The HCG diet is not only an effective plan for weight loss, but it also incorporates new eating habits after finishing the diet that will help you maintain your weight for good.

Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines a habit as “having a method of doing things that is automatic, and usually not intended to be done consciously”. This means that you don’t have to make a conscious decision to do it, and more importantly, you may feel weird or bad not to do it.

Most of us rely on habits. We rely on the same groceries, produce, and recipes again and again, and live within our familiar routines. But if you are serious about losing weight and change your eating habits, shake things up, change your bad eating habits and start thinking differently about your lifestyle and diet.

If you look at naturally thin people, you notice that many of their eating habits are like what dieters on the HCG diet practice. Basically, their diet includes eating healthy fruits, vegetables, and protein choices. They healthily prepare their food, and they eat only when they are truly hungry.

Switching to a healthy diet

Switching to a healthy diet does not always have to be all or nothing. You don’t have to be perfect or to eliminate or give up foods you enjoy all at once, as this usually leads to cheating. A better approach is to make a few changes one at a time, and you can do this through the HCG Diet. Keeping your goal modest can help you achieve more in the long run. You will feel less deprived and less overwhelmed by a drastic change in diet. When switching to a healthy diet, think of it as a series of small, manageable steps, as if you are adding a salad to your diet once a day. As you get used to your minor changes, you can make more healthy choices.

The HCG Diet and long-term changes

To eat healthily, you need to make some healthy changes in your diet and that’s what the HCG diet teaches you. Changing your eating habits takes time. Some changes are easier to make and can lead to better health. It depends on your determination and your level of motivation. The greater your motivation, the more likely your habit to take hold.

The way the protocol is designed essentially changes your eating habits for you over an extended time. For example, you chose to do the 42-day protocol- you’ll be eating healthily with only fruits, Melba toast, or Grissini sticks as your carb source. The determination you have comes from the rapid weight loss you are experiencing. By the time you finish the protocol, that’s nearly two months of lots of clean eating, you are most likely to not eat any of those unhealthy foods you used to eat a lot. You won’t have those cravings anymore because you’ve been eating long enough that your system is cleaned out. You’re healed and the hormones that tell you to eat are in hiding. You’ve broken the nasty habit of eating way too much, and so are your cravings.

Every culture has put a unique spin on Valentine’s Day, yet the center is all about showing love with the surrounding people- whether that be through food such as an elaborate dinner out, a box of chocolate, an indulgent dessert, or all of them. Love or hate it, Valentine’s Day is still one of the biggest and busiest restaurant nights of the year. The big deal here is that-what if you are on the HCG Diet?

With a few tips and proper planning, you can get through this day without adding too many extra calories. Here are some tips:

• Start health

When dining out, start with a light salad or soup to fill up before going for your entrée. It would also be nice to share it with your partner.

• Think red

Strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, red bell peppers, and red onions are all packed with vitamins. They are rich in cancer-fighting oxidants and cholesterol-busting fiber and proteins. They are HCG diet friendly too. Forget about the margarita or champagne and ask for a glass of red wine. Red wine contains powerful plant compounds and antioxidants responsible for many health benefits, including:

• Lowering the risk of heart disease
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Regulating blood sugar level
  • Lowering the bad cholesterol
  • Keeping you slim
• Abstain completely from all V-Day sweets

Though it may seem impossible, with the right attitude and mindset you can do it. To avoid temptations, it’s best not to touch any sweet treats that aren’t HCG diet friendly at all. If you really can’t help it, we have a lot of tasty and sweet V-Day friendly HCG diet dessert recipes. Try making strawberry sauce over cottage cheese, Strawberry sorbet, or strawberry daiquiri.

• Do not deprive yourself completely

V-day is a time for fun, laughter, and food. If you are on phase 3 of the HCG Diet, having a couple of truffles or a small slice of cake will not make you gain weight. Moderation is the key. If you indulge in chocolates this Valentine’s Day, don’t feel guilty. Research shows that chocolate contains a beneficial compound that may help prevent heart disease, enhance immunity, and make us feel great.

• Don’t be afraid of the waiter

When dining out, ask questions about the dish they serve, even in a fancy restaurant. Feel free to make a special request. Ask whether the entrée is sauteed in butter or olive oil-anything that could help cut down on calories. Request for sauces on the side dishes or trade your rice or pasta for a whole wheat variety. Ask the waiter to substitute vegetables for french fries.

Serving sizes at restaurants are typically larger than those in normal homes. If you go out to celebrate, consider splitting a meal with your date or take half home.

• Non-food Valentine’s Day gift

You don’t have to always show your love with foods or fancy treats. So, ask for a gift that doesn’t involve foods or any sweet treats like flowers, a card, or a gift certificate for a fancy massage.