Vegetables for Phase 2 of the HCG Diet
The HCG diet emerged in in the 1960s, introduced by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons as a natural solution to obesity. HCG is a hormone produced by pregnant women that supposedly has the ability to control metabolism. The HCG diet features injections of the HCG hormone coupled with a very low caloric intake, from just 500 to 800 calories per day. The restrictions involved in the HCG diet involve following a very specific list of food items for consumption, mostly consisting of protein sources, vegetables and fruits. There is no evidence that the Hcg diet is safe; as with any diet, always consult your doctor before beginning.
Phase 2 Vegetable Choices
The second phase of the HCG diet is the phase during which the most weight loss is promised to occur 1. This phase involves daily injections of HCG hormone and has very specific daily instructions for intake, behavior and exercise. According to HCG Weight Loss, only certain vegetables can be consumed on Phase 2 of the HCG diet, namely spinach, chard, beet greens, any kind of lettuce, tomatoes, celery, fennel, white onions, yellow onions, red onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus or cabbage 1.
Vegetable Preparation
Vegan HCG Vs. Meat HCG
Learn More
According to HCG Weight Loss, the methods to prepare the vegetables included in Phase 2 are very important 1. Preparation methods may only include steaming, grilling or gently boiling. Vegetables can also be eaten raw. The serving size of the vegetables should be one large handful and dieters are cautioned not to mix veggies at the same meal.
- According to HCG Weight Loss, the methods to prepare the vegetables included in Phase 2 are very important 1.
- The serving size of the vegetables should be one large handful and dieters are cautioned not to mix veggies at the same meal.
Seasoning of Vegetables
Since additives to the vegetables can add unwanted calories and fat, HCG Weight Loss recommends specific ways to season vegetables during Phase 2 1. Oils, butter, salad dressing or any other sauce should not be used. Recommended herbs and spices are white or black pepper; organic lemon, raw apple cider vinegar, garlic, basil, parsley, thyme or marjoram; or sea salt. Other herbs may be used, provided they are organic.
- Since additives to the vegetables can add unwanted calories and fat, HCG Weight Loss recommends specific ways to season vegetables during Phase 2 1.
- Oils, butter, salad dressing or any other sauce should not be used.
Considerations
Nightshade Vegetables & Skin Rash
Learn More
The HCG diet a very low calorie diet. The severe calorie reduction, rather than the HCG injections, are most likely what causes diet followers to lose weight. Of concern is the safety of the HCG Diet. HCG is not approved as safe for weight loss by the Food and Drug Administration. Side effects of the HCG hormone can include fatigue, irritability and headache.
- The HCG diet a very low calorie diet.
- Side effects of the HCG hormone can include fatigue, irritability and headache.
Related Articles
References
- HCG Weight Loss: Kevin Trudeau’s HCG Diet-Phase 2
- Rutgers University: The HCG Diet: Effective or Dangerous?
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Questions and Answers on HCG Products for Weight Loss. Updated May 4, 2016.
- Simeons AT. The action of chorionic gonadotrophin in the obese. Lancet. 1954;267(6845):946-7. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(54)92556-8
- Pandey SK. HCG: Yet another fraudulence. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2012;4(3):255-6. doi:10.4103/0975-7406.99068
- Butler SA, Cole LA. Evidence for, and Associated Risks with, the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Supplemented Diet. J Diet Suppl. 2016;13(6):694-9. doi:10.3109/19390211.2016.1156208
- Goodbar NH, Foushee JA, Eagerton DH, Haynes KB, Johnson AA. Effect of the human chorionic gonadotropin diet on patient outcomes. Ann Pharmacother. 2013;47(5):e23. doi:10.1345/aph.1R755
- Dr. Richard Lipman, M.D. HCG Foods New for the 800 Calorie HCG Diet in Miami, Fl.
- Chan, A. HCG Diet is Dangerous, Experts Say. Live Science. Published May 30, 2013.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition. Appendix 2. Estimated Calorie Needs per Day, by Age, Sex, and Physical Activity Level. Published December 2015.
Resources
Writer Bio
Laura Morgan has worked in the health-care industry for more than 10 years. She began her career as a clinical dietitian and evolved into a sales copywriter for a national health insurance company, generating privately labeled brochures and sell sheets. Morgan holds a Master of Science in dietetics from D’Youville College.