It almost seems like whenever a particularly effective weight loss plan becomes popular, other people try and publish the same thing, only slightly different, in order to cash in on the money being spent. These diet variations often vary widely as far as effectiveness is concerned, and it can be increasingly difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff in regards to diet plans. The HCG diet is included in this as there are several different variations that people use in order to lose weight. However, there is one constant in all the diets, and that is the HCG hormone itself. Because all of the HCG diet variations out there require that you take the HCG hormone in order to lose weight, the real choice ends up being which one you think will suit your needs the best. For many people, this is the original HCG diet protocol as designed by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons.

The original HCG diet protocol lasts about 30 days and is broken down into 3 phases. Phase 1 is known as the loading phase and dieters are to begin taking their HCG hormone injections while eating a diet that is high in calories and fat. The HCG hormone works, which can be administered through the HCG diet drops, to store this extra fat in a special way that will provide your body with the energy it needs in the subsequent phases. It will all be burned off during phase 2, so don’t worry about overeating. In all actuality, overeating during phase 1 of the HCG diet isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, you don’t have to do it provided that you eat the right foods.

Phase 2 is known as the weight loss phase. This period lasts about 3-4 weeks and you are to eat only 500 calories a day chosen from a list of approved foods, while maintaining your daily HCG hormone injections. 500 calories a day doesn’t sound like very much, but the HCG hormone works as an appetite suppressant, and eating less is surprisingly easy. You can expect to lose anywhere from .5lbs to 2lbs a day during these weeks, provided that you do not deviate from the HCG diet protocol.

The final phase of the original HCG diet is the stabilization phase. After completing phase 2, you must weigh yourself and record your results. Over the next few weeks, you will work to maintain this body weight at all costs. While you are to increase your daily caloric intake well above 500 calories a day, it is important to remember that you are still on a diet and you should not now (or ever) go back to the way you were eating before as it will quickly put the weight back on, destroying all of your hard work during phase 2. Once you’ve been able to keep your weight stable for about 3 weeks, phase 3 is over and you can either go back on the HCG diet in order to continue weight loss, or begin a regimen of exercise to maintain your new weight indefinitely.

Over the years, thousands of people have used the original HCG diet protocol to lose weight. It is effective and quick, two things most dieters are looking for in a potential meal plan. If you want more information on Dr. Simeons’ HCG diet, then you should pick up his book Pounds & Inches. It is the definitive source on the original HCG diet and should provide you with a wealth of information on how to complete the diet protocol successfully and maximize your weight loss results.