Understanding the Meaning of Loading on the HCG Diet

Key Facts About Loading on the HCG Diet

• Loading is the first phase of the HCG diet, lasting 2-3 days. During loading, high calorie and high fat foods are consumed.
• The purpose of loading is to build up HCG levels and fill fat stores before the very low calorie phase. This helps reduce hunger later.
• Foods like pizza, burgers, desserts with fat and calories are recommended for loading days. Limit sugars and carbs.
• Many people gain 1-3 pounds during loading. This load weight drops off quickly when the low calorie phase starts.
• Proper loading is crucial for the HCG diet to work effectively. Inadequate loading can cause issues later.

What is the HCG Diet and How Does it Work?

The HCG diet is a popular weight loss program that combines taking HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) with an extremely low calorie diet of around 500 calories per day.HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy.

The HCG diet was created in the 1950s by Dr. Albert T.W. Simeons, who claimed HCG could help people lose fat while preserving muscle on a very low calorie diet.The diet consists of 3 phases:

• Loading Phase – Eat high fat, high calorie foods for 2-3 days while taking HCG to fill up fat stores.
• Very Low Calorie Diet Phase – Take HCG while limiting intake to 500 calories per day for 3-6 weeks.
• Maintenance Phase – Stop taking HCG and slowly increase calories over 3-4 weeks.

While the HCG diet remains popular, there is no scientific evidence that HCG aids weight loss. Extreme calorie restriction causes the weight loss seen on this diet.

Why is the Loading Phase Important on the HCG Diet?

The loading phase is crucial to prepare the body for the very low calorie diet phase of the HCG diet. Here are some key reasons loading is important:

• It takes 2-3 days for HCG levels to build up in the system before they can start accessing stored fat. Eating more calories from fat during loading provides energy until the HCG kicks in.
• Filling up the body’s fat stores signals to the body that it has enough reserves to handle the upcoming low calorie diet. This helps prevent excessive hunger.
• Eating indulgent high fat foods during loading helps satisfy cravings and food addictions before starting the strict 500 calorie phase.
• Those who don’t load properly often struggle with hunger, cravings and lower weight loss during the diet phase. Proper loading improves results.

How to Load Correctly on the HCG Diet

Loading correctly on the HCG diet is crucial for the best results. Here are some tips:

• Start HCG injections on the morning of the first loading day. Continue taking HCG during loading.
• Eat plenty of high fat, high calorie foods like burgers, pizza, desserts for 2-3 days. Limit carbs and sugars.
• Eat until comfortably full, not overly stuffed. Listen to your body’s signals.
• Expect to gain 1-3 pounds typically. Less than that may indicate inadequate loading.
• Choose indulgent foods you crave so those cravings are satisfied before the low calorie diet.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the loading phase.

Sample Foods to Eat During HCG Loading

Here are some common high calorie, high fat foods people enjoy during the loading phase:Breakfast:

• Bacon, sausage, eggs
• Pancakes or waffles with butter and syrup
• Doughnuts, pastries, muffins
• Hash browns cooked in oil
• Sugary cereal

Lunch/Dinner:

• Burgers and fries
• Pizza
• Fried chicken
• Steak, pork chops or ribs
• Salmon, tuna
• Cheese dishes like mac and cheese or cheese enchiladas

Snacks:

• Chips, pretzels, crackers
• Nuts
• Cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream
• Milkshakes
• Guacamole and chips
• Cheese and crackers

Drinks:

• Soda, sweet tea, lemonade
• Milk, chocolate milk
• Juice
• Alcoholic drinks

Tips for Handling Loading on the HCG Diet

Here are some additional tips to make loading go smoothly before starting the low calorie diet:

• Plan indulgent meals and stock up on loading foods in advance.
• Enlist friends and family to join in on the fun, high calorie meals.
• Avoid overstuffing yourself – listen to your body’s signals of fullness.
• Stick to the 2-3 day timeframe, no longer. Extending loading offers no benefits.
• Weigh yourself after loading out of curiosity, but don’t worry if the number goes up.
• Stay excited for the weight loss ahead and satisfied with reducing cravings during loading.

Conclusion

While it may seem counterintuitive at first, properly loading up on high fat, high calorie foods is a crucial part of preparing for success on the HCG diet. Loading helps build up HCG levels, fills fat stores to prevent hunger, and satisfies cravings before the low calorie phase begins.

Be sure to load adequately by eating indulgently for 2-3 days, and stay hydrated. If done correctly, loading makes sticking to the strict 500 calorie diet much easier. For more information on the HCG diet and loading, visit usahcg.com. Their offerings include HCG diet programs, recipes, guidance and support.