The HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone found in the placenta of expecting women. This hormone is commonly detected in the blood around 11 days after conception. It can also be found in the urine 12-14 days after conception. Even if it is mostly associated with pregnancy, it is present in both men and women and both can use it during the HCG diet plan.
How the HCG does usually work? The HCG hormone sends a message to the hypothalamus, which is the area of the brain that controls metabolism, to mobilize stored fats. In pregnant women, this aids the body to produce nutrients in the placenta to fuel the fetus with needed energy in order to grow.
The HCG diet using either drops or injections can help you lose 1-3 pounds per day. The diet alone is restricted to a very low calorie diet of 700-900 calories per day. This may not be enough calories to support the normal brain function but the HCG hormone will assist the body by using stores of glycogen, protein and some fat to lower the resting metabolism.
Some of the preferred foods to take while involved in the HCG diet are:
Meats
Yes, meat lovers can still enjoy the benefits of eating meat as long as it is limited to chicken, beef, and some fish, which we will cover next. Make sure to cut off all visible fat.
Fish
Fish is a great choice while on the diet. You can have any white fish as well as lobster, crab, or even shrimp. Just make sure you weigh it out and take off all shells before you weigh it since you won’t be eating the shells.
Vegetables
There’s an entirely huge selections of vegetables available for you even if you are into the HCG diet. However, some popular options such as corn and potatoes are restricted because of its high starch or carb content. But you can go on your green salad without feeling guilty as long as your dressing is weigh down to a lesser fat and salt content.
Fruits
Being in the HCG diet is the best time to be more indulge in fruits. Unlike vegetables, the diet only restricts to very sweet fruits. Aside from that, you have several options like apples, oranges, grapefruits, and even strawberries.
Melba Toast/Grissini
You can have either melba toast or grissini while on the diet. You can have 1 grissini breastick with lunch and dinner, or 2 melba toast with lunch and dinner. Make sure you buy the right kind as buying the wrong kind can cause stalls and gains.
Managing your food intake is one of the most critical issues to someone who is involved on the HCG diet protocol. It is very challenging to maintain all the details needed to retain personal interest while on the diet. By preserving the very low calorie diet, you will have a greater chance of succeeding in your final goal.
{ 97 comments… read them below or add one }
Can you eat mustard or collard greens?
Nope, they aren’t on the list.
Hi, can I use Xylitol as a sweetner?
Nope, that’s a sugar and will cause stalls. use stevia instead. It’s natural and works great.
Can you send me a list of food I can and can’t eat… a list of drinks also
Go to the homepage of this site for more info on that.
How many pellets are suppose to take on the diet. I was told 4 three times a day, but I constantly read stuff that say 8 three times a day. Can someone please let me know!!!
I don’t use pellets so you’ll have to talk with who you got your product from. Don’t they have instructions or coaching and help? If not consider switching because you will need help.
Hi i just started day 3 of the hcg diet today. Day one and two i loaded up while taking drops. Day three i am starving. I have drank 70 ozs of water. After eating supper im still hungry. I thought you dont get hungry or hunger pains on this diet? Am i doing something wrong?
The first few days you are getting used to the diet and the HCG is still taking time to get into your system. Also consider that cravings will happen, but that’s not hunger, so do recognize the difference. Also, everyone is different. Some people can barely finish a LCG meal, while others are a bit hungry. Just depends on what your situation is. Tomorrow you’ll see your first loss and you’ll feel a lot better about the whole process : )
I am on p3,d4 and I have the flu. I am only recently able to hold down water, and am weak from being ill. I would like to eat some dry toast, but am mortified at the thought of a set back. And the thought of high protein foods is not an option. Any suggestions?
Focus on getting better. Stop the HCG and eat what you need to get better, try to keep it to maintenance foods (no starches or sugar) and then when you are feeling better get back on the plan.
Hi, I was wondering if this is safe if I have Thyroid issue, I am on meds for it, just want to make sure its not going to mess with levels… Thanks
Many people have thyroid issues before staring this plan and after doing the diet they levels are much improved. So just keep taking your meds as prescribed and get retested after the diet. I’m sure you’ll see a huge improvement.
What are the ” right kind ” of melba toast?
I wasn’t sure I saw that in the list.
Thanks
It should just say Melba Toast on the box, and be slight smaller than a playing card.
Good Afternoon Judy and Stephanie. I found my melba toast only at safeway, in the crackers section, it’ll say MELBA TOAST ORIGINAL. I remember those when I was very young, and they still taste the same, great. They also make melba toast snacks, which a friend of mine bought, hope this helps anyone looking. not expensive, I always buy at least 5 boxes and I love melba toast. have a blessed week.
I have several months of Nutri-System food on hand. Can I eat that for my food intake? I have just ordered my drops.
No, that food is different and will cause issues. The nice thing about this diet is you get food from the grocery store and don’t have to buy prepacked food. That stuff is junk.
I am starting this diet soon and I’m a college student so I can’t really grill chicken and eat it for lunch. I wanted to just bring in weighed out lunch meat. I bought turkey? Is that really high in fat? I know it’s not on the list but would it really make a huge difference? During the load days, can i eat carbs? Also, I’m a tennis player so I have workouts twice a week. Will I be feeling really tired and dizzy if I workout.
Turkey isn’t on the list so don’t use it. If it’s not on the list, then don’t eat it. And why couldn’t you eat chicken for lunch? Cook it ahead of time and put it in some tupperware. It’s easy, don’t overthink it. Follow the instructions and you’ll do great. And talk with your provider on your working out. You might have to make some adjustments but you’ll want help to do that.
Is watermelon allowed on this diet
No. Get the list for the HCG diet. You will see what’s allowed and what’s not.
i love coffee in the morning. Can I use fat free creamer
No, use 1 tablespoon of milk instead. You get 1 of those per day.
Hi! I just ran across this site. I wish I would’ve found it prior to me starting. I went to XXXXX (site removed to avoid advertising by merchants) and ordered from there. I decided to go with the drops because it seems easier. Is this one of the sites that may have used or heard of? In the booklet that is sent out, it just gives you a sample list of foods. I’m trying to find out how much vegetables I was able to eat. It tells me 100grams for the meat. I know I’ve been slipping lately, I’m on day 5, will this hurt me badly in the end? Thanks for your help.
I have heard of that site but know nothing about them. I removed the name as I don’t endorse them and don’t want people thinking I do. They should have given you more help though. Like they should have given you all the measurements. I’d contact them for help. If they can’t help you then tell them you want to return so you can work with someone who can help you. so I don’t know them and I have no idea if they are good or not.
Would water help in the diet if so how many timss a day ?
Yes, you should be drinking 70+ ounces per day. Skipping water will make you stall. So get plenty of water and all day long.
My husband and i have been trying to conceive for six months now and still no luck. I have gained about fifty pounds in the past four or five years and was wondering if that could be keeping me from conceiving. I am interested in the HCG diet but was concerned if there are any pros or cons if we continue to try to conceive?
Losing weight will help you get pregnant. Many people do this diet because their doctor ordered them to lose weight before they get pregnant, or to help them get pregnant. Don’t be trying while on the diet, but it’s a good idea to lose the 50 pounds, then try. You will be much more successful if you aren’t overweight when trying to get pregnant.
There are so many differences in what is allowed and not allowed and 3.5 oz vs 4 oz depending on which website you visit. Are vegetables, the ones listed, sort of like “free” food? Meaning can I eat between meals to curb hunger? Fruits: whole grapefruit daily with an apple or 1/2 grapefruit with an apple?
Well find someone you trust that has a lot of experience and use them. The people I use are very specific about what you can and can’t do and that’s why I like them. No guess work. But no, there is no “free” food on the plan at all. If someone tells you that then avoid them as they are confused.
Can use splenda?
How many melba toast can you have per meal? How do I know which is the correct melba toast to buy?
No splenda. It causes weight gain and cravings. And just get regular melba toast. You can have 2 for lunch and 2 for dinner.
I have read all the information regarding the HCG Diet – am now ready to order but can not locate information on your web site as to where to go to order. Please advise.
Well I just provide information, I don’t sell anything. So there is nothing to order here. I give a link on the main page of the site of who I use if you want to use them. Contact them for help.
I am on Day 6 of Phase 2. I’ve lost 8 lbs so far and am very pleased with the results. I have 16 more lbs to go! I feel great and have more energy. The hunger pangs have not gone away, though, no matter how much water I drink. I feel hungry all day long. Do you think trying green tea will help?
Also, I am forcing myself to eat the fruit. I just don’t care for fruit, but I love vegetables. Can I simply skip the fruit, or can I replace the fruit with vegetables?
Well make sure you are getting all the food in as that will make you hungry if you don’t. And the first week is the toughest and you will feel much better after the first week. Hunger is normal, you just shouldn’t be starving. Talk with a coach if you are feeling starving as you may be burning too many calories. And you could possibly skip the fruit and add more veggies. But I’d have to know more about your situation. Talk with whoever you are working with and ask them for help.
I am on day one of phase 2 and so excited. I was wondering
If I could use Truvia in my coffee it is made from Stevia?
Nope, truvia has other things in it. Don’t use something “made from stevia” just use stevia.
Can you have Kombucha tea on the HCG diet, as long as you account for the calories?
I’m not familiar with that tea. Look on the label and see what it says. Don’t count calories. If you are counting calories you will fail. So make sure you know what you are doing.
P2D2 I have a headache – probably sugar withdrawal – can I have a pain reliever while I hcg?
Yeah, you are just withdrawing and detoxing. You can take any pain reliever you need. It will pass in a day or two.
I feel hungry all the time. Plus I don’t lose as much weight as others. I do everything right and can’t lose that much. I do take armour for my thyroid, but my friend is on thyroid meds and she loses just fine. I’m lucky if I lose 10 pounds in 20 days. I don’t understand. Also there is oil in melba toast and grissini bread sticks. I thought that is not allowed in phase 2. Can I increase my protein a bit? Amount of vegetables is also not specified. Is it unlimited?
If you are eating the wrong things you will be hungry. Some hunger is normal, but not all the time. It sounds like you don’t even have the right instructions. You need to get them from your provider. If they can’t help you then find a new provider. 10 pounds in 20 days is good, especially for a women on thyroid medication. Don’t compare yourself to other people, everyone is different. The more weight you have to lose the faster it goes, so don’t compare yourself to bigger people than you as it’s not a fair comparison. Most people on other diets would kill to lose 10 pounds in 20 days, so this diet is working great for you.
I purchased yesterday and i will start taking them next week. But what can you eat for breakfast? I need the energy in the morning. And can you drink green tea?
Yes, you can use green tea. And you can eat something from your lunch earlier in the morning. You can spread your food out as long as you aren’t adding in extra food. So just spread out your lunch so you have something in the morning.
Can you eat boiled rice?
Absolutely not. Only eat the foods on the list.
I started 2 weeks ago and lost almost 8 pounds. I am going slowly, I feel stalled should I do the steak day ? TY for all the tips.
Steak days are only for maintenance. Ask your provider for help. Are you following the correct diet plan?
I have been on phase2 for 7 days, the first four days I lost 7 pounds and the last 3 days I haven’t lost anything. Am I expecting to much from the diet or should I re- evaluate how I’m doing the diet.
Have your diet checked by a coach to make sure nothing is wrong. But you lost so quickly at first that it’s common to stall for a few days are your body catches up.
I have searched the website and cannot find a “list” everytime you refer to only eating food on the “list” Can you help me find the list.
Thanks!
You should get that from your provider. They will give you what you need.
My breakfast list says I can have a piece of ezekiel bread in addition to the grapefruit. Is that dry toast? Can I put something like Eden valley apple butter on it or a natural product of some sort? Thanks.
Nope, Ezekiel bread is not allowed. Not sure who you are working with but they are off the protocol. And no, no apple butter is allowed either. The diet is only for a few short weeks. You can do it.
Hi again.
Finally got to the ordering web site, the HCG diet accelerator link you have.
Looking at the orders it has a bottles, like pills or something not liquid form. Please let me know where I get the drops.
Thank you, Anna
They are supposed to be capsules, not drops. Drops don’t work as well in my opinion.
I can’t eat gluten so is there something else I can eat instead of the melba toast or grissini?
Yes, just have more veggies. About 20% more veggies and you can just skip the melba and you’ll do great.
Can you drink green tea for breakfast?
Absolutely. Green tea is great.
Can you take vitamins like normal while on the HCG diet?
Usually. You just have to make sure there is no sugar or other things added. Also, fish oil should be avoided until maintenance phase.
Can I add fresh lemons to my water? I heard they are an appetite suppressant.
You can add the juice of 1/2 lemon per day. That is allowed on the protocol.
I am 21 years old, I don’t have much to lose, I weight about 118 and I just want to get back down to 110, I do work out a lot and I just can’t seem to get rid of the few pounds I need. Is it okay for me to do the HCG diet, just until I lose the unwanted few pounds? When it comes to dieting, I am constantly paranoid about side effects. I read something about pulmonary blood clots. How concerned should I be? I don’t see myself being on this diet for more than a week, as I only want to lose 8 pounds.
Yes, you can do a short round, lots of people do that. And use a good oral product, don’t use injections if you are concerned about side effects or blood clots. With a good oral product you will avoid those issues. And you won’t lose as quickly as people who have a lot to lose, so you may want to plan on about 15 days. And the food is really healthy, so you’ll be much healthier after the diet plan.
Can I exercise while on the diet? If so how much?
Walking or light jogging 1 mile per day is the most you should do without making changes to your diet. If you need to do more talk with a coach/provider and a get their help to make changes.
Hi, I have read all the questions and answers. I am a bigger person not that i eat a lot but i am. You say the starving feeling will go away but how long. I find that feeling hungry is interfering with my daily routine. I am weighing and measuring my food so the meat is right. But nowhere do i look or who i talk to tells you how much for veggie intake. I know you said ask your provider but there not sure. I have done my research and have no answers. How much veggies do you it at a meal?
You asked your provider and they couldn’t even tell you?! Wow, there are so many scammers and bad providers out there. Please, get a new provider that’s good who will actually help you through the diet plan. I’ll have to try and write a new article with those numbers because the list is too long to post in a comment : (
Can you eat eggs on HCG
Only in special circumstances. Like being a vegetarian. Talk with a coach about it.
Hi, I am not over weight at all, but due to my job, I need to shred off 20 lbs to make myself stand at a BMI of 20, will HCG be safe for me??
You’re not overweight but you need to lose 20 pounds? Well if you aren’t overweight then you won’t be able to do that. You actually need to have 20 pounds to lose. I suspect that you do and you just don’t consider yourself overweight? That’s great that you are OK with your body, but you need to check the charts for your height and age and make sure you actually have 20 pounds to lose.
I am really interested in trying this diet but am a little nervous about the being hungry part. I guess I just have to suck it up and do it.
Being a little hungry is normal. Nothing to be scared about. Everyone is nervous to start. Get a good coach and get help so you know what you are doing.
My provider says that lettuce and peppercinis are free…….
That’s off protocol and I wouldn’t recommend that at all. Consider getting a new provider.
Not sure if I really can think of any questions, but thought I would leave a comment. I am on day 7 of phase 2 and have lost 11.8 lbs. And feel great!!! I have done the very expensive injections several years ago and worked good. Doing the oral method this time. Have done them in the past but wasn’t as committed as I am this round. It works!!! Just stick to it!!! Have times I am hungry but that is with ANY diet or reduction in food/calories. My hunger is no greater than any time I have done something to lose weight. This diet is great because it really does transform your body shape!!
Super job Kristen! You are losing quickly so I can see you are doing the program right. Thank you for sharing your progress and letting everyone else know that they can do it too.
In 2007 I received 5 steroid injections in my lower back in one month time and gained 25 lbs all in my abdominal area. After 5 years of trying to lose the weight I am unable to lose. I never had a weight problem until the steroid injections. Do you think the HCG diet will help me lose the abdominal and stomach weight..all my weight gain is in the middle.
Yes, the diet plan is going to target your abnormal fat storage. So it will get to it and eliminate it. Just make sure to use a good provider and follow the instructions. Talk with a coach who knows the diet well and you’ll do great.
Hi, Can I take my vitamin C while taking hcg?
Yes, that’s not problem. Vitamins are OK.
I have been doing the diet for 4 days now and have lost 6 pounds! I could not be happier. Yes I do have hunger especially in the mornings before lunch and sometimes at night before bed. That is when I have to tell myself to stay focused, find some busy work to take my mind off of it and push through! It’s not easy, especially when I see leftover Easter candy or just seeing the food that I know I can’t have. I have a husband and 2 teenagers that I still have to cook for, but I am determined that I can do this!
What about dill pickles? Someone told me they were okay.
Great work, keep it up. and pickles are not on the list. Make sure you aren’t counting calories. Just stick to the food plan given to you, or at least what you should have got. I know a lot of providers don’t even give you what you need.
what about cashews and other nuts?? how can i calculate my calories so i wont over eat my calories?
Are you talking about maintenance or the low calorie phase? You shouldn’t EVER count calories. If you are, you are doing it wrong. Get help now before you keep on the wrong path.
I’m wondering if we can use balsamic vinager
No, it will have sugars or other sweeteners in there. You can use apple cider vinegar, but only in small amounts.
Is it normal to feel jittery on this plan? I am on day 6 and it seems that every other morning I am feeling weird and jittery. I take synthroid in the am and then my hcg approx an hour later
Jittery? No, not all normal. What are you taking? Some scammy HCG products add caffeine or other stimulants which you don’t want. Contact your provider and ask about it.