When I first heard about the HCG diet I thought it was crazy, I didn’t understand how anyone could eat only 500 calories a day. I have been on many diets in the past, Nutri-System, Weight Watchers, and others. I have been most successful losing weight by journaling my food and exercising. I lost 40 pounds that way and was down to the final 10. I couldn't seem to get the last 10 pounds off by myself so after talking to another friend who also told me she is on the HCG diet I decided it was something I would look into.
I started looking on the Internet for information and came across Dr. Bird's website. I learned more about Dr. Bird and how the diet worked. I understand now that the HCG helps to keep your metabolism fired up so your body doesn’t go into starvation mode and hold on to everything you eat. I also realized I could order HCG online and try it on my own-but decided that the HCG probably wouldn’t be real and I needed the support and guidance of a doctor.
I purchased the 23-day plan and have five days left on the program and have lost 16 pounds and 5 inches so far – it would be more, but I took a break to go to Colorado for a weekend. I am very happy with the speedy results and the relatively painless method of losing weight. I do think the diet is restrictive, some work, and antisocial-I wouldn’t recommend this if you have a trip planned or lots of social functions coming up. You need to be able to grocery shop, cook your own food and weigh it (and weigh yourself). I am looking forward to the maintenance phase and adding more fruits and vegetables to my plan. My hope is to lose another 3-5 pounds and keep it off forever. I didn’t think I would be able to lose more than ten pounds and am thrilled at how I look in my clothes.