The hCG diet has been customized into many different protocols over the years, but the original protocol developed by Dr. Albert Simeons contains the two foundation elements that have remained consistent: a very low calorie diet, and the use of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin for spot reduction and appetite reduction. The classic Simeons protocol used hCG injections to enable dieters to maintain a diet of 500 calories a day for up to six weeks. By using hCG, dieters may eat very small quantities of food without hunger or fatigue. Other protocols use different hCG products, slightly more calories, or newer food products, and the original protocol provides a good starting point for learning the basics of the diet.

Taking HCG

HCG can be taken orally or by injection, but the original hCG protocol used injections exclusive. Shots can be placed directly in fat deposits, dislodging accumulated for the metabolism to burn for supplemental energy. Since oral drops must act on fat indirectly, more is necessary to achieve the same results–an average of 175 IU instead of the 125 IU average daily dose taken by injection. HCG is takes on a 23-day schedule for weight loss goals of 15 pounds or less, or a 40-day plan for higher weight loss goals. At the conclusion of either plan, the dieter must stop the low calorie diet and the hCG administration for six weeks to prevent becoming inured to the hormone.

Very Low Calorie Meals

The hCG diet skips breakfast, except for unsugared coffee or tea, and concentrates on small four-course meals for lunch and dinner. Each meal allows for a bread item, a vegetable, a selection of fruit, and up to 200 grams of fish or meat with any visible fat removed. The bread piece may be a grissino or a slice of Melba toast. The fruit selection may be an orange, half a grapefruit, an apple or a handful of strawberries. Oil-based dressings, dairy and alcohol are prohibited at all times, as is sugar, though Saccharin or Stevia may be used as sweeteners. An hCG forum will point to other sweeteners and food items that may be used as substitutes.