5 Important Things to Know about the HCG Diet
There are many diets that claim to be the best, but not all are actually worth doing. Many are very confusing with claims that have no scientific backing. From high protein, low sugar, to low fat, and everything in between, before going on any diet, be sure to do thorough research. The HCG diet has been garnering a lot of attention in recent years. However, before committing to the process of this diet, it’s vital to know the ins and outs of what it takes for it to truly work on your body.
What Is HCG?
HCG is a natural hormone produce during pregnancy in the placenta. The functions partly is to support the development of a fetus providing energy and nutrients. It does this by altering the structures of diencephalon which is a primitive part in the brain controlling the automatic functions of the body. The fat storage and metabolism is apart of that function. It is said that HCG targets the three main types of fat in the body; structural fat, normal, and abnormal fat. Structural fat occurs int he fat pads of feet and hands along with the insulating fats of organs. Normal fat is natural storage for energy while abnormal fat is fats stored unnecessarily.
How to Use HCG for Weight Loss
The HCG itself cannot give you the results you need unless you work yourself as well. There are multiple phases that occur during this diet. The first is the loading phase where along with consuming HCG, you’ll have to eat lots of high fatty and calorically dense foods as well. This phase is two days long. The second phase is weight loss; continuously taking HCG, you will now begin cutting your calorie intake to just 500 calories a day for a duration of 3-6 weeks. The second phase is considered to be the most mentally grueling, but following through will provide exemplary results. The last phase is maintenance where you’ll no longer take any HCG and reintroduce more calories in your diet again. For the 3 weeks of maintenance you will still have to avoid starch and sugar, as it may trigger cravings the body still cannot have.
Is HCG Safe?
The promise of the HCG diet is to ultimately get you to a place of losing a pound a day without any cravings or losing energy. If calories are restricted to a deficit as this diet recommends, the effectives and longevity of results will increase. Users claim it will help to reset your metabolism overall to go back running efficiently and consistently. Ultimately, when followed properly, this diet is safe and can effectively work. It is just highly encouraged to be in contact with your doctor to monitor your progress and prevent any health complications.
Possible Side Effects to HCG
With HCG, there are common and serious but rare side effects that can occur. Though these effects will not happen to everyone, it’s still important to know what they are. The more common side effects include irritability, fatigue, headache, depression, restlessness, and swollen extremities. The more serious but rare side effects include allergic reactions, blood clots, swollen ovaries, and multiple conceptions.
How to Know if HCG is For You
If you are in dire need to lose a great amount of weight in a short period of time, then this diet may be for you. Most people who are looking to lose their last ten to twenty pounds are encouraged to go the longer route. Though the fast weight loss is intriguing it is not for everyone. Taking any form of HCG should be done with caution and wariness of all possible effects it can have on the body.
Overall, it is a great aid for quick and effective weight loss. Understanding the pros and cons to weigh out yourself may help you decide what is in your best interest. Physical activity is strongly recommended to withhold during the very high calorie restriction. Although you will still feel like you have the energy to continue physical activity, it’s not as safe to do so. Low impact workouts during the HCG diet however is completely fine.
