HCG Activation and Diet

FitBeto
FitBeto Posts: 2,121 Member
Let me start by saying that yes, I bought into the HCG craze about 7 months ago. My friend posted on facebook he had lost 50lbs in a matter of weeks, and desperate to lose lbs fast I bought in. I followed religiously the 500 cal diet for 30 days, and lost 20 lbs. Sounds good right? Well I was terribly irritable and probably was the worst month of my life, I had no energy and I hated everything. On top of that I lost a whopping 0% body fat and gained 15lbs back once I started eating even 1000 calories. Noticing this, I refuse to even take creatine anymore as a supplement because if I work for a body I want - I want to do it on my own free will - not with the help of a supplement. Since then I have suffered from many different eating disorders and several depressing months of self hatred and pity as what I was doing was not working what so ever. Not until I joined MFP a little over 3 months ago-and getting more emducated- that I started lifting heavy and eating right. In a little under 5 months I have lost 50+lbs (my goal) and almost 5 pants sizes, by just eating at a deficit, not a steep deficit, but one large enough to lose weight steadily. Now I am happy, and I guess semi-sexy enough to walk around nude and not care. I eat whatever I want pretty much – and if I go over my cal goal I don’t sweat it – its more fuel for my lifts! I'm going to post what info I got with my HCG (and mostly HCG related, because I believe it was the dumbest thing I have done lol) to show how ridiculous it really is. At the time I held this thing like a bible but now I look back at it and LMAO/SMDH and pinch myself for being a moron. You always see people hating on diet programs, etc. and that’s because they make it sound so promising – yet it never works for life. If you see someone straying down the wrong path refer them here – the journey to fat loss is depressing and time consuming – I wish I had known the right way the first time, I would probably be better off then where I am now!


Your Food Choices
You will be consuming three meals a day (approximately 500 calories if following the traditional
non-active protocol).
Breakfast: You may have 1/2 cup cereal (only Special K, Total, or Cheerios) and 1/2 cup of skim milk or 1 egg with 1 40-calorie piece of sliced toast.
Lunch: 5 oz Protein (please weigh before cooking) from our list below or 1 cup nonfat cottage
cheese. 1-cup cooked or raw vegetables from list and 1-cup fruit from approved list.
Dinner: 5 oz Protein (please weigh before cooking) from our list below or 1 cup nonfat cottage
cheese. 1-cup cooked or raw vegetables from list and 1-cup fruit from approved list.
Approved Proteins
White Chicken-Blue Fish-Ocean Perch-White Pork-Venison-Tuna-Filet Mignon (no sauce)-White Turkey-Roast-Crab-Lobster-Flounder-Tilapia-Salmon-White Fish-Veal-Catfish-Eggs-Ground Round-Shrimp-Clams (10 per meal)-Sea Bass
Approved Vegetables
Greens-Celery-Cucumbers-Bean Sprouts-Spinach-Bell Peppers-Lettuce-Green Beans-Zucchini-Radishes-Onions-Tomatoes-Mushrooms-Asparagus-Broccoli-Cauliflower-Carrots-Brussels Sprouts-Dill Pickles-Cabbage-Peas
Approved Fruits
Apples-Peaches-Cantaloupe-Plums-Nectarines-Grapefruit-Oranges-Strawberries-Raspberries-Pears-Blueberries
Seasoning &
Condiments

Most spices can be used. Avoid using butter, fat or oil. Pam cooking spray may be used for cooking food. Salt may also be used. Vinegar and lemon or lime should be used liberally. Tabasco sauce, soy sauce, picante sauce, and horseradish sauce are allowed in moderation. When using these spices, make sure there is NO SUGAR CONTENT
(Sugar substitutes containing 0 calories may also be used).

Why the low calorie diet?
HCG Activation drops help your hypothalamus to mobilize and utilize the fat from the
abnormal fat storage locations. While you may only be consuming small amounts of calories, your hypothalamus is working to continually release the fat stored in your body. Because of this, your body is actually operating on thousands of calories a day.
The result: Your body uses a large amount of calories from stored fat each day = HCG dieters losing up to 1 to 2 lbs of fat or more, per day!

Why would I not just go on the low calorie diet without the drops?
When you try to lose weight solely by a low calorie diet, you will first lose normal fat reserves. Only as a last resort will your body deplete abnormal fat reserves. By that time you usually will feel weak and hungry enough that the diet is pushed aside and eventually abandoned. This is the reason that obese patients complain that when they diet they lose the wrong fat or muscle mass. They feel famished, tired, and their face becomes drawn and haggard, but their body shows little signs of improvement. The fat they have come to despise remains with them and the fat the body needs to cover their bones and vital organs depletes.

What is the hypothalamus gland?
The hypothalamus gland is located in the brain and performs a wide variety of functions.
It moderates the thyroid, adrenals, fat storage, and more importantly, your metabolic rate. HCG Activation drops will work with your hypothalamus to reset your metabolism. When you complete the diet, you’ll now be able to keep the weight off.

Will I be hungry on the low calorie diet?
You should comfortably go about your daily activities while on a diet of only 500 Calories per day (or higher if following the “active protocol”). During the first few days on the diet, you might experience some mild hunger pains. But by the second week, the HCG is circulating regularly in the body and is consuming the abnormal fat, and your appetite will decrease and hunger will be satisfied with the smaller calories consumed. This is partly due to your hypothalamus adjusting your metabolic rate, but largely due to the amount of calories circulating in your system from the fat being released.

How much weight will I lose?
Weight loss will vary among individuals. In many cases, dieters lose about 1-2 pounds per day but you may lose more, or less. It all depends on the amount of weight you have to lose before starting the diet, whether you follow protocol, and your metabolism rate. Often, people lose 7-14 lbs in the first week. Many times there is a large amount of weight loss in the first week, then a plateau or leveling off of weight loss. This does not mean that your weight loss has stopped. Typically, inches are being lost continuously while on the program, and after a period of time, patients will experience another large drop on the scale. Weight loss is thus achieved in this stair-step fashion. You need to have at least 12 lbs to lose in order to do the 26 day program.

Do I have to exercise while on the HCG Activation diet?
No. However, if you prefer to exercise than be sure to follow our customized calorie plan. Being on a 500-calorie diet while exercising vigorously can easily cause you to become very exhausted if you do not appropriately increase the calorie intake as specified in our “active protocol”. Exercise helps relieve stress, keeps the bowels moving, conditions your cardiovascular system, and encourages better blood/oxygen circulation.

Is HCG Activation safe for men?
HCG Activation is very safe for men! Often men seem to have better results and lose weight faster than women! The HCG hormone is naturally present in men. It is found in every human tissue, including males, pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Why take drops instead of injections?
The drops work just as effectively as the injections, but being pain-free and easy to take has got to be one of the best perks! No needles or mixing involved. Just drop them under your tongue, and hold for 10-15 seconds. You can take the drops at home, work, or wherever you are. No clinics! Plus, the drops are very inexpensive compared to the injections, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

Is HCG Activation safe?
Yes, very safe! People have been employing this diet protocol with wonderful safe and healthy results for over 50 years. Our HCG Activation drops are manufactured in a FDA registered, GMP certified lab right here in the USA.

How will my body survive on the low calorie diet?
A pound of fat contains about 3000-3,500 calories. Taking the HCG Activation drops on the low calorie diet uses the extra calories from the abnormal fat reserves. The used abnormal fat storage is making up for the low calorie intake and is enough calories for daily functions.

Is it normal to have headaches during the first week?
You may experience light headaches during the first week, this is in part because your body is releasing fat cells very rapidly. This is a major detox. You may take an Aspirin or Tylenol as long as it’s not sugar coated.

Can I Drink Alcohol on the HCG Diet?
In the original HCG diet protocol by Dr Simeons, it does not mention or account for alcohol. It has been found that some HCG users whom have been drinkers or even those that are borderline alcoholic do surprisingly well on the HCG diet and possibly get them out of their drinking routine. These users have even said that they don’t even feel the need to drink while on the HCG diet because HCG works with the hypothalamus gland which also controls the emotional eating/ drinking part of the brain

Can I wear makeup?
Lotions, moisturizers or liquid make-ups with oil should not be used. HCG is very sensitive to oils, creams and fats and could slow the weight loss process down; you only want it to target your stored fat. You may use any mineral makeup or pressed powders and oil free foundations. Other types of eye makeup and lipstick are fine. Stay away from lip-glosses and Chapstick (may use Carmex)

Will it have an effect on my birth control meds?
HCG Activation drops will not interfere with any form of birth control.

Why are pregnant women not skinny if it is a hormone produced by them?
HCG is a natural hormone found in large amounts in pregnant women. It works by tapping into the abnormal fat reserves to provide fuel for both mother and baby. But pregnant women generally consume enough calories for energy, therefore eliminating any need for the body to tap into those abnormal fat reserves. For weight loss, a very low calorie diet of all the right foods is used to trigger HCG to help rid the body of fat.

Will I gain the weight back after I finish the HCG diet?
After you finish the HCG diet, you will be able to add into your diet an average of three times as many calories (about 1,500 calories). Here is the thing… you will find that your appetite has changed as well as your eating habits. This is the perfect time for you to start a new, healthy lifestyle that will help maintain your new healthy weight! After you have completed the protocol, you will be so happy and motivated to continue with your new healthy lifestyle that the old you will be gone forever! You’ll have a whole new outlook on life…healthy living
and a healthy you!

Replies

  • Juliejustsaying
    Juliejustsaying Posts: 2,332 Member
    wow. Some of that is the stupidest stuff I've seen in print in a long time. But I've done some pretty dumb diets in my youth. Yes, I was around for the liquid protein diet...way dumb.

    But on the bright side, I want to see you walk around naked. Can I?
  • quirkytizzy
    quirkytizzy Posts: 4,052 Member
    We live and learn.

    It's awesome that you shared your story. Lots of us get caught up in quick fix cycles out of desperation and are unable to see that the light at the end of that tunnel really is an oncoming train. Reading the stories of people who have worked their way out of those damaging mindsets and the bodies it can land us in is inspiring.

    Thank you for sharing!
  • Bobby__Clerici
    Bobby__Clerici Posts: 741 Member
    This is like the magic dirt diet.
    STEP 1: Sprinkle a pinch of magic dirt over your slim fast meal
    STEP 2: Go for a 5 mile walk...
    :noway:
  • palmerig88
    palmerig88 Posts: 623 Member
    You are brave to share this. Someone in my family tried this so I read about it as they were starting and it really upset me.

    What was hard for me...I wanted to be supportive and not judgmental or negative, as I was just starting here, that very same week. I only hoped she would give it up and she did after her hair started falling out.

    I had the same success calorie counting as you did after joining this site and I am proud to be your friend. You look wonderful and congratulations for taking such good care of yourself. :)
  • CupcakeCrusoe
    CupcakeCrusoe Posts: 1,440 Member
    I only got two things from this:

    1. Black magic.
    2. NO CHAPSTICK YOU HEATHEN!
  • elyelyse
    elyelyse Posts: 1,454 Member

    Can I wear makeup?
    Lotions, moisturizers or liquid make-ups with oil should not be used. HCG is very sensitive to oils, creams and fats and could slow the weight loss process down; you only want it to target your stored fat. You may use any mineral makeup or pressed powders and oil free foundations. Other types of eye makeup and lipstick are fine. Stay away from lip-glosses and Chapstick (may use Carmex)

    ok, any product that tells me using moisturizer will slow my weight loss progress sends up red flags, even without all the other insane information.

    this stuff should be illegal. seriously.
  • trink68
    trink68 Posts: 48 Member
    Saw it at GNC....thought about it.Sales guy actually talked me out of it.He said it shouldnt even be on the market
  • BrittKnee_Rae
    BrittKnee_Rae Posts: 111 Member
    AHAHA!!! I did HGC last year.. After a week of convincing from my best friend I caved in and agreed! She had done it before and loves it.. Its a crash diet basically, AKA hell -_- Anyways in 2 weeks I lost 15 LBs.. Then Thanksgiving, Christmas and New years came around and I gained it all back!! HCG is pointless, and I would never do it again! Hard work and dedication is the way to go and there is no way around it!! So recap: last year I gained back all what I lost from HCG over the holidays, and this year I still lost weight all through the holidays!!

    Healthy eating habits & exercise > HGC (or any short term diet)
  • corn63
    corn63 Posts: 1,580 Member
    :sad: It's pregnant lady pee!!!!!!!!!!!!! :sad:
  • BrittKnee_Rae
    BrittKnee_Rae Posts: 111 Member
    :sad: It's pregnant lady pee!!!!!!!!!!!!! :sad:



    LMAO!!!
  • VelociMama
    VelociMama Posts: 3,119 Member
    Great post.

    Thank you for being brave enough to share it. Hopefully, someone will listen.
  • chocl8girl
    chocl8girl Posts: 1,968 Member
    Ugh. Thank you for sharing this. I seriously fail to understand why people can even begin to think that anything like this could ever be good for you.

    main-qimg-8a6344a5ea38b881ac96f03f7ecddc6a
  • RoadsterGirlie
    RoadsterGirlie Posts: 1,195 Member
    I knew a girl who started this "diet" right at the same time I started Weight Watchers. We both lost 20 lbs, at about the same rate. After a month, she stopped the diet, and gained back 35 lbs.

    I continued to my goal weight, and ultimately lost 90 lbs. I've kept it off for exactly a year now.

    I don't know how that stuff is even legal.
  • hmuh
    hmuh Posts: 379 Member
    Stay away from lip glosses and Chapstick?!?! Lol!!! Too funny

    More seriously.... Congrats on your success! Your realistic approach and determination are inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing. Best wishes for continued health and muscle gains!
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member

    Can I wear makeup?
    Lotions, moisturizers or liquid make-ups with oil should not be used. HCG is very sensitive to oils, creams and fats and could slow the weight loss process down; you only want it to target your stored fat. You may use any mineral makeup or pressed powders and oil free foundations. Other types of eye makeup and lipstick are fine. Stay away from lip-glosses and Chapstick (may use Carmex)

    ok, any product that tells me using moisturizer will slow my weight loss progress sends up red flags, even without all the other insane information.

    this stuff should be illegal. seriously.

    Agreed. I don't think my daily use of facial lotion and chapstick is what made me fat.

    OP - thank you for sharing this. Hopefully it will help open some eyes to how dangerous and stupid this stuff really is.
  • Denise1224
    Denise1224 Posts: 150 Member
    main-qimg-8a6344a5ea38b881ac96f03f7ecddc6a
    [/quote]

    This is hilarious!!! And unfortunately true for some people ....
  • Scott
    Scott Posts: 204 MFP Staff
    Dear Posters,

    MyFitnessPal strongly recommends that our users follow the calorie guidelines automatically assigned by our site, unless they are under the direct supervision of a doctor. We are currently reviewing the medical literature on the HCG/500 calorie diet and reserve the right to moderate against discussions of this diet at any time in the future.

    Thank you all for your concern. We're definitely looking closely at this issue.

    Sincerely,
    Scott
    MyFitnessPal Staff
This discussion has been closed.