The HCG diet has been one of the most controversial and hotly debated weight loss gimmicks for the past 60 years. And ever since Dr. Oz openly changed his mind and aired a special report on it last year, more people than ever are trying it.
If I had my way, I’d have HCG outlawed to help prevent the extensive damage it produces in the body. Sadly, this will not happen any time soon. Currently, there is no evidence supporting HCG’s ability to curb hunger. Even the FDA warns consumers and physicians against the use of HCG for weight loss!
Truth is, many people on HCG are willing to take their chances with starvation diets to help them get past that intimidating hurdle in their quest for weight loss. If you are one of those people, please consult your natural health care provider before taking HCG to lose weight, especially if you’re an athlete. If you still feel compelled to take it, then following the advice below is critical to prevent significant damage to your body as you exercise.
HCG-diet, one of the first low-calorie weight loss fads
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), the hormone produced by a fertilized egg that triggers pregnancy tests, has been linked to weight control since the 1950s when British endocrinologist Dr. ATW Simeons first observed its almost magical effects on pregnant women in India. Outlined in his 1954 book, “Pounds & Inches: A New Approach To Obesity,” Simeons claims that the ultra-low calorie diet works by simultaneously suppressing appetite while helping your body metabolize fat. Hence, the premise behind eating just 500 calories per day is that people who are on HCG live on two sources of energy: the 500 calories they eat, and the energy that is created when excess fat is burned by the hormone.
Because of the extremely low caloric intake suggested by the HCG diet, it is vital to follow the following steps to most effectively maximize your exercise routine.
Step 1
Drink an extra glass of water before and after your workout, making sure you are well hydrated. Low-calorie diets have the tendency to cause fluid imbalance due to nutritional deficiency and lead to muscle cramping.
Step 2
Stick to mild exercises. One-hour of step aerobics will burn around 500 calories per hour thereby wiping out your entire daily caloric intake one workout! This will put excess strain on your liver and gallbladder and may lead to constipation. The list below is a sample of activities that require minimal energy and the amount of calories they burn in one hour. It is based on individuals weighing 130 pounds.
- Ballroom dancing (slow): 177 calories.
- Baseball or softball: 207 calories.
- Calisthenics like push-ups and sit-ups: 207 calories.
- Diving (platform or springform): 177 calories.
- Golfing while pulling your clubs on a cart: 254 calories.
- Gymnastics: 236 calories.
- Jazzercise: 354 calories.
- Kayaking: 295 calories.
- Rowing: machine (light): 207 calories.
- Stretching (mild): 148 calories.
- Swimming (leisurely): 354 calories.
- Tai Chi: 236 calories.
- Volleyball: 177 calories.
- Walking (brisk pace, 3.5 mph): 224 calories.
Step 3
Make sure you eat at the right times. The Mayo Clinic cautions overeating before you exercise so eat a hearty snack about an hour before your workout and wait at least two hours before you exercise after eating a large meal.
Step 4
Depending on your training goals, you may want to take in some extra, healthy calories to prevent crashing. Take advantage of these low-calorie foods that will fill you up and provide extra nutrients.
- Asparagus
- Bok choy
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Green peppers
- Green tea
- Kiwi
- Plums
- Radish
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Swiss chard
- Summer squash
- Tomatoes
References:
- http://www.humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/learn-the-connection-between-diet-and-muscle-cramping
- http://www.nutristrategy.com/activitylist4.htm
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ00594_D
- http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/MedicationHealthFraud/ucm281834.htm
