your calorie intake to 500 ensures that you are not consuming more calories than your body can burn.
Health Benefits of the hCG Diet
Beyond simply losing weight, there are a number of other health benefits that can be obtained through undergoing the hCG diet. The hypothalamus is reset over time as the toxins from non-essential fat stores are being released from your body. This reset supports metabolic function and is why the weight does not return as long as you continue to eat a relatively healthy diet. Your blood sugar is lowered on the diet, reducing cravings for sweets and controlling hunger. It should be easier to remain on a healthy diet because of this blood sugar reduction.
My Reasons for Choosing the hCG Diet
I chose to do the hCG diet because I took the time to research its benefits and spoke with my chiropractor, who has provided me with the hCG hormone from an FDA-inspected facility and is overseeing my overall progress. While you can purchase hCG over the Internet and in health food stores, I’d recommend consulting a health practitioner to be sure you’re putting quality products in your body and that you are healthy throughout the process. I meet with my chiropractor once a week, and he monitors my blood pressure, body fat percentage and body mass index, as well as my immunoneurological and physiological functioning.
I believe that I will learn better eating habits from this experience and that my health will be improved. I am at least 50 pounds overweight. I know the kinds of health problems that are caused by obesity. I’m a prime candidate for heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. I’ve tried other diets. I’ve tried utilizing sheer will power. Nothing has worked long-term. To me, the hCG is worth trying. I trust my health practitioner and am looking forward to seeing the results at the end of the program and in the future.
I am not a medical professional. The information I have provided has been obtained through my own research. Please visit your physician or health care provider to discuss whether the hCG diet is right for you.
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Mary Davis
I'm a writer and mom of three kids, ages 12, 10 and 3. My topics of interest are higher education for adult students, beauty, health, parenting and personal development. I adore learning and making connections. Every day offers new possibilities.
5 Responses to In Defense of the hCG Diet
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Mary, I applaud your willingness to speak out about a strategy that has worked for you. Overeating and being overweight usually stems from a variety of highly personal emotional needs or issues, and through my own journey to losing 75 pounds, I’ve found the critical key to success is identify those issues and addressing them. If you need the payoff and motivation of rapid weight loss to be inspired to stick with it, then this approach is perfect! Don’t be afraid to do what works for you, especially if you’ve researched it and feel comfortable with your decision Good luck!
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Maria. I’m very pleased with my progress so far and feel that I’ve made a good decision for my health and for my life. I agree that it’s important to make the choices that work for your personally.
How long do you stay at the 500 calories? Also, what is the cost of Hcg?
I am doing the 43 day protocol, which is the longest you are supposed to use the hCG at a time. My program, in conjunction with my chiropractor, is around $600. I know that is a lot. I am receiving vitamin and detox supplements in addition to the hCG hormone drops, as well as weekly monitoring and consultation. I have also discovered that my grocery bill is going much further because you can really get a lot of 3.5 meat portions out of one package. I hope that answers your questions.
I have several friends who are currently on this diet and they seem to be doing very well with it. I personally chose not to do it because I suffered from anorexia in my late teens and discovered that even now, that mindset affects me. If I drop to 500 calories, my mental health drops drastically, as well and I simply stop eating. So, I’ve chosen to go with the Slow Carb Diet (from the 4 Hour Body) and have lost 18 lbs so far.
Good luck!