Educating and Empowering You to Heal, Thrive, and Live a Happy, Healthy Lifestyle
HCG Diet Hazards
Recently I’ve had an influx of new patients and clients contact my office because they are devastated and at a loss to the excess weight they have gained as a result of stopping the hCG diet. They claim that no matter what they do, they cannot lose weight and have actually gained additional weight since stopping the hCG diet. They were under the belief that the hCG diet was the “cure all solution” that promised to melt their unwanted fat forever.
In our society, men and women alike have a quick-fix, instant gratification, “I want it now” mentality. And, they want it with as little effort as possible. In addition to hCG, many resort to liposuction without realizing that liposuction increases inflammation, and doubles your risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. They are never informed that within eight weeks of liposuction, the fat redistributes to other areas of the body between the viscera tissue.
Weight gain does not happen overnight. And, neither does weight loss. Successful weight loss does not happen without effort, sacrifice, the right mindset, consistency, commitment and the right diet, a smart exercise plan, lifestyle modifications and changes in one’s environment.
Successful weight loss requires a fundamental paradigm shift. The way you think, beliefs about who you are, your behavior and values, what’s important and what motivates you all must be challenged. It takes a plan, an open mind, faith, valuing self, compliance, perseverance, and a lot of hard work.
Losing weight and getting healthy isn’t just about what you do, the vitamins you take and the food you eat—changing your behaviors and how you think, your environment and your lifestyle must all be factored into the equation.
Not only is the hCG diet unhealthy, it is an unsafe methods to losing weight and keeping it off permanently. HCG stands for human chorionic gonadoropin, which is produced in the placenta during pregnancy and can be extracted from the urine of pregnant women.
The hCG diet is a combination of daily injections and a starvation diet that entices mainly women that they will lose weight without feeling hungry. Sure, you’ll lose weight (muscle, not fat) while on the hCG diet, however it will not be permanent weight loss unless you factor in your emotional and behavioral habits, and make the appropriate lifestyle, environment and dietary modifications once the HCG diet is discontinued.
HCG Diet: Health Hazards and Side Effects
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Hormone imbalances (specifically the thyroid)
- Disrupted metabolism
- Extremely catabolic (muscle wasting)
- Only one vegetable is allowed with lunch and one with dinner
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For 99.9% of individuals, weight is re-gained plus some extra upon cessation of the hCG injections and starvation diet
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It’s expensive $$$$$
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Deficient in nutrients
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Causes body chemistry imbalances
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Is actually a starvation diet at only 500-800kcals daily
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Water amount recommended on the diet is not sufficient for an adult
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Does not teach lifestyle or factor in sleep, toxic chemical exposure, healthy eating, lifestyle, mindset and other important weight loss variables
- There are a few reports of adverse effects from the hCG injections including headaches, restlessness, blood clots, dizziness and depression
A positive feature about the hCG diet is the individual is advised against eating junk food, processed sugar and wheat (which is healthy advice that would help anyone lose weight).
How to Achieve Long-term, Permanent Weight Loss
Here is the no-nonsense, safest and most effective approach to long term fat loss: You must factor in your emotions, habits and behaviors, balance hormones (specifically insulin, thyroid and cortisol), correct gut dysfunction, eliminate intolerant foods, get good sleep, eliminate exposure to chemicals, and make the appropriate lifestyle and environmental changes and significant dietary modifications.
To change your behavior, you must first have the desire. You need to change your heart, make up your mind, be determined, disciplined, take responsibility for your actions and choices, find a program that works specifically for your unique biochemistry, and lastly, be patient, consistent and follow through! Start with your value system, and what is truly important to you. Be decisive with your goals and write them down. It’s the journey, not the end result that promises a leaner body, a healthier you and the ultimate lifestyle.