Second Nature Care Blog

Calling all Caterpillars: Hardcore HCG Strategies

[fa icon="calendar'] Jan 11, 2016 9:00:00 AM / by Winter Ninivaggi

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Hey guys, it's Winter. I have some really cool news for everyone!

I was super excited to tell everyone that I'm pregnant! Well at least my body thinks I am. I'm back with the "Hardcore Strategies" series of Dr. G's blog, but this time it's not gluten. 

Yesterday I started the HCG diet because I was ready for a BIG change in my life. When I decided to take on the HCG diet with Dr. Guggenheim I had a lot of questions so we figured that many of you that are on the diet are thinking about taking the leap for yourselves and might have the same questions. 

Before I started Dr. G thought it would be a fantastic idea if I shared my experiences, struggles, tips and tricks with all of you as I continue on my journey from a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly. 

I am lucky enough to have the best bonus to the diet, getting to see and speak to Dr. G almost every day. Even just a few minutes ago I was able to quickly ask her something about what I was eating. But don't worry, you aren't alone!

I know how difficult it can be when you are struggling to lose weight. Or when you are on some new trend diet that seems to be working for everyone but you. This is why I took the plunge into the HCG diet.

The HCG diet can seem scary at first. For me the thought of the injection was terrifying (even though I have tattoos). The idea of giving myself a shot made me very nervous. I thought I was going to get handed a box of needles and sent on my way to man up and do it myself.

Dr. G really takes the time to show you exactly how to administer the injection and makes sure you are comfortable doing it and also shows you that it does not hurt at all. 

Hardcore HCG Strategies

TIP #1: The injection

When I went to give myself my first solo injection I froze. I suddenly forgot how to do it and that it DOES NOT hurt. When I worked up the courage to just do it I started prepping with an alcohol swab and immediately got nervous and thought that I would not get the injection exactly where I sterilized the area (crazy, right?)

  • Use an ice cube for your first few injections if you get nervous!
  • The ice not only numbs the area so if you get it in your head that the needle might hurt you can feel reassured that it will not. 
  • After holding the ice in place for a while clean the area that is now frozen with the alcohol swab. 
  • You will get the added bonus of a change in the skin from where the ice cube was that there will be no confusion as to where the sterile injection site should be.

As I mentioned earlier, I just spoke to Dr. G about a couple questions I had about my meals and what was acceptable to eat. 

TIP #2 Extra Food

It might seem harmless to pack down your veggies into that serving cup to ensure you are not missing out on any food you might be able to have. I'm guilty! Let's Face it, HCG is a restrictive diet and our brains tell us that we have to eat more because we are being told not to. Here's the catch, you aren't actually hungry for more veggies and you do not get cravings for other foods. 

  • Be reasonable in your portion sizes. Meat is 3.5 oz and try your best to really keep your vegetable portion at around a cup to a cup and a half. 
  • Also, that sugar free sucking candy that you think won't hurt, will. Be strong, in the event you have a sweet craving try to drink some lemon water or green tea. The craving will pass in a couple of minutes. You probably won't have any.
  • If you feel like your food is too bland for you check out the list of seasonings you can use.  

TIP #3 Be prepared!

In everyone's fast paced life, making sure to eat a 3.5 oz protien and a cup of vegetables twice a day can seem daunting. I had this fear as well, but trust me when I say, it is not! 

  • Try to have a few options for meals ready during the week. Make a weeks worth of grilled chicken on Sunday. Or even buy it premade from your local super market or deli. They will weigh it out for you. You can also get some 3.5 oz turkey burgers made up for you or if you have time to grill buy some lean chop meat and make yourself a burger for dinner. 
  • For me personally, I have found that getting the 1 serving size frozen pre-packaged veggies are the easiest. You can steam them right in the microwave in less then five minutes and you are set for your portion of veggies. Your supermarket also has freezers full of these so you have lots to choose from. 

Today I brought this to the office:

  • A 3.5 oz piece of grilled chicken. (I purchased a 1.40lb back of premade grilled chicken from the deli. This is good for four meals!) Don't knock it til you try it but mustard tastes great to dip if you don't like plain grilled chicken.
  • A single portion of frozen microwaveable string beans.
  • A large naval orange and a gluten free cracker.
  • 2 water bottles.

I will try to update everyone whenever possible with new strategies and to tell you about my experiences with the diet. I hope these blogs will give you the courage to change your life too. If you are already on it I hope that I am able to answer some of the questions you may have. Good luck on your journey to becoming the beautiful butterfly you already are on the inside! 

If you are interested and want to try this with me, give Dr. Guggenheim a call! We can do it together!

Book Today!

http://www.secondnaturecare.com/mona-lisa-touch

 

 

Topics: Weight Loss and Obesity

Winter Ninivaggi

Written by Winter Ninivaggi

Isadora Guggenheim, ND, FNP, RN, MS, CNS, LMT, owner of Second Nature Naturopathic Care, LLC
For all appointments: Tel: 845 358-8385 Fax: 845 358-2963 drguggenheim@msn.com