Tap to Read ➤

What is a hCG 500 Calorie Diet?

Hemangi Harankhedkar
Many people follow the hCG 500 calorie diet for weight loss, because of its guaranteed and quick results. Learn everything about the diet plan here.
The hCG diet program is a boon for people obsessed with weight loss. The hCG or human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone secreted by pregnant women during pregnancy. It is believed, that the hormone controls the function of metabolism in pregnant women.
Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, a British physician, had discovered the use of hCG hormones in weight loss. The hCG hormone injections if combined with a 'proper' 500 calorie diet, causes weight loss.
Dr. Simeons was very precise about the foods allowed during the diet. If one follows this diet plan strictly, and takes the recommended hCG drops, he/she will surely lose weight. Let's have a look at the food limitations in detail.

hCG 500 Calorie Diet: Overview

One would wonder, how would 500 calories will be enough for the day, when the normal daily recommended intake of calories is well above 1000 calories. But the fact is, the diet plan plays a major role in the hCG diet, and so one should stick to it so as to experience its benefits.
If one properly follows the given diet, weight loss is bound to occur, but the diet can lead to certain side effects too, which you will find in the coming paragraphs. Take a look at the important foods that should be consumed during the important meals of the day. You need to take care that the calorie intake should not exceed 500/day.
Breakfast: When on an hCG diet, one should begin the day by drinking tea or coffee in any amount (with no sugar). Sugar should be avoided because it contributes to fat. Alternatively, you can use saccharine or stevia, which are the best alternatives to sugar till date. Also, one can have only one tablespoon of milk in the day.
Lunch / Dinner: The hCG 500 calorie based diet should include 1 bread stick / 1 Melba toast. One can have 100 grams of any of the mentioned food items for lunch and dinner.
But remember to remove all the visible fat from the food before cooking, and boil or grill the food without adding any extra fat.
  • Veal
  • Beef
  • Chicken Breast
  • White Fish (Fresh)
  • Spinach
  • Crab or Shrimp
  • Lobster
  • Chard
  • Chicory
  • Green Salads
  • Tomatoes
  • Celery
  • Fennel
  • Onion
  • Radish
  • Cucumber
  • Asparagus
  • Cabbage
Fruits: One of any of the fruits daily, as a snack or with lunch/dinner.
  • Apple
  • Orange
  • 4-5 Strawberries
  • Handful of Grapes

hCG Diet Dangers

There is no medical evidence to prove the results of the diet, and so medical experts are against its use for weight loss. The hCG hormone injections for weight loss are also not FDA approved.
Some people have experienced side effects like nausea, dizziness, mood swings, depression, and abdominal pain. In women, the hCG diet can cause problems with the menstrual cycle too. Dietitians are also opposed to the use of such a low-calorie diet for weight loss.
The hCG 500 calorie diet, when combined with the hCG hormone supplements in the form of injections, can help you shed a few pounds. Though there is no enough backing to this diet, the decision of using hCG diet entirely depends on the person. One should take care to follow the diet under reliable medical guidance only.