Catherine has been on hCG for three weeks and says she is feeling great. She lost 11 pounds her first week! Wow Catherine, way to go! She says she fudged a bit the second week and only lost one pound, but now she is back on track. She feels like she has more energy and has fewer cravings for sugar. Rather than crashing at the office and needing to go for a food run, she is more stable throughout the day.
In the past Catherine wasn't a vegetable eater, but she has been steaming vegetables with lemon and salt since she began the diet for flavorful side dishes. She enjoys spinach and tomatoes, and she's also been eating more fish than usual. An easy way for her to follow the diet has been to buy pre-packed crab and divide it into serving sizes. There are four servings per package. Catherine found melba toast in the cracker isle at Safeway, and grissini breadsticks in the deli section. To wash it down, she's been drinking lemon water.
Thank you for the advice Catherine!
October 28, 2010
October 26, 2010
Dieter's Report: Brandy
This is Brandy from Dr. Crockett's office and I've been taking hCG for three weeks. I've lost ten pounds so far. I started at 163 pounds and I now weigh 153 pounds. I haven't felt hungry at all, and I haven't had any side effects to the diet or medication. I've been drinking tons of water and other fluids. I did have strep throat during my diet, and I had to eat while I was on antibiotics, otherwise I felt nauseous. If it weren't for that break from the 500 calorie diet, I'm sure I would have lost even more weigh by now. For my meals I have almost exclusively been eating chicken salads with balsamic vinegar as dressing. I'm happy with the results and I can't wait to lose more.
October 25, 2010
Dieter's Report: Pat
Hi. This is Pat from Dr. Crockett's office. I'm on day 31 of my diet and I'm very happy to report that I've lost 12.5 pounds. I started out at 195.1lbs and my current weight is 182.7lbs. I'm very encouraged because in the past it's been hard for me to even lose a few pounds, then I've gained it right back. I can tell that weight has not only come off, but that it has been redistributed. I'm fitting into old clothes that I haven't been able to wear in ages. The diet hasn't been difficult for me to follow as I haven't been hungry at all. I've even had to force myself to eat the entire 500 calories on some days. I have been eating the Grissini breadsticks as my carb. After going to several grocery stores and finding that they were sold out, I finally ordered a few boxes on Amazon.com.
October 19, 2010
How do I take the hCG?
Take hCG in the morning and at night, 12 hours apart. You can take medication on a full or empty stomach, but don't eat or drink anything for ten minutes after you take the medication.
Tablets: Place the tablet under your tongue until it dissolves, then swallow. Do not eat or drink anything for ten minutes. Tablets may be kept at room temperature, but must be kept dry.
Drops: Use dropper to place .25ml of liquid under the tongue. Hold it there for one minute, then swallow. Do not eat or drink anything for ten minutes. Drops must be kept in the refrigerator.
KCl: If you are taking the potassium supplements, take one pill each day with plenty of water at a meal time.
Tablets: Place the tablet under your tongue until it dissolves, then swallow. Do not eat or drink anything for ten minutes. Tablets may be kept at room temperature, but must be kept dry.
Drops: Use dropper to place .25ml of liquid under the tongue. Hold it there for one minute, then swallow. Do not eat or drink anything for ten minutes. Drops must be kept in the refrigerator.
KCl: If you are taking the potassium supplements, take one pill each day with plenty of water at a meal time.
October 11, 2010
Very Low Calorie Diet: Days 3-30
Days 3 through 30 are known as Very Low Calorie Diet Days, or VLCD days.
Breakfast: Any calorie free beverage
Lunch: 1 protein, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 grain
Dinner: 1 protein, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 grain
On days 3-30, take the oral hCG twice daily, 12 hours apart. Wait ten minutes until eating or drinking.
On these days, do not go over 500 calories per day! Strictly follow the list of allowed foods which is located here.
Our suggested meal plan is as follows. If you would like to break up meals to have "leftovers" for snacks, just remember not to go over 500 calories.
Be sure to measure and weigh all your food. :)
Breakfast: Any calorie free beverage
Lunch: 1 protein, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 grain
Dinner: 1 protein, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 grain
On days 3-30, take the oral hCG twice daily, 12 hours apart. Wait ten minutes until eating or drinking.
On these days, do not go over 500 calories per day! Strictly follow the list of allowed foods which is located here.
Our suggested meal plan is as follows. If you would like to break up meals to have "leftovers" for snacks, just remember not to go over 500 calories.
Be sure to measure and weigh all your food. :)
Supplemental Medications
Supplemental medications are available based are your desires and needs.
-Weekly vitamin B-12 injections (for energy)
-Potassium supplements (for muscle cramping)
-Magnesium supplements (for constipation)
Remember to discontinue softgel vitamins as they contain oils. You may take other tablet vitamins that do not contain oils.
If you have any questions about your current medications, please make an appointment to discuss them with Dr. Crockett.
-Weekly vitamin B-12 injections (for energy)
-Potassium supplements (for muscle cramping)
-Magnesium supplements (for constipation)
Remember to discontinue softgel vitamins as they contain oils. You may take other tablet vitamins that do not contain oils.
If you have any questions about your current medications, please make an appointment to discuss them with Dr. Crockett.
October 10, 2010
More Recipes
This website has some great recipes that follow the hCG guidelines.
Beware when searching for recipes online at other websites; many websites claim to give recipes for different phases of the diet, but don't follow all the rules.
What have you been eating? Please leave comments and share your favorite recipes as comments, below.
Beware when searching for recipes online at other websites; many websites claim to give recipes for different phases of the diet, but don't follow all the rules.
What have you been eating? Please leave comments and share your favorite recipes as comments, below.
Snack Recipes
Remember: Snacks must be subtracted from regular meals. Never go over 500 calories!!
Apple pie
1. 1 apple, sliced (70 calories)
2. Pinch of nutmeg
3. Pinch of cinnamon
4. Splenda or other sweetener to taste
5. 2 tablespoons Seltzer
Layer ingredients in oven safe dish and bake or microwave until apples are tender.
Orange Julius
1. 1 orange, peeled and pulled apart (60 calories)
2. Stevia or Splenda (vanilla flavored preferred)
3. Ice
4. Seltzer
Combine in blender and blend until desired consistency.
Lemonade (calorie free - the juice of 1 lemon is allowed daily as a "spice")
1. Juice of 1 lemon
2. Splenda to taste
3. Water
Mix in glass or pitcher and serve chilled.
Apple pie
1. 1 apple, sliced (70 calories)
2. Pinch of nutmeg
3. Pinch of cinnamon
4. Splenda or other sweetener to taste
5. 2 tablespoons Seltzer
Layer ingredients in oven safe dish and bake or microwave until apples are tender.
Orange Julius
1. 1 orange, peeled and pulled apart (60 calories)
2. Stevia or Splenda (vanilla flavored preferred)
3. Ice
4. Seltzer
Combine in blender and blend until desired consistency.
Lemonade (calorie free - the juice of 1 lemon is allowed daily as a "spice")
1. Juice of 1 lemon
2. Splenda to taste
3. Water
Mix in glass or pitcher and serve chilled.
Fillet of Sole Dinner
Fillet of Sole
- 100 grams of sole
- 1/4 teaspoon of lime juice
- dash of tarragon
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic
- dash of chopped chives
- Sea salt to taste
Mashed Cauliflower
This is a wonderful alternative to mashed potatoes!
1. 1 head cauliflower (100 g weighed raw has 25 calories)
2. Salt and pepper to taste
3. 1 tablespoon nonfat milk (10 calories, omit if you have already had milk that day)
4. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic paste
5. 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Steam the cauliflower for 10 minutes until very tender. Add the garlic, milk, red pepper, salt, and pepper to tender cauliflower and mix until combined. Mash with hand mixer or blender.
Grapefruit Salad
1. 1/2 grapefruit
2. fresh basil
3. lime juice
4. Splenda or other artificial sweetener
Toss ingredients and serve.
Serve with a grissini breadstick on the side. Enjoy with water or a diet beverage.
Dinner suggestion: 1 protein, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 grain
October 8, 2010
Where can I find more information about hCG?
Dr. A.T.W. Simeon did the initial research on hCG in India as part of a study on overweight boys. We order our prescriptions from Opti-Lean, where you can download a copy of Dr. Simeon's book, if you would like to do further research.
Apple Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
1 medium apple (70 calories)
chicken breast (approx. 112 calories in 100 grams, or 4 oz.)
spinach (1 cup = 30 grams, 7 calories)
apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon = 14 grams, 7 calories)
melba toast (1 cracker = 17 calories)
Bake 100 grams of chicken seasoned with salt and pepper in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, or until fully cooked. Chop and place on bed of washed spinach. Slice medium apple and add to salad. Toss with apple cider vinegar.
Serve with a side of melba toast. Enjoy with a diet beverage.
Total calories = 213
Lunch suggestion: 1 protein, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 grain
1 medium apple (70 calories)
chicken breast (approx. 112 calories in 100 grams, or 4 oz.)
spinach (1 cup = 30 grams, 7 calories)
apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon = 14 grams, 7 calories)
melba toast (1 cracker = 17 calories)
Bake 100 grams of chicken seasoned with salt and pepper in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, or until fully cooked. Chop and place on bed of washed spinach. Slice medium apple and add to salad. Toss with apple cider vinegar.
Serve with a side of melba toast. Enjoy with a diet beverage.
Total calories = 213
Lunch suggestion: 1 protein, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 grain
What can't I eat on the hCG diet?
NO milk (except 1 tablespoon per day)
NO oil, butter, or margarine
NO salad dressing (try vinegar instead)
NO potatoes, carrots, corn, peas, or beets (these veggies are too high in starches)
NO alcohol
NO salmon, tuna, eel, herring, or fish that is dried, pickled or smoked
NO oil, butter, or margarine
NO salad dressing (try vinegar instead)
NO potatoes, carrots, corn, peas, or beets (these veggies are too high in starches)
NO alcohol
NO salmon, tuna, eel, herring, or fish that is dried, pickled or smoked
What can I eat while on hCG?
500 Calories per day...
Remember: don't eat anything that's not on this list!!
Remember to weigh and measure your food!
Beverages: Any non-calorie fluids in any amount
tea, coffee, mineral water, crystal light, diet soda (stick to two cans a day)
drink at least 2 liters of water per day
DO NOT drink alcohol
only one tablespoon of milk is allowed per day
artificial sweetener may be used
Proteins: 1 serving is 100 grams, using your food scale weigh raw after removing visible fat
beef: lean steak (187 calories)
extra lean ground beef (248 calories)
roast beef (267 calories)
veal (229 calories)
skinless and boneless chicken breast (195 calories)
white fish: halibut (110 calories)
cod (211 calories)
flounder (114 calories)
monkfish (76 calories)
perch (94 calories)
pike (129 calories)
pollock (92 calories)
snapper (100 calories)
sole
crab (97 calories)
lobster (97 calories)
shrimp (144 calories)
nonfat cottage cheese may be eaten once weekly (85 calories)
boiled or poached eggs may be eaten once weekly (one serving is 3 eggs whites plus 1 egg) (150 calories)
Vegetables: Do not mix vegetables. Do not eat more than one type of vegetable in the same sitting.
Lettuces of any kind (5-8 calories per cup depending on type)
Spinach, fresh (7 calories per cup)
Broccoli (25 calories per cup)
Beet greens (8 calories per cup)
Cauliflower (25 calories per cup)
Fennel (27 calories per 1 cup sliced)
Asparagus (27 calories per 1 cup)
Onions (50 calories per 1 cup)
Red Radishes
Cabbage
Zucchini
Swiss Chard
Tomatoes
Celery
Chicory Greens
Cucumbers
Fruits: Must be eaten at least 6 hours apart
Apple, medium (70 calories)
Orange, medium (65 calories)
Strawberries, 6 large (40 calories)
Grapefruit, 1/2 medium (41 calories)
Grains:
1 melba toast (approx. 1"x3" piece)
1 breadstick (grissini) (a type of breadstick available in Safeway brand as well as online, and at the dollar store)
Seasonings:
Nonstick spray
Juice of 1 lemon per day
garlic
salt and pepper
vinegar
mustard powder
basil
parsley
thyme
marjoram
hot sauce (brands without sugar such as Tabasco)
NO starch, sugar, fat, oil, butter, margarine, dressing.
Remember: don't eat anything that's not on this list!!
Remember to weigh and measure your food!
Beverages: Any non-calorie fluids in any amount
tea, coffee, mineral water, crystal light, diet soda (stick to two cans a day)
drink at least 2 liters of water per day
DO NOT drink alcohol
only one tablespoon of milk is allowed per day
artificial sweetener may be used
Proteins: 1 serving is 100 grams, using your food scale weigh raw after removing visible fat
beef: lean steak (187 calories)
extra lean ground beef (248 calories)
roast beef (267 calories)
veal (229 calories)
skinless and boneless chicken breast (195 calories)
white fish: halibut (110 calories)
cod (211 calories)
flounder (114 calories)
monkfish (76 calories)
perch (94 calories)
pike (129 calories)
pollock (92 calories)
snapper (100 calories)
sole
crab (97 calories)
lobster (97 calories)
shrimp (144 calories)
nonfat cottage cheese may be eaten once weekly (85 calories)
boiled or poached eggs may be eaten once weekly (one serving is 3 eggs whites plus 1 egg) (150 calories)
Vegetables: Do not mix vegetables. Do not eat more than one type of vegetable in the same sitting.
Lettuces of any kind (5-8 calories per cup depending on type)
Spinach, fresh (7 calories per cup)
Broccoli (25 calories per cup)
Beet greens (8 calories per cup)
Cauliflower (25 calories per cup)
Fennel (27 calories per 1 cup sliced)
Asparagus (27 calories per 1 cup)
Onions (50 calories per 1 cup)
Red Radishes
Cabbage
Zucchini
Swiss Chard
Tomatoes
Celery
Chicory Greens
Cucumbers
Fruits: Must be eaten at least 6 hours apart
Apple, medium (70 calories)
Orange, medium (65 calories)
Strawberries, 6 large (40 calories)
Grapefruit, 1/2 medium (41 calories)
Grains:
1 melba toast (approx. 1"x3" piece)
1 breadstick (grissini) (a type of breadstick available in Safeway brand as well as online, and at the dollar store)
Seasonings:
Nonstick spray
Juice of 1 lemon per day
garlic
salt and pepper
vinegar
mustard powder
basil
parsley
thyme
marjoram
hot sauce (brands without sugar such as Tabasco)
NO starch, sugar, fat, oil, butter, margarine, dressing.
Can I repeat the diet?
In a word, yes.
The hCG prescription lasts 28 days. After your completion of the program and medication, we recommend a period of slowly re-introducing higher calorie foods to you diet. This way, weight gain won't occur and your weight will become stable. Remember that you'll need to stay on a maintenance plan in order to keep the weight off that you lost during your prescription.
You must wait at least six weeks before going on the hCG prescription again or re-starting the very low calorie phase of the diet.
The hCG prescription lasts 28 days. After your completion of the program and medication, we recommend a period of slowly re-introducing higher calorie foods to you diet. This way, weight gain won't occur and your weight will become stable. Remember that you'll need to stay on a maintenance plan in order to keep the weight off that you lost during your prescription.
You must wait at least six weeks before going on the hCG prescription again or re-starting the very low calorie phase of the diet.
But Seriously, Will I be hungry?
No! hCG releases the stored fat in your body that is ordinarily saved for pregnancy or cases of extreme starvation. When this fat is released into your bloodstream, it is able to be used for energy rather than the food that you would usually be eating. Even though you are only eating 500 calories a day, your body is operating on thousands of calories, giving you all energy that you need to help you lose .5 to 1 pound per day.
Our patients haven't reported any hunger pangs while following the diet protocol and have noticed a decrease in appetite and cravings. In fact, they have been completely satisfied, especially after seeing pounds melt away. Supplements or appetite suppressants may be added to the diet to meet individual patient needs, if necessary.
Our patients haven't reported any hunger pangs while following the diet protocol and have noticed a decrease in appetite and cravings. In fact, they have been completely satisfied, especially after seeing pounds melt away. Supplements or appetite suppressants may be added to the diet to meet individual patient needs, if necessary.
Are there side effects to the diet and medication?
The patients in our office haven't had side effects. hCG is safe and occurs naturally in the body during pregnancy.
Mild side effects can occur; but are rare. If you do experience side effects, please let us know so we can treat them before they interfere with your diet program.
Possible side effects include headaches associated with toxin release from stored fat. Fatigue is another complaint in the first few days of treatment while the body adjusts to its new metabolic activities. Both of these side effects are typically resolved within the first few days.
Other side effects can include dry skin and muscle cramping due to the low fat and low calorie consumption. Remember to use oil free lotion to treat dry skin and hands. If you experience other side effects, let us know so we can help you stay on your weight loss path.
Because you are eating less food than normal, constipation may occur. To avoid this, patients may take a magnesium supplement daily. The best cure for constipation may be plenty of fluids and movement, so start hydrating. Avoid laxatives, as they contain oils. A saline enema is advisable if needed.
Mild side effects can occur; but are rare. If you do experience side effects, please let us know so we can treat them before they interfere with your diet program.
Possible side effects include headaches associated with toxin release from stored fat. Fatigue is another complaint in the first few days of treatment while the body adjusts to its new metabolic activities. Both of these side effects are typically resolved within the first few days.
Other side effects can include dry skin and muscle cramping due to the low fat and low calorie consumption. Remember to use oil free lotion to treat dry skin and hands. If you experience other side effects, let us know so we can help you stay on your weight loss path.
Because you are eating less food than normal, constipation may occur. To avoid this, patients may take a magnesium supplement daily. The best cure for constipation may be plenty of fluids and movement, so start hydrating. Avoid laxatives, as they contain oils. A saline enema is advisable if needed.
October 7, 2010
hCG: Day 1 and 2
Getting started: Day 1 and 2 are "loading days". Take your hCG for the first time on days 1 and 2, twice daily, 12 hours apart. Eat anything you want, especially foods that high in fat to create storage for the next few days.
The loading phase is essential to prepare for the next phase of the diet and will help with your weight loss success. Eat whatever high-calorie, high-fat foods you enjoy, for example: hamburgers, fries, potato chips, fried chicken, brownies and cookies, take out, candy bars, etc.
To prepare for the next phase, make sure you are ready! Some of the things you'll need are:
-the food you are planning to eat
-a food scale
-oil free products
-a great support system!
The loading phase is essential to prepare for the next phase of the diet and will help with your weight loss success. Eat whatever high-calorie, high-fat foods you enjoy, for example: hamburgers, fries, potato chips, fried chicken, brownies and cookies, take out, candy bars, etc.
To prepare for the next phase, make sure you are ready! Some of the things you'll need are:
-the food you are planning to eat
-a food scale
-oil free products
-a great support system!
October 6, 2010
What skincare products can I use while on the diet?
The hCG diet not only requires strict eating habits, but also strict personal care. No products containing oils are permitted during the diet phase because they can be absorbed by the skin. The skin is a selectively permeable surface, which is why medications in the form of creams and patches are effective. Only cosmetics, deodorants, soaps, etc. that are oil free should be used to attain optimal weight loss.
Please let use know what works for you as you make changes in your personal products. Remember to read the ingredients and do your research! Here is a list of some products you may want to try.
Cosmetics:
Bare Essentials, Pancake Raw, Any Oil-free base, foundation lines, Mineral based makeup
Deodorant:
Crystal Deodorant Stick, Crystalux, Thai Deodorant Stick
Facial Soap:
Neutrogena Oil Free Cream Cleanser, Arbonne - All Botanical Based Skin Care, Witch Hazel
Moisturizers:
Alba Oil Free Facial Moisturizer
Coconut Oil (cold pressed)
Corn Huskers Lotion
Aloe Vera 100% Gel Baby Oil (basically mineral Oil)
Fiji Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Body, Massage and Hair
Curel Continuous Comfort, Fragrance Free
Kiss my Face Oil Free Moisturizer
Neutrogena Oil Free Facial Lotion
Mineral Oil
St. Ives Vanilla Lotion
Hair Care:
Aubrey Organics
Fiji Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Body, Massage and Hair
Life Extension
Magik Botanicals Oil Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Mastey Products
Soap:
Dial, Ivory, Jason's, Zest
Sunscreen:
Most brands seem to carry an oil free line now. Do you have a favorite oil free sunscreen?
Toothpaste:
Spry Toothpaste (no fluoride)
Tom's of Maine Toothpaste
Lubricants:
(water based or silicone based)
ID Velvet Silicone-Based Lubricant
Kama Sutra Pleasure Potion
ID millennium
Gloves:
Latex gloves are great for avoiding the unavoidable when working, cooking, doing housework etc.
Please let use know what works for you as you make changes in your personal products. Remember to read the ingredients and do your research! Here is a list of some products you may want to try.
Cosmetics:
Bare Essentials, Pancake Raw, Any Oil-free base, foundation lines, Mineral based makeup
Deodorant:
Crystal Deodorant Stick, Crystalux, Thai Deodorant Stick
Facial Soap:
Neutrogena Oil Free Cream Cleanser, Arbonne - All Botanical Based Skin Care, Witch Hazel
Moisturizers:
Alba Oil Free Facial Moisturizer
Coconut Oil (cold pressed)
Corn Huskers Lotion
Aloe Vera 100% Gel Baby Oil (basically mineral Oil)
Fiji Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Body, Massage and Hair
Curel Continuous Comfort, Fragrance Free
Kiss my Face Oil Free Moisturizer
Neutrogena Oil Free Facial Lotion
Mineral Oil
St. Ives Vanilla Lotion
Hair Care:
Aubrey Organics
Fiji Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Body, Massage and Hair
Life Extension
Magik Botanicals Oil Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Mastey Products
Soap:
Dial, Ivory, Jason's, Zest
Sunscreen:
Most brands seem to carry an oil free line now. Do you have a favorite oil free sunscreen?
Toothpaste:
Spry Toothpaste (no fluoride)
Tom's of Maine Toothpaste
Lubricants:
(water based or silicone based)
ID Velvet Silicone-Based Lubricant
Kama Sutra Pleasure Potion
ID millennium
Gloves:
Latex gloves are great for avoiding the unavoidable when working, cooking, doing housework etc.
FAQ about hCG
As we get our blog off the ground this week, we would like to know your top ten questions about the diet, hCG, and any concerns you've had so far. Please submit your questions here and I will answer them on the blog ASAP. Thank you!
October 5, 2010
What is hCG?
hCG is a hormone that is only found in pregnant women. It allows the body to access fat that is otherwise inaccessible during times except for extreme starvation and pregnancy. By taking hCG, the body is allowed to access the fat typically stored around problem areas such as thighs, hips, and the abdomen. The fat is propelled into the bloodstream giving the body the calories and nutrients it needs while the patient eats a very limited 500 calorie diet. Despite being found naturally only in pregnant women, the hCG diet is safe for both women and men.
October 1, 2010
What should I do during menstruation?
The best time to start hCG is immediately after a period so as not to interrupt the course of medication.
Do not take the hCG tablets during menstruation but remain on the 500 calorie diet. Even though you will not be taking the hormone during this time, you will not be hungry. When menstruation is over, resume the pills and continue the 500 calorie diet.
Do not take the hCG tablets during menstruation but remain on the 500 calorie diet. Even though you will not be taking the hormone during this time, you will not be hungry. When menstruation is over, resume the pills and continue the 500 calorie diet.
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