Phases Of The hCG Protocol

Below, I've outlined the basic fundamentals of each phase of the hCG protocol. An entire round of the hCG protocol contains four distinct phases with specific directions and allowances. From start to finish, one round will last 6-7 weeks (at minimum) and it's important not to rush each phase, as the body needs time to adjust and stabilize, especially on phases 3 & 4.

Phase 1: Fat Loading

• Length: 2 days
• Begin taking hCG drops on the first day of fat loading
• Eat any and all high-fat, high-calorie foods that you want
• It is important to "gorge" on the 2 fat loading days, as this will prevent hunger during the beginning of the next phase, when you switch to 500 calories/day

Phase 2: VLCD ("Very Low Calorie Diet")

• Length: 21 (minimum) to 43 (maximum) days
• Continue taking hCG drops as directed
• 500 calories/day
• Low fat, no starch, no sugar
• 2 servings of lean protein*, 2 veggies*, 2 fruits* allowed each day
• 2 grissini breadsticks or melba toasts allowed each day
• Juice of one lemon allowed each day
• Veggies may not be mixed; Allow 6 hours between servings of fruit
• Coffee and tea allowed in copious amounts
• 1 TBS of milk allowed (in milk, tea, etc.) per day
• Drink 2-3 liters of water/day
• Stevia is a good sugar substitute
• Discontinue hCG drops on day 22, but continue VLCD through day 24 (3 days VLCD without drops)
• It is important to weigh yourself everyday

Phase 3: Stabilization

• Length: 3 weeks
• Increase calorie intake to at least 1500/day
• A greater variety of fruits and veggies may be added
• Veggies may be mixed
• Introduce fat (dairy, cheese, etc.)
• No starch, no sugar
• Continue to weigh yourself each day
• Do not go more than 2lbs. above or below your LDW ("last dosage weight")
• If you do go 2lbs. above LDW, immediately correct with a Steak Day

Phase 4: Maintenance

• Length: 3 weeks minimum, but many "hCGers" make this a lifetime commitment
• SLOWLY introduce starches and sugars in small amounts and see how your body reacts
• Continue to focus on eating whole foods
• Abnormal gains may be corrected with a Steak Day
• After 3 weeks, another round of the hCG protocol may be attempted if additional weight loss is desired

*Lean meats allowed in phase 2 include 100 grams (raw weight) of: chicken breast, cod, flounder, halibut, sole, tilapia, sea bass, shellfish, buffalo, veal, tenderloin, top sirloin

*Fruits allowed in phase 2 include: medium apple, handful of strawberries, orange, half of a grapefruit

*Veggies allowed in phase 2 include: asparagus, broccoli, chicory, beet greens, cabbage, celery, cucumber, green beans, lettuce, spinach, onion, tomato