Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hypothalamus?
The hypothalamus gland moderates the thyroid, adrenals, fat storage and more importantly, your metabolic rate.
Do people lose more weight with injections or homeopathic HCG?
Patients report the same results. The only difference is homeopathic is easier, more convenient and cheaper! We have found more significant inch loss with the homeopathic spray vs the injectable.
Is HCG just a new fad diet?
HCG has been used medically to treat obesity since 1954. It is becoming more widely known and popular in the United States recently.
How long is the shelf life of my HCG homeopathic?
Unlike other homeopathic sprays that last only 6 months unopened and 6 weeks opened, our product has a FIVE YEAR shelf life, opened or unopened.
Why can I only eat 500 calories?
HCG causes your hypothalamus to mobilize the stored fat in your body. While you are consuming 500 calories, your hypothalamus is continually releasing stored fat which your body burns for fuel. You are actually running on 3500-4000 calories a day, which is the equivalent of 1-2 pounds!
Isn't 500 calories a day too low to be safe?
No. Research now confirms that eating very low-calorie diets actually increase overall health, have anti-aging effects, and increase lifespan. This was reported recently in The New York Times. Most importantly, however, is when you are doing the diet combined with the hCG injections, Dr. Simeons reports that your body is being flooded with over 2,000 calories of nutrition from the releasing of the abnormal fat reserves. This is one of the reasons that during Phase 2, consisting of the diet and HCG injections, you are not hungry and generally have an increase in energy levels.
During the diet in Phase 2 am I allowed to continue taking supplements and prescription medication.
Yes. It is also imperative that you continue to take any necessary prescription medication that your primary doctor has ordered. As with any weight loss program, it is important to be in close contact with your physician as we have found our clients may need to reduce their prescription intake as their weight is decreased. As far as supplementation we have found our greatest successes have been with those that have adhered to the combination of the hCG homeopathic and detox program.
Must I gorge for the first two days in Phase 2?
Yes. Dr. Simeons states that a person will not be comfortable on the 500 calorie diet unless his normal fat reserves are reasonably well stocked. It is for this reason that in every case a person must eat to capacity the most fattening food they can get down for the first two days in Phase 2. It is a fundamental mistake to start the 500 calorie diet as soon as hCG injections are started as it seems to take about three injections before abnormal fat deposits begin to get released and circulate, thus becoming available to the body as fuel.
How do I measure the 100 grams of protein?
Use a kitchen scale or postal scale. 100 grams equals about 3.6 ounces. Weigh the meat in its raw state.
Can I substitute smoked fish, pickled fish or deli meats?
Absolutely not. Nothing smoked, dried, or pickled. Never use deli meats. The meats must be of the leanest variety. If at all possible, buy organic as it will be free of all of the hormones, antibiotics and other animal drugs which slow down or stop the fat burning process. Try to buy wild fish and not farm raised fish for the same reasons as above. Eating beef and veal that is not grass fed and 100% organic will slow down or stop the fat burning process.
Can I mix vegetables?
No, with one exception. You can make a salad consisting of various organic lettuces, organic cabbage, or organic spinach. You may add sparingly one additional vegetable from the following: organic celery, organic onions, organic cucumbers, organic radishes, and organic tomatoes. Season with organic raw apple cider vinegar, or the juice of your one allotted organic lemon. Add sea salt, black pepper, crushed garlic, in any amounts of dried or fresh organic herbs. It's delicious and filling!
Can I change some of the food items on the diet?
NO. You must be very strict in following the diet exactly if you want to achieve results. Simeons was very particular in his research about how even the very smallest change or variation would slow down or stop the fat burning process completely. He said that the diet used in conjunction with the hCG homeopathic must not exceed 500 calories per day. He also stated that the way these calories are made up is of the utmost importance. He pointed out that if a patient dropped the apple and had a little more protein he would not be getting any more calories, but he would not lose weight. There are a number of foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, which have the same or even lower caloric values than those listed as permissible. However, when substitutions are made Simeons found that they interfere with the regular loss of weight under hCG. This is due to the nature of their chemical compositions. IF IT IS NOT ON THE LIST DON'T EAT IT.
Can I eat lamb, pork, duck, or dark meat while on the 500 calorie Phase 2 diet?
NO. Only the breast of a chicken. However, over the years some doctors doing this protocol have found that turkey breast works as well. Please note this was not part of Dr. Simeon's original protocol. Not everyone will be successful eating turkey breast.
Will I be hungry during this protocol?
During Phase 2 you may have slight hunger between one and seven days. If you following the instructions to "load up" on calories the first two days, this will not be as noticeable. Each person is different but for the most part the hunger is slight. The reason it is slight is partly due to your hypothalamus adjusting your metabolic rate but largely due to the number of calories circulating in your system from the fat being released. ***Please note*** Should there be an issue with hunger we have some appetite suppressant options. It is called Ener-G. and will supply you with energy, help your mood, and is a terrific aid in reducing or stopping hunger pangs. Please let us know if you are interested in hearing more about this product. During Phase 3 you cannot be hungry because there is no limit to the amount of food you consume.
Can I use artificial sweeteners while on this protocol?
No. You should never use any artificial sweeteners ever again for as long as you live. All artificial sweeteners, including NutraSweet and Splenda, should never be consumed. They increase depression, are physically and chemically addicting, and they make you fat. We recommend either Stevia or Xylitol which are both healthy natural options.
Can I use MSG (monosodium glutamate)?
No. You should never eat anything with MSG in it ever again as long as you live. It is a deadly, dangerous excitotoxin. It increases depression, increases appetite, and makes you fat.
If I am not hungry while doing Phase 2, do I still have to eat everything as described?
Yes. Whether you are hungry or not, you must eat the lunch and dinner in their complete form. You cannot have one big meal per day. You may take the apple from either lunch or dinner and eat it at breakfast. You may also take the fruit from dinner and eat it for a mid-day snack. No other changes or substitutions are allowed as they slow or stop the fat burning process.
What if I cheat on the diet during Phase 2?
If you do cheat for a meal or for one or two days in a row, all it means is that the weight loss process will stop for a few days or a temporary slight increase in weight may occur. Immediately start the diet again at the next meal and carry on. If you cheat on a meal every other day you are wasting your time.
What if I have low energy or hunger during Phase 2.
Some patients may be dealing with insulin resistance or low blood sugar. It is suggested that you may drink Eleotin tea to help this. Also, make sure that you eat your apple mid-morning. Low energy could also be caused by a hypo-active thyroid, Candida yeast overgrowth, poor circulation, or parasites. If you feel any of this pertains to you or if you have a concern please contact us. We have several suggestions that will ease all of those problems.
Can I eat salt?
During all the phases salt may be consumed, however, always choose sea salt or Himalayan salt. However, using too much salt can result in retention of water, which will show up as increased weight on the scale.
The instructions in all the phases call for a large consumption of water and teas. Is this necessary?
During all the phases you should drink a minimum of one-half gallon of water per day, up to a maximum of one gallon. It is important in the treatment of the obesity condition. The importance and benefits of adhering to the water cannot be overemphasized. It is absolutely vital in order for the protocol to work effectively. Also, when you are on restricted calories you are consuming less liquids which could cause someone to get dehydrated..all the more reason to drink plenty of water.
Must I eliminate cosmetics, moisturizers, lotions, and creams during Phase 2?
Yes. Dr. Simeons stated that most people find it hard to believe that the fats, oils, creams, and ointments applied to the skin are absorbed into the body and interfere with the weight reduction by hCG just as if those ingredients were eaten. This almost incredible sensitivity to even such very minor increases in nutritional and caloric intake is a peculiar feature of the hCG method. Simeons found that persons who habitually handle fats, such as workers in beauty parlors, masseuses, butchers, etc. never show a satisfactory loss of weight when using hCG unless they avoid all contact with the skin of such fats and various products. Many modern cosmetics contain hormones which interfere with endocrine regulations in the body and must be avoided. Remember, whatever you put on the skin is absorbed into the body just as though you ate it.
What about abdominal exercises and aerobics?
Dr. Simeons stated that during the weight loss protocol (Phase 2) your body should be in a state of low activity. We have found that those doing excessive exercise have thwarted their efforts in losing weight. If your body is craving exercise a simple walk would be fine.
After I do Phases 1, 2, and 3 should I continue weighing myself every day?
Yes. Dr Simeons stated that this is the one requirement after completing the weightloss portion (Phase II) of the program was to weigh yourself daily. His solution to maintaining your weight the rest of your life was to do a steak day upon gaining more than two pounds of your set point.
Will I gain the weight back?
After the HCG diet you will find your appetite has changed, your eating behavior will be changed and your body will, of course, have changed! This is the perfect opportunity to adopt that healthy lifestyle to maintain your weight. Following the diet, there is a three week maintenance period which is key to keeping the weight off. With your hypothalamus reset, your metabolism will be different and you will be able to eat moderately without feeling the need to overeat IF YOU GO BACK TO EATING FAST FOOD, RESTAURANT FOOD AND FOOD CONTAINING TRANS FATS, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, SUPER HIGHLY REFINED FOOD, ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS, MEAT, POULTRY AND DAIRY WITH GROWTH HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTICS, ETC... ECT... ECT, YOU WILL IN FACT MESS UP YOUR HYPOTHALAMUS AGAIN AND REGAIN THE WEIGHT: If however, you follow the dos and don'ts in Phase 4, the weight should never return. It is interesting to note that Simeons' patients of the 1950's and 1960's very rarely, if ever, gained the weight back. This is because fast food, trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, etc. was not in widespread use. Today, however, because the food industry is on a mission to create an obese world, it is more difficult to avoid all of the new things that cause obesity. Follow the steps in Phase 4 and you should be able to keep the weight off forever.
If the weight comes back can I do this protocol again?
Yes. If you lose a substantial amount of weight and a year later find you have gained some weight back, do the protocol as often as you desire. Many people will decide to do the protocol once a year for a three week period to lose any amount of weight gained just to keep on top of it. Many of our clients have chosen to complete a yearly HCG weightloss/detox program to give their bodies optimal health.
What if the food label says "all natural"?
Today, the phrase "all natural" means absolutely nothing! Major food manufacturers have lobbied congress allowing new laws to be passed defining what can legally be called "all natural", even if the food contains thousands of chemicals and is heavily processed. It is still legal to use the phrase "all natural." You must read the ingredient list on the food. Look for 100% organic whenever is possible.
What if I show no weight loss for four days in a row while on Phase 2?
Dr. Simeons discussed at length daily weight fluctuations or reaching weight plateaus. He explained that at times there may be no drop of weight at all for two or three days, which is then followed by a sudden large drop which reestablishes the normal daily average of about one pound per day during Phase 2. Weight fluctuations occur more so in women than in men. If a person weighs themselves and notices that the weight stays the same for four days in a row, the patient is told that after weighing on the fourth morning, to only eat six organic apples for the day. The patient is told to drink nothing except a small amount of water, just enough to quench their thirst when needed. The next morning there should be a drop in weight. If not, do not be concerned. It is important to note that because this protocol is synthesizing and releasing so much abnormal fat, the body may retain excessive water in order to rid the system of this excess released fat and accompanying toxins. This, at times, results in no apparent weight loss on the scale, however, you must know that the body is still being reshaped, and massive fat loss is still occurring. NOTE: There are two questions that we ask immediately when the above situation arises. The first question for women is: Are you having a period or are you close to having a period? (This seems to cause water retention and as soon as the period is over, the weight is lost.) The second question is: How are your bowel movements? (If you are not having regular daily bowel movements you are retaining weight. It is recommended that you take a supplement or a tea that will help you become regular again.) This, too, should make your weight start dropping again.
Can I stay on Phase 2 longer than six weeks?
Dr. Simeons found that the body has a tendency to create immunity to hCG, therefore, staying on Phase 2 for longer than a total of 42 days is not advised. You must take at least a 4 week break according to the homeopathic manufacturer, but we have found taking a longer break than 4 weeks yields greater results.
What if I am a vegetarian?
Simeons found that vegetarians will not lose but one-half the amount of those doing the original recommended diet. We adhere to his recommendation to follow the protocol he set up in the report, "Pounds and Inches." However, we have had clients choose to do the protocol vegetarian and they have been quite successful.
What is the difference between homeopathic (oral) HCG and HCG injections?
Homeopathic HCG is produced by taking small amounts of the original strength HCG (extracted from the urine of pregnant women) and making it into a sublingual mixture which is administered under the tongue and absorbed into the body. Homeopathic HCG is an FDA approved substance, does not require a prescription and is prepared per the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States. HCG injections must be prescribed by a doctor and are administered by a shot into muscle tissue (usually given by the patient him or herself).
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is the second most widely used system of medicine in the world. It's popularity in the United States has grown 25-50%/year for the last decade. Homeopathy is extremely effective, all natural and completely safe. There are no dangerous side effects and homeopathic remedies can be taken alongside other medications.
How does HCG help me lose weight?
In pregnant women, HCG releases stored fat to ensure the growing fetus receives the nutrients it needs to grow and develop normally. When HCG is taken in non-pregnant women and men the body still releases the stored fat but because there is no fetus present, the body uses the stores for energy or eliminates the rest. This enables the body to release stored toxins and fat. Abnormal fat is lost, leaving normal, or structural fat and muscle tissue. Which means you lose in those stubborn areas--hips, thighs, buttocks and upper arms!
Who can use the HCG diet?
There are no sex or age limits. Men tend to lose more steadily than women. Do not use HCG if you are pregnant or nursing. It is always recommended to consult a physician before beginning any diet or weight loss program. What if I am taking birth control? HCG has not been shown to interfere with birth control.
Are there any side effects from using HCG?
There are no serious side effects associated with HCG. Some experience slight headaches during the first few days but this is extremely rare and mild.
What if I am taking birth control?
HCG has not been shown to interfere with birth control.