No doubt both plans work. Thousands and even millions of dieters had an amazing result with each of these approaches.
You may have been familiar with Dr. Simeons’ original HCG Diet protocol and its 500-calorie intake per day on phase 2. Other requirements include a specific food list and prohibition on exercise while on the HCG diet. This protocol has been proven to be very effective for years. Because of the diet restriction, some find it quite challenging to stick with. Thus, physicians and researchers have come up with multiple alternatives protocols, each with its clinical backing. Many of the alternative HCG diet protocols that were introduced since the original protocol focused on making eating easier and less restrictive. However, the result that each plan promised has not been guaranteed to be as good as the original protocol.
Dr. Simeons HCG Diet
Originally created by Dr. Simeons in the 1950s, the HCG diet calls for a very strict calorie intake of only 500 calories per day along with a daily injection of HCG. HCG injection stimulates the brain to signal the body to burn stored fat. The hormone also suppresses cravings and appetite. When followed properly, dieters can lose up to 1 to 2 pounds per day.
It also consists of rigid food list that many find to be intimidating and tend to turn away from it. Some dieters who adhere to the diet often cheat. Dieters who completed the plan, however, have achieved great results.
Modern HCG Diet
The modern HCG diet is a completely different approach. It includes a customized approach designed to make weight loss effortless and fun. It draws upon what we know about modern nutrition, fitness, and behavioral trends. It also uses modern technology to make weight loss much easier. In other words, this new protocol eases, simplifies, and even makes weight loss fun.
In the modern protocol, a 500-calorie diet is no longer applicable. With the modern approach, the focus is always on the foods as well as adjustment to the total calorie intake per day. The recommended calorie intake, particularly for first-time dieters, is 700 or 800 calories. Rather than being restricted to eating a handful of fruits, veggies, and proteins, dieters are allowed to eat all types of foods, as long as they are low in carbohydrates. This includes foods that were not allowed in the original protocol, such as carrots, beet, and pineapple. Sugar is still not permitted in this modern-day approach.
Selecting the right protocol
If you have followed the original protocol in the past with good results, we recommend you not to switch to the modern-day protocol. There is no need to change unless you have had difficulties before. If you are new to the HCG diet, we recommend that you start with the modern HCG diet. With 700 calories per day, many dieters have always had just as much success. There have been fewer plateaus reports and hunger issues too. But then it is ultimately up to you to decide which protocol to follow. We do not recommend one method above another.
