The Cali Kicker: Your HCG-Friendly Metabolism Booster 🍋🔥

Dr. Zachary Laboube
Jan 28, 2015
3 min read

Updated: Oct 27

HCG Diet Doctor offers a killer HCG drink:

If you’re on the HCG 2.0 protocol, you already know that weight loss isn’t just about cutting calories—it’s about optimizing your body’s biochemistry to burn fat efficiently and sustainably.

This blog was originally published back in 2013 and was updated in 2021 when I changed the theme on my website. I’ve been doing a lot of fasting lately.

As I’m always looking for hacks to make fasting easier, the Cali Kicker recently popped back into my feed. Coincidentally—or maybe appropriately—I stumbled upon this fasting routine while visiting my brother’s golf studio in Redondo Beach, just south of LA. Fasting (water, tea, lemon juice, and coffee—if you must) is the hottest health trend in Hollywood right now. So I thought I’d give it a try, and I absolutely fell in love with it.

It wasn’t long before I realized that the Cali Kicker wasn’t just helpful during HCG—it was also the perfect pre-fast or mid-fast support. That’s why we’ve now featured it on The Fast Patch blog. Whether you’re easing into a 24-hour fast or pushing toward 72 hours with help from the Fast Patch, a well-timed Cali Kicker can give you the little edge you need to stay committed, energized, and in control.

Enter the Cali Kicker: a simple, metabolism-boosting drink that aligns with your HCG 2.0 plan and helps take your fat-burning to the next level.

Originally made popular in the wellness world by health influencers and functional medicine docs, the Cali Kicker has been adopted by many on low-carb or keto-style diets—including HCG 2.0 followers—because of its thermogenic, appetite-suppressing, and digestion-enhancing properties.

🌿 What’s in a Cali Kicker?

The traditional recipe is simple but powerful:

1 tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar (ACV)→ Balances blood sugar, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces cravings.
Juice from ½ fresh lemon→ Rich in vitamin C and digestive enzymes, alkalizes the body, and detoxifies the liver.
A dash (or more) of cayenne pepper→ Raises core body temperature, increases metabolism, and may suppress appetite.
Optional: A few drops of stevia→ Makes it more palatable without spiking insulin.
Optional: Warm water→ Helps dilute the acidity for your stomach and teeth, especially first thing in the morning.

💡 Best time to drink: First thing in the morning on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before meals.

💥 Why It Works (According to Science). Ingredients for Cali Kicker...

This drink isn’t magic—but it is metabolically strategic. Here’s how each component supports your HCG 2.0 journey:

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):Studies have shown that ACV may help stabilize post-meal blood sugar spikes and increase feelings of fullness—especially useful when you’re working with a limited calorie budget.
Lemon Juice:Helps stimulate digestive enzymes, improve liver detoxification, and support hydration—all of which aid weight loss.
Cayenne Pepper:Contains capsaicin, a compound proven to increase thermogenesis (heat production in the body) and boost calorie burn, especially from fat stores.

🧠 Bonus Benefit: The Psychology of Ritual

Starting your day with a focused wellness ritual like the Cali Kicker sets a tone. It says:I’m in control. I’m doing something for me. I’m committed.

When combined with the HCG 2.0 protocol, this simple morning practice becomes one more tool to help you stay focused, energized, and results-driven.

🚫 Does It Break a Fast?

While not technically a “pure fast,” the caloric and insulin impact of a Cali Kicker is minimal, especially if you skip the stevia. It may slightly activate digestion, but it won't derail your fat-burning efforts if consumed early in the day—especially during an HCG round when calorie intake is already low.

If you’re using the Fast Patch for longer intermittent or extended fasts, you can skip the lemon and stevia and stick with just ACV + cayenne + water to minimize impact on autophagy. However, I like the lemon juice and I have no problem using it.

👨‍⚕️ From Dr. Z

I’ve recommended variations of this drink to thousands of patients since launching InsideOut Wellness in 2010—and I still use it myself, especially during fasting windows. It’s easy, it’s natural, and it just works. Add it to your routine for that extra edge during your HCG round.

✅ Try It Today

🔹 Start with a 30-day round of HCG 2.0 to drop 20–30 pounds safely and sustainably🔹 Use the Cali Kicker as your daily ritual to boost metabolism and beat cravings🔹 Use the Fast Patch post-HCG to lock in results and build a fasting lifestyle that lasts