Right O’, Phase 2 is done… But now what?
Some people get a bit stuck on Phase 3 because the original HCG Diet protocol which was written by Dr Simeons doesn’t give very many guidelines for this important part of the diet. However, Phase 3 or the “Maintenance Phase” is a critical part of completing the HCG Diet.
- When you start adding sugars and starches back into your diet, consume only small amounts and increase your intake slowly over the 3 weeks
- Keep tracking your food intake and portion sizes for the next few weeks. This will help you identify problem foods and give you a good idea of how much you can eat without gaining the weight back.
- 1200-1500 Calories is a good benchmark to start from when thinking about your food intake. Use the My Fitness Pal app to check what you are eating.
- Don’t even think about adding fizzy drinks, diet or otherwise to your diet. There is research indicating that diet sodas may be even worse for your health than regular fizzy drinks. Stick to your water, tea and coffee sweetened with stevia if necessary. Juices with no added sugar are OK to drink.
- If you start getting cravings again then pay careful attention to your emotions and your stress level. Identifying your food triggers is a crucial part of keeping your new weight stable.
- Try to focusing on natural, organic foods, including high-fiber veggies and fruits and lean meats.
- Avoid processed foods, saturated fats and fast food.
- Keep your weight 1-1.5 kgs either side of your final weigh in. It this deviates then adjust your diet to suit. Weigh yourself daily after you have been to the toilet and on an empty stomach.
Now that you’re no longer taking HCG diet drops and following the 500-calorie diet, you have more freedom—but you have more responsibility as well! Having lost weight with the HCG diet, why would you want to go back to your old habits and gain all that weight back? Following these HCG phase 3 tips and using your common sense, you can keep the weight off long term!
Need some more info on what to eat: HCG Diet – Phase 3 Foods.
