The HCG diet originally, at least as designed by Dr. Simeons, does not allow exercise during phase two. The logic was that exercise could complicate the person’s metabolic response, and actually cause a slowdown in weight loss. This is a result of the decreased calories on the diet, as 500 calories is very low if a person is also expending energy from exercise. Weight loss can be harmed by this, as your body will react strongly to help preserve both blood sugar levels and metabolic rate. Your body can only burn stored fat so quickly, regardless of how much you exercise. There are also some health risks associated with reducing calories and exercising simultaneously that need to be considered as well.
Phase two of the HCG diet is specifically designed to lock in your metabolism at a high level, enabling you to burn fat consistently without dropping metabolism. This is done through an interaction with the person’s hypothalamus gland, which helps to control appetite and metabolic functions in the body. Exercise can disrupt this balance, at least when following Dr. Simeons original 500 calorie per day plan. Your body simply is not being supplied with enough nutrients to maintain a moderate exercise routine successfully without damaging appetite and energy levels.
The Modern OWL Approach and Its Changes
The modern HCG approach, which we and most physicians prescribing the treatment today recommend, is actually 700 calories per day, and affords a much wider variety of food choices in phase 2 than the original method. This is a lot easier to stick to, as nearly all vegetables and fruits are permitted with the OWL approach of the HCG diet. This variety not only keeps the user’s metabolism at a highly active state, but also affords more wiggle room for the user if they want to include exercise or other methods to improve their results.
What Kind of Exercises are Permitted in Phase 2 and 3
You are allowed to exercise in phase 2, as long as you are on the modern diet program. What this exercise entails depends on the individual’s preferences and needs. Moderate exercise is allowed in Phase 2, which includes things like up to 30 minutes of moderately vigorous weight training or up to 45 minutes of a cardiovascular program. The HCG diet is a tried and true diet plan with high efficacy for users, however, results are improved with the addition of exercise. Weight training in particular helps to increase muscle content. Muscle boosts metabolism in your body, burns fat more quickly, and consumes calories you eat more readily as well. This makes it an important addition to the HCG protocol, which has resulted in some significant changes in the diet’s methodology over the years.
Another common question we receive is in regards to Phase 3 of the HCG Diet protocol and if exercise is allowed during that phase. The simple answer to this question is: yes. Exercise in phase three is not only permitted, but encouraged. Because you’re on 1500 calories per day during this phase, significant exercise is permitted, whether that’s cardiovascular, weight training, or even yoga. You can do up to 1.5 hours of exercise per day in Phase three. We recommend weight training at least periodically during this phase, as it helps to keep metabolism going without HCG in your system. This makes it easier to switch back to the diet protocol if another regimen is planned after the 3 week minimum between HCG. Ultimately, exercise can be a very important part of the HCG program, and one that many people should consider when they begin with HCG plus.