HCG in the News and an Opinion

Some of my facebook friends have been asking how I've lost over 70 pounds.  Apparently it's been on a diet that doesn't work!  So says the FDA/FTC anyway.  Here's a link to the FDA article about HCG Diet Drops: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm281333.htm for those who are curious.

Over the past 7 months as I have systematically progressed through the HCG protocols, I have heard the opinions of others on HCG.  These opinions range from complete belief in the process (usually from those who've researched it, followed the diet and greatly benefitted) to disdain, and from some, veiled jealousy.  There were many who fell on the spectrum in between. And LOTS of people were curious.

I've even fielded many questions about Barry's heart attack.  Was it caused by the HCG diet? NO!  There is no way the diet drops the FDA calls of no use and fraudulent could have blocked an artery 100% at age 51. According to his doctors, that blockage (mostly due to genetics) began when he was about 10 years old.  Homeopathic HCG drops do not even have enough hormone in them to trigger a pregnancy test, which detects HCG.  We asked the doctors if rapid weight loss or a low carb diet could have done this.   All of them have said no and that the weight loss may have saved his life.  Even a 10 pound loss can make a huge difference in fighting (or surviving) heart disease.

By the way, when followed properly, the diet actually is not high protein, nor protein deficient, .  It's just healthy portion sizes of proteins, lots of veggies and low fat for a limited period of time in the work phase (drops used 3x daily) of the diet.  The next phase consists of no drops and a normal calorie level with the main restriction being no sugar or starchy carbs/veggies.  Oils and good fats are welcome again. This phase was always followed by a period of new normal, healthy, balanced eating.

That said, I have never supported careless use of the product or taking the diet's restrictions lightly.  It never was a diet for everyone!  Any ketone-based diet (burning your own fat) has its dangers.  Water intake is critical, as is a knowledge of your body and it's signals.  In truth, any diet has its dangers.  But so does obesity!

My friend Cheryl came up with a description of the HCG protocol that I really resonated with.  She referred to it as dieting chemo.  Something as powerful as chemo is not to be used lightly.  It is used to dramatically reverse a life-threatening disease.  Obesity is such a disease.  For this reason, I always encourage people to check with their doctor, informing them before going on any diet.

It's true actually HCG was not the cause of my weight loss.  I believe the low calorie diet along with the restriction from fats, carbs, gluten, casein and drinking lots of water were the actual means of weight loss.  What the HCG did for me (I say this personally-not professionally) was to remove toxic fat from places it normally would not come from without the HCG.  I also did not have the typical muscle wasting caused by low calorie diets taken on without HCG.  In addition it allowed me to reshape my body, eliminating the belly fat that is a huge contributor to heart disease!  I am actually about 15-20 pounds heavier than the last time I had these measurements and wore a size 8. The HCG did something good in me!  So did the restrictive, more wholesome diet.

Before HCG I did not want to eat ANY vegetables.  I craved starches and sweets almost uncontrollably.  Veggies tasted like dirt and I had an aversion to even preparing them. I was 90 pounds overweight. This was after 5 years of natural health and nutrition training!  Will power and knowledge wasn't enough to break my destructive food choices.  Once I was a few days into my HCG protocol that restricted the foods I'd become addicted to, I found myself liking veggies again.  So thanks FDA for your oversight for my health.  I'm guessing this won't be the last time.  I wonder if they'll outlaw my vegetable and fruit juicing next?