
Protein is essential in maintaining a healthy diet. It is one of the macronutrients that the body needs for growth, function, and development. It is a chemical building of amino acids that the body uses to repair tissues, enzymes, muscle, and bones.
The Importance of Protein on the HCG Diet
The calories you consume on lunch and dinner on the HCG diet should have a portion of protein. It helps in suppressing your appetite and curbing your hunger on the VLCD. Your digestive system breaks down the proteins into amino acids and uses them in increasing your metabolic rate. The higher the level of your metabolism, the more pounds you shed during the HCG diet.
Amount of Protein Allowable on the HCG Diet
During the second phase of the HCG diet, you need to eat 200 grams of protein per day. Eating protein is your lineup defense against your unhealthy food indulgences. Ensure that you get the leanest cut and take off the visible fats before cooking. Weigh the protein of your choice to avoid going beyond 500 calories.
Protein and Muscle Development on the HCG Diet
One of the known roles of protein on your HCG diet is maintaining your muscle mass in the fat-burning phase. They are one of the typical food when you plan to incorporate exercise on the HCG diet. It prevents muscle loss and soreness. Protein can also repair and make your lean mass bigger and firm.
The Protein Sources that you can Eat on the HCG diet
- Lean beef meat
- Chicken breast
- Whitefish
- Crab
- Lobster
- Shrimp
- Scallops
- Egg
- Cottage cheese
Some vegetables are rich in protein like:
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Brussels and sprouts
- Brocolli
- Lentils
The protein sources of the HCG diet are nutritious and have low-calorie content. They are proven to work with the HCG shots in burning your fats. Some healthy options for protein are not permissible on the HCG diet as they contain high calories and can interfere with the HCG.
Protein Sources that you Cannot Eat on Phase 2 of the HCG Diet
- Tofu
- Peanut
- Green peas
- Lima Beans
- Chickpeas
- Refined beans
- Sweet potatoes
- Corn
- Whole grain
- Pork meat
- Salmon
- Soy milk
- Cheese
These options contain loads of calories that do not help in reaching your weight loss goal. Stick to permissible choices on the HCG diet to increase fat-burning.
Can you Have Protein Shakes on the HCG Diet?
Protein powder is allowable to your HCG diet as long as they are free from sugar and other ingredients that interfere with the HCG. Protein shakes helps in maintaining muscle mass when you incorporate exercise on the HCG diet.
Tips in Choosing Protein Shakes for the HCG Diet
- Your diet shake should not contain sugar, lactose, and other artificial sweeteners.
- Opt for stevia instead of artificial flavoring.
- The protein shakes should not contain ingredients that are not permissible on the second phase of the HCG diet.
- You cannot take more than 100 grams of protein shakes per day.
- Avoid substituting your meal with shakes to prevent nutritional deficiency.