Tag Archives: HCG

Is the HCG Diet Affordable?

Posted by Admin on May 23, 2012 None comments

Over the past few years, times have been tough for a lot of people. Both Europe and the US have been going through their own economic troubles, and their respective economies have been hemorrhaging jobs right and left. Losing weight should never depend too much on your pocket book, and the HCG diet is one method that is both effective and affordable.

The HCG hormone itself is not very expensive, and there are several different methods in which it can be administered. The tried and true method of taking daily HCG is through injections. The injections are taken once daily, and usually in the thigh. The hormone will need to stay refrigerated and lasts anywhere from 30-60 days, so it’s best to purchase the HCG hormone injections only when you’re ready to begin the diet.

The second method to get your HCG with are HCG diet drops. These drops are administered beneath the tongue (sublingual) and typically last far, far longer than the HCG diet injections. Unlike the injections, they don’t need to be refrigerated and are much easier to travel with. Aside from their long shelf-life and ease of movement, the HCG drops come in homeopathic varieties that do not require a prescription. While it’s definitely a good idea to consult a doctor before beginning any diet program, too many doctor visits can very easily drive the price of the HCG diet upwards. Once you’ve gotten your “okay” from the doctor to begin the program, you’re good to go.

HCG diet pills are the third and final method. Like the drops, the pills are also taken sublingually. Unlike the injections, which are once a day, the HCG diet pills are usually taken 3-6 times per day (depending on the dosage). The pills, while convenient, are also usually a bit more expensive than the injections due to the simple fact that they contain more HCG hormone in them. Due to the fact that you’re not injecting the hormone directly into your body, each dose of pills needs to contain a higher concentration of the HCG hormone to be sure you’re getting an adequate amount.

It’s important to note that no matter which method of HCG you choose, injections, drops or pills, there has been no noticeable difference in weight loss reported.

Aside from the HCG itself, the only other thing you will need to spend money on is food. The HCG diet calls for a 500 calorie a day diet, so you won’t be shopping for much when you’re at the store. The diet includes simple things like chicken, beef, fish, a few fruits and some vegetables. None of the options on the list of approved foods are very expensive, and if for whatever reason you find that one or two options happen to be, you can always skip them until they go on sale. You’ll be surprised on just how much money you save while eating a 500 calorie a day diet, it should more than make up for the cost of purchasing the HCG.

All in all, the HCG diet is very affordable. When you take in the cost of HCG and that of your food, you just might find that you end up saving money overall. The question is not whether you can afford to follow the HCG diet, but can you afford not to?

Is the HCG Diet a Scam?

Posted by Admin on May 23, 2012 None comments

The first thing that comes to many people’s minds when they hear about the rapid weight loss experienced by those who are on the HCG diet is often: “is the HCG diet a scam?” It’s certainly a valid question, as the weight loss reported by those who successfully complete the HCG diet protocol is anywhere from .5lbs – 2lbs a day. Most diets boast weight loss results far below those encountered on the HCG diet, and this can send up a red flag in the minds of wary would-be dieters.

The HCG diet protocol consists of three phases designed to elicit dramatic weight loss in very specific areas. The first phase lasts two days and is often referred to as the “loading phase” or “forced feeding phase.” During these two days, dieters take their dose of HCG via injections, drops or pills and eat as many high fat, high calorie foods as possible. The excess calories taken in during phase 1 of the HCG diet are stored in a special way by the body, and are slowly burned off (along with loads of long-stored fat in the belly, upper arms and thighs) during phase 2.

Phase 2 of the diet lasts anywhere from 23-40 days, depending on the protocol chosen by the dieter. During this period, a diet consisting of only 500 calories a day from a list of approved foods is followed to the letter. The HCG taken during this period stimulates the hypothalamus to release stores of fat into the blood stream to be used as energy. Without the HCG hormone performing this specific act, a 500 calorie per day diet would cause far less weight loss, and possibly lead to adverse health effects.

After phase 2 is completed, phase 3 begins. In phase 3, dieters cease taking the HCG hormone and gradually increase their diet back up to a decent level depending on the amount of calories they need in order to function each day. Those who choose to begin exercise during this period will need more calories, while dieters who do not will need to consume less.

As mentioned above, those who have completed the HCG diet protocol have reported dramatic weight loss. Their stories can easily be found on any of the HCG diet forums. If you’re worried that the HCG diet might be a scam, it may be a good idea to visit some of these HCG diet forums and get the scoop directly from those who have completed the diet. Not only should it put to rest any fears you may have as to the HCG diet’s efficacy, but you can get valuable tips and information to be used when you try the HCG diet for yourself.

If you require more information than the forums readily provide, there are also several HCG diet books that can help from a more technical standpoint. The first book on the subject Pounds & Inches by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, the doctor who first noticed the correlation between HCG and weight loss is a great place to start. From there you can purchase other books that contain all sorts of helpful information, hints and tips on completing the HCG diet. Beware, though, that while the HCG diet itself is not a scam, some online retailers are. Make sure that if you choose to begin the HCG diet protocol, that you get your HCG from a reputable source. As always, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor before beginning any weight loss program.