Dr. Simeon's hCG Diet

I know it's not normal for a physician to recommend a very low calorie diet, but sometimes you absolutely, positively have to jump start your weight loss. If your metabolism is dragging and you just can't kick the pounds you might have to look in another direction. Dr. Simeon's hCG diet (from his manuscript "Pounds and Inches") is a good start. We're going to spend some time this week studying Dr. Simeon's approach to treating obesity, but I figured starting this discussion with a quick look at his very low calorie diet would be a good way to get your attention!

Remember, before launching this diet you should take the time to read through "Pounds and Inches" and talk to your physician to make sure you're staying healthy while continuing to lose weight.

Breakfast:

Tea or coffee in any quantity without sugar. Only one tablespoonful of milk allowed in 24 hours. Saccharin or Stevia may be used.

Lunch:

1. 100 grams of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat must be carefully removed before cooking, and the meat must be weighed raw. It must be boiled or grilled without additional fat. Salmon, eel, tuna, herring, dried or pickled fish are not allowed. The chicken breast must be removed from the bird.
2. One type of vegetable only to be chosen from the following: spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens, green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage.
3. One breadstick (grissino) or one Melba toast.
4. An apple, orange, or a handful of strawberries or one-half grapefruit.

Dinner :
The same four choices as lunch (above.)


(Excerpt found at http://hcgdietinfo.com/HCG-Diet-Protocol.htm).

What's On Your Plate This Weekend?

Have you seen the latest diet that's running around these days that completely frees you of responsibility for what you eat on the weekends? I wasn't sure whether to be amused or appalled. Personally, I know what I'd do with carte blanche all weekend long-and it wouldn't involve broccoli, carrots or the broiled chicken I've got lined up for dinner tomorrow night!

Rather than saving your treats up and binging on them in a two day binge-fest that's going to completely ruin everything you've worked for all week long, why not treat yourself a little every night? Dark chocolate is actually a respectably healthy snack in small portions, and it does a great job of helping to curb your cravings. Pair it up with some red wine and you've got a Mediterranean style luxury snack.

Can't say "no" to that key lime pie? The key is all in the serving size. A small piece of pie isn't going to kill your diet, but eating the entire thing could have some nasty side effects. So pay attention to what's on your plate this weekend, and don't forget to treat yourself-in moderation.