The HCG diet program is without a doubt the most effective weight loss treatment in the world. Decades of research has been spent to find out the best methods for weight loss success. Many people don’t realize that there has been a lot of research that went into making the protocol originally. Dr. Simeons conducted several studies in the 1950s when he made his original protocol. This required extensive testing of patients to find out which methods actually worked and which did not. At the end, he came up with the three phase HCG diet as written in “Pounds and Inches”.

The modern OWL approach which we recommend in our Quick Start Guide went through much the same rigor in its development.  This weight loss method is different than the original protocol.  Rather than 500 calories per day, people are permitted to eat 700 calories per day or more.  In addition to this, a person can also have a lot more variety in their fruits and vegetables than what was possible on the original method.  Not only are almost all vegetables permitted (minus those high in carbohydrates) but the person is permitted to eat more protein with each meal.

The Three Phase HCG Diet Program

1. Phase One – Phase one of the HCG diet is a period of 2 to 3 days where the person takes in foods high in fat and low in carbohydrates.  Foods like pork, cheese, avocados, etc are allowed during this phase.  Natural oils as well are permitted.  This is an important part of the diet as eating foods high in fat while you’re taking HCG at the start of the diet will enlarge your fat cells and permit you to more easily burn off your stored fat later.
2. Phase Two – This is often referred to as the “low calorie phase” by many users.  On the modern OWL approach this phase allows for 700 calories per day, and some moderate exercise.  On the original Dr. Simeons method you had to do 500 calories per day and not exercise at all.  Modern physicians have changed the diet slightly to make it more effective and healthier for users.  This part of the protocol is supposed to last at least 23 days, and up to 57 days before you’d need to enter into phase 3.  Most people will lose 0.5 to 1 pound per day over this period of time, for an average weight loss of 20 to 40 pounds per regimen.  As part of the diet, people are limited to eating only certain proteins each day and can have two servings of vegetables (only low carb vegetables are permitted on the modern diet).
3. Phase Three – This phase is often called the maintenance phase of the HCG diet.  It’s important after you stop taking HCG each day, and stop the diet, that you maintain your weight loss over the long term.  1500 calories per day are recommended on both of the modern and original approach.  Food choices should be limited to foods low in carbs and fat, and a person is permitted to exercise as they like throughout the day.  This phase must last for a minimum of 21 days.

The HCG diet is a powerful and effective treatment for obesity, but the protocol itself is essential for success.  Although the hormone HCG has been shown in numerous studies to not only provide rapid weight loss, but metabolic and appetite effects, it still requires commitment.  HCG cannot achieve these great effects on its own, but instead, if coupled with the proper weight loss regimen as described here a person can achieve 400% increases in their results from just dieting alone.