HCG 2.0 is a modern adaptation of the original HCG diet that was first published by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons over 60 years ago. That’s a long time. Do you know what else doctors were doing 60 years ago? They were Smoking… in your treatment room. They were treating Polio and Small Pox, both diseases that have been eradicated for over 50 years. And, they were advising pregnant women that alcohol would calm their nerves…?
A lot has changed – So should your diet. There’s a smarter way to lose!
What’s different about HCG 2.0?
Before we begin discussing HCG 2.0 and the updates I made to the original HCG diet, let me first explain HCG and how this hormone is effective in facilitating rapid weight loss. It’s important to remember that the physiology that inspired the original diet is still entirely relevant and widely accepted among today’s medical community, but the diet protocol itself is what needed revising.
If you have no experience with the HCG diet, HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadatropin), is a hormone produced during pregnancy. The purpose of the HCG hormone is to rally the metabolism or break down of systemic fat that is typically stored in all the places we don’t want it (bellies, thighs, arms, neck, etc). Typically, as a species, the human body is pre-disposed to retain calories in the form of fat as a survival mechanism for long winters or famine; conditions that rarely exist today. This is why dieting is such an uphill battle; not only are we struggling with our own poor eating habits, but a genetic predisposition to retain fat.
HCG Is the Solution
When a women becomes pregnant, the growing baby requires a 24/7 calorie source. In response, the placenta of the pregnant mother begins to produce HCG, which “unlocks” her stored fat to provide the calories necessary for proper development of her unborn child. If the HCG hormone is supplemented, in the absence of a pregnancy, and combined with a low-calorie diet, the dieter can sustain themselves on their own stored fat, resulting in rapid, but healthy weight loss.
Physiology Behind the HCG Diet
1. Role of HCG in Pregnancy:
- During pregnancy, HCG is produced by the placenta and is crucial for maintaining the corpus luteum, which in turn supports the production of progesterone necessary for the pregnancy. This part isn't relevant to the diet, but should be said in context.
- HCG also plays a role in mobilizing fat stores to ensure that there is a constant supply of energy for the growing baby, especially when nutrient intake is not sufficient.
2. Theoretical Basis for Weight Loss:
- Dr. Simeons’ hypothesis was based on the idea that HCG could similarly mobilize fat stores in non-pregnant individuals, making these stores available for metabolism and thus helping to sustain the body on a low-calorie diet without the typical severe hunger and muscle loss associated with such diets.
- The theory suggests that HCG targets the mobilization of "abnormal fat" (fat stored in problem areas like the hips, thighs, and stomach), leaving structural fat (which cushions organs and is found in muscles) and normal fat reserves largely unaffected.
3. Implementation of the Diet:
- The original diet required daily HCG injections while adhering to a strict 500-calorie diet. The diet typically is divided into different phases: loading, weight loss, and maintenance.
- The low-calorie intake is supposed to encourage rapid weight loss, while HCG is believed to reduce appetite, maintain normal energy levels, and help target the types of fat stored in the body.
Comparing and Contrasting the Original Simeons HCG Diet and HCG 2.0
Below are the reasons that make HCG 2.0 a safer and much more sustainable HCG Diet Plan, without sacrificing any of the rapid weight loss of the original. In fact, I believe the weight loss to be even better. If you don’t believe me, visit our private HCG 2.0 Facebook page and ask for yourself.
HCG 2.0 uses a BMR calculation to determine the amount of calories on your individualized HCG diet.
HCG 2.0 encourages 15 – 20 grams of lean protein for breakfast.
HCG 2.0 suggests a lean protein, low-carb snack before bed, improving sleep and providing necessary protein for cellular regeneration.
HCG 2.0 provides a wider variety of protein options and larger portion sizes of leaner items such as tuna fish, egg whites and bison.
HCG 2.0 also recommends a wider variety of vegetables and discourages root vegetables such as onions which are significantly higher in carbs than peppers, broccoli and many other veggies that are not allowed on the traditional HCG diet.
HCG 2.0 provides the same rapid weight loss without starving yourself; There’s a Smarter Way to Lose!
Criticism and Considerations - What Needs Debunking?
Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of the HCG diet for weight loss and found no evidence that HCG is effective in promoting weight loss beyond what is caused by the extreme calorie restriction. Most weight loss on this diet is likely due to the low-calorie intake rather than the HCG hormone. However, this has never been my claim. If you've read my book you would be aware of that. The HCG is NOT what is responsible for your weight loss. The role of the HCG is to target your stored fat so that you maintain muscle mass and strictly lose from all the areas you want to - like your hips, neck, thighs, belly and arms.
Safety Concerns Surrounding the HCG Diet
The original HCG diet has lead to safety concerns because very low calorie intake can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies, muscle loss, and other metabolic disturbances. The FDA has not approved HCG for over-the-counter use or for weight loss purposes, and it requires prescriptions of HCG to carry a disclaimer stating that it has not been demonstrated to be effective for weight loss.
Given these factors, the original HCG diet has been considered controversial and potentially unsafe. Health professionals generally recommend a more balanced, sustainable approaches to weight loss that include adequate nutrition and physical activity, which is essentially what I have done. HCG 2.0 address ALL of the questions and concerns of the original HCG Diet and provides a safer, smarter alternative!
HCG 2.0 Addresses All of the Concerns of the Original HCG Diet
By individualizing the amount of calories one can consume on the diet by utilization of Basal Metabolic Rate HCG 2.0 has removed the concerns questions surrounding the original HCG Diet. HCG 2.0 is also a more ketosis based version of the original allowing for better targeting of fat so that dieters maintain lean muscle mass while strictly losing from unwanted fat.