Adapting the hCG Diet to a Vegetarian Lifestyle
The hCG Diet plan is designed to produce rapid weight loss by following a calorically restrictive diet while taking or injecting supplemental hCG. During the active weight loss phase of the hCG Diet, caloric intake is limited to 500 calories per day for most people. Under normal conditions, the quality and balance of nutrients you consume is important for optimal health. As you might imagine, when you’re consuming a strictly limited number of calories, the nutritional profile of your food is even more important.
According to the hCG Diet plan, protein is typically sourced from lean animal products. Those who follow a vegetarian diet often wonder if the hCG Diet can safely be adapted to their vegetarian lifestyle. The good news is that yes, it can. Here’s what you need to know.
What to Eat While On the hCG Diet
The standard protocol for the hCG Diet is pretty simple and follows the rule of twos. Each day you consume 2 portions of protein, 2 servings of fruit, 2 servings of vegetables and 2 pieces of melba toast. While the majority of the diet is perfectly suitable to a vegetarian lifestyle, the protein portions are assumed to come from animal sources. If you follow a vegetarian diet, it’s important to understand how to make substitutions and still see results.
For vegetarians, non-meat animal sources of protein like low fat milk and cheese can be a way to get in your protein requirement. Certain protein shakes are also permitted if neither of these options work for you. If you follow a vegan diet, tofu or prepared vegan protein burgers can be considered as a protein substitution.
Will Following a Vegetarian Diet Affect Weight Loss Results?
The hCG excludes many plant-based sources of proteins, such as legumes, grains and nuts. These food choices, which are often dietary staples for vegetarians, are considered to be too calorically dense or high in fat. If you normally follow a vegetarian diet, you should still exclude these food choices while following the hCG plan.
Vegetarians and vegans can still benefit from weight loss with the hCG Diet; however, the results might be slightly less than what is seen in people who follow the standard protocol for the plan. Dairy products like milk and cheese are higher in sugars than meat protein. This can affect the rate of weight loss and the overall results that you’ll achieve while following the diet.
For vegans, consuming tofu and other soy products as a source of protein can also have a slight to moderate effect on results. Soy products may slow down weight loss because soy estrogens can affect how the body burns fat. If soy products are used, they should be consumed in moderation.
The Bottom Line
The hCG Diet is a plan that helps you regain control of your health. Getting rid of extra weight is one of the most important things you can do for your health. While vegetarians and vegans may experience a slight reduction in fat burning and weight loss, the results can still be noticeable and impressive.
If you’d like to learn more about the hCG Diet, we’re here to help. Contact us at HCG Buy Direct to learn more about the diet plan and discover the hCG supplements that will propel you towards success.