The HCG Diet is extremely low in fat and calories. It is used in conjunction with HCG Therapy. It is a restricted diet, which means you must limit the number of calories you consume each day and keep track of everything you eat. Most HCG dieters stick to a 500-calorie diet daily calorie limit and eat only HCG-approved meals. Losing weight with HCG takes commitment and enough dedication to your weight loss efforts due to the restrictive nature of the diet.

Here is a list of the approved foods in the HCG Diet Plan Food List:

• Some fruits like oranges, strawberries, apples, and red grapefruit
• Non-starchy vegetables including lettuce, celery, cabbage, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, etc.
• Lean meat chicken breast, lean ground beef, shrimp, lobster, and white fish

Here is a list of the non-approved foods in the HCG Diet Plan Food List:

• Fatty foods like fatty fish, nuts, or foods made with oil
• Starchy vegetables like potatoes
• Added sugar not recommended in any form

HCG Phase 1

When you first start taking HCG hormones, you are in the 1st phase of your treatment. For the first two days, you introduce the hormone to your body while continuing to eat high-calorie foods.

HCG Phase 1 Food List: 

• Fruits like oranges, strawberries, apples, and red grapefruit

• Non-starchy vegetables like lettuce, celery, cabbage, cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes

• Chicken breast, lean ground beef, shrimp, lobster, and whitefish

HCG Phase 2

You’ll start the restricted diet and supplement with HCG after two days of eating high-calorie items. Reduce calories to 500 calories on the 3rd day and eat only recommended HCG Food List Phase 2 meals. The HCG Phase 2 normally lasts three to six weeks.

HCG Phase 2 Food List:

• Whitefish, canned tuna, and chicken breast (weighed up to 100g with no fat)

• Vegetables like spinach, green lettuce, green beans, red radishes, onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers

• Fruit like apple, orange, grapefruit, watermelon, and strawberries 

• Dairy should ideally be avoided (exception- skim cottage cheese, acts as a protein serving)

HCG Phase 3

You’ll stop taking HCG during this time period and gradually improve your calorie intake. In phase three, you should avoid sugar and carbs, but you can consume more calories. You can reintroduce carbs and sugar after the end of this phase.

HCG Phase 3 Food List:

• Meats (non-processed), eggs, peanut butter, Greek yogurt (unsweetened)

• Healthy fats like avocado, salmon, olive oil, etc.

• Salads topped with grilled meat and low-carb dressings (ranch/blue cheese without added sugar)

• Nuts and cheese (in small amounts)

• Avoid carb fruits (melons, mangos, bananas, etc.) and starched vegetables (potatoes, corn, yams, etc.)

Losing weight is a form of lifestyle, and you may learn to prepare delicious meals from the recommended list by knowing the foods that will help you achieve your weight-loss goals. Just because you’re on a restricted diet doesn’t mean you have to eat bland and boring food. Starting your HCG journey requires discipline and commitment, but the benefits are quick and rewarding, making your efforts worthwhile.