The HCG diet is easy to implement but, sticking to a very low-calorie diet is challenging. Having bad habits can add to the challenge of changing your lifestyle. During the HCG diet, you should stick to approved foods to continue weight loss. Opt for natural choices to reach success.
Consume at least 500 calories per day on the second phase of the HCG diet. Get the calories from protein, fruit, and vegetable sources. Vegetables are rich in fiber and nutrients. They help in maintaining your fullness during the low-calorie phase. Opt for non-starchy vegetables to avoid excess calories.
The benefits of vegetables during the HCG diet
The approved veggies on the HCG diet have low to zero fat content. They contain essential vitamins and nutrients you need for the fat-burning phase. Vegetables maintain healthy blood pressure and sugar levels. Eating vegetables also lowers your risk of weight-related diseases. Increase your vegetable serving but, ensure you eat 500 calories per day.
On the HCG diet, you can eat at least two servings of green vegetables per day. Avoid adding oils as it results in weight gain.
The vegetables you can eat during the HCG diet
- Asparagus
- Cabbage
- Beet greens
- Celery
- Chicory
- Chard
- Fennel
- Cucumber
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Radish
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Zucchini
- Mushroom
- Sprouts
- Brussels sprouts
Mixing vegetables on the HCG diet is not permissible during Phase 2. Vegetables have different calorie levels. When you combine them, there is a tendency that you eat more calories. Stick to the approved vegetables to prevent a delay in weight loss.
Vegetables that are not permissible during the HCG diet
Some vegetables are HCG diet approved and, there are also items you cannot eat during the VLCD. These are vegetables that contain starch. Avoid eating the following:
- Potato
- Peas
- Acorn squash
- Corn
- Pumpkin
- Squash
- Parsnips
- Rice
- Lentils
- Taro
- Sweet potatoes
- Yam
- Butternut squash
Avoid eating canned vegetables as it contains chemicals. The canning process adds more chemicals and preservatives to the food. As a result, the nutritional content of the vegetable degrades.
Does eating vegetable help in burning fats during the HCG diet?
Vegetables help in fat burning but, they cannot stand alone without the HCG. Eating vegetables can assist the HCG in lowering your calorie intake. It opens a way for the hormone to start burning your fats. The fiber content in vegetables helps improve your satiety.
Can you make vegetables as a substitute for snack foods in the HCG diet?
The HCG diet-approved vegetables can be a substitute for snack foods. Ensure you eat an adequate amount of calories per day. Leafy greens help in dealing with sugar cravings. Get a proper portion for snacking. Avoid adding sauce and salad creams.
How to prepare your vegetable meal during the HCG diet?
You can eat vegetables half-cooked or raw to get most of the nutrients. Avoid frying our foods in oils and heavy creams. The cooking methods you can do on the HCG diet are steaming, broiling, and grilling. Weight each vegetable choice before cooking. Avoid adding condiments and spices that are not permissible.
