Most diets can make it seem like life just isn’t worth living – they leave you feeling hungry, weak and irritable.
And then, you’re expected to exercise!
Thankfully, the HcG weight loss program is very different. Imagine – a diet where you don’t feel hungry, and keep your energy and motivation! It’s no wonder we have seen so many of our clients find success with the HcG diet!
What is the HCG Diet?
The HcG diet is based on the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone, which is produced by the placenta in early pregnancy.
It changes the body’s metabolism and triggers the body to burn excess fat or energy. This means you can lose a large amount of weight – quickly – without the need for exercise, and your appetite also diminishes.
There are three phases of the HcG diet:
Phase 1: the Loading Phase, where you begin taking HcG drops and eat high fat, high calorie foods for 2 days.
Phase 2: Weight Loss Phase. As you move into this stage, you continue taking HcG but only eat 500 calories per day. This is achieved by eating two main meals per day – usually lunch and dinner – plus snacks consisting of fruit and rice crackers for between 3 to 7 weeks.
Phase 3: Maintenance Phase. During this phase, you stop taking HcG then gradually increase your food intake for 3 weeks.
As with many diets, it’s recommended to avoid sugar as it interferes with the body’s metabolism and can undo all your hard work.
That said, we all hanker for a bit of a treat every now and then, so we’ve pulled together some ideas for HcG diet desserts and drinks.
HCG Diet Desserts, Drinks, and Recipes
Guilt-Free Chocolate: Chocoholics rejoice! Our guilt-free chocolate recipe is a decadent mix of coconut, sultanas, goji berries and cacao. You can even include some salted caramel, rum, almond or peppermint essence … or grated orange peel to take it to the next level.
Spicy Stewed Apples: Apple and cinnamon were made for each other, and are easy to make when you use our recipe for spicy stewed apples.
In addition to being helpful for digestive issues, apples are known to satiate your appetite – while cinnamon helps to boost metabolism and balance blood sugar levels.
Baked Pears: Pears and peaches are also delicious when halved, sprinkled with cinnamon and baked in the oven.
Other HcG Diet Dessert Ideas
Strawberries can be enjoyed on their own, or how about making strawberry chips? Slice the berries finely, then place on an oven tray covered in baking paper. Bake for approximately 2 hours or until crisp; turning them over about halfway through. They’re sensational straight out of the oven or can be put in an airtight container once they’ve cooled.
Some clients also dip their strawberries in the Guilt Free Chocolate for another delicious twist!
During Phase 3, the range of HcG diet desserts can be expanded with delectable dishes such as this avocado chocolate mousse.
These dessert ideas prove that while sugary treats are off-limits when on the HcG diet, there are other, healthier alternatives.
Delicious HcG-Friendly Drinks
There are many delicious drinks that can be used on the HcG diet to add some sparkle and a twist to your day. How about a Sparkling Citrus and Mint Drink? Maybe a Lemon Slushy or Tony’s favourite Hot (Or Cold) Chocolate?
Yummy Hot Chocolate: Tony’s yummy Hot Chocolate is delicious and easy to make. Simply add 1-2 teaspoons of Cacao, 1 teaspoon of Xylitol (Natural sugar alternative), ¾ cup of boiling water and top up with milk or soya milk.
If you want to achieve your weight loss goals and rediscover your health and vitality, book an appointment with our award-winning naturopath today to find out if the HcG diet is suitable for you!
