HCG diets are popular all over the world, with a number of different websites and books dedicated to hcg (hcgdietdirect.com) supplements and recipes. HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a glycoprotein hormone produced mostly during pregnancy. HCG has been used as a weight loss supplement since 1954, with the initial publication of a diet book from Dr. Simeons.
This book, “A New Approach to Obesity”, together with the follow up book, “Pounds and Inches”, kick started the HCG diet phenomenon. While people do have success from HCG diet programs, it is important to note that the use of HCG is controversial and professional medical advice should be sought before starting any hcg program.
These initial publications written by Dr. Simeons formed the basis of the traditional HCG supplement program, which also includes a strict very low calorie diet. However, there has also been numerous interpretations and modifications of Dr. Simeons’ work since this time, along with the development of a number of HCG diet plans which promote homoeopathic HCG products. Homoeopathic HCG products do not have to be injected like regular HCG hormones, and are also known as HCG drops or HCG weight loss drops.
Whether you plan on losing weight with HCG hormone injections or HCG weight loss drops, it is important to remember that a strict diet plan was also a big part of Dr. Simeon’s initial work. A few basic recipes were developed by the Doctor, with no allowance for any fat or carbohydrates and limited use of other foods. This recipe might be regarded as extreme by many medical professionals today, so it is always important to seek medical advice before starting any diet program. The diet included only coffee and tea for breakfast, together with a protein and vegetable portion for lunch and dinner, with all fat removed before cooking and only boiling and grilling allowed. There is a lot of information on HCG diet programs on the Internet, both through third party sources and commercial diet companies.