HCG- Question – APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, MSM, MCT – When to do what?
Understanding the ACV, MCT, MSM Usage
QUESTION – Do you do the acv/mct shots and the acv/msm shots? If so how often and how much of each?
My ANSWER – If I use MCI when not o P2 I’m getting that and ACV when I make my salad dressings etc.I also swig the msm liquid when I am applying my “skin recipe” on my face.So I’m getting the same ingredients without them being in a drink shot.
HCG Recipes – Know Your Sugar Substitutes
Making HCG Chocolate Recipes with Xylitol or other Sugar Substitutes
Stevia
Best Healthy Sugar Alternative
Though it is 200-300 times sweeter than table sugar, stevia is not a sugar. Unlike other popular sweeteners, it has a glycemic index rating of less than 1 and therefore does not feed candida (yeast) or cause any of the numerous other problems associated with sugar consumption. Read more about stevia at Organic Lifestyle Magazine (OLM). Please note that Stevia and Truvia are not the same thing.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol sweetener found in the fibers of fruits and vegetables which can cause bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence with initial consumption. It’s said to be safe for pregnant women, and is said to possibly treat ear infections, osteoposis, respiratory infections, candida, and is it even helps fight cavities. In fact, in Finland, virtually all chewing gum is sweetened with xylitol.
Agave Nectar
A sweet syrup made from the Blue Agave plant, Agave Nectar is obtained by the extraction and purification of “sap” from the agave plant, which is broken down by natural enzymes into the monosaccharides (simple sugars): mainly fructose (70-75%) and dextrose (20-26%). Read more about agave nectar at OLM.
Fructose
Though fructose has a low glycemic index rating, fructose consumption should be limited. Fructose is linked to heart disease as it raises triglycerides and cholesterol. It is devoid of nutrition.
Brown Rice Syrup
Though it is said to have a low glycemic index (25), it is not recommended for diabetics, since its sweetness comes from maltose, which is known to cause spikes in blood sugar.
Raw Honey
A Healthy Sugar Alternative in moderation
With antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, carbohydrates, and phytonutrients, raw, unprocessed honey is considered a superfood by many alternative health care practitioners and a remedy for many health ailments. Choose your honey wisely. There is nothing beneficial about processed honey. Read more about honey at OLM.
Coconut Palm Sugar
Originally made from the sugary sap of the Palmyra palm , the date palm or sugar date palm (Phoenix sylvestris). It’s also made from the sap of coconut palms. With a relatively low glycemic index, Cocnut palm sugar is the new rage among health nuts. It’s often called “coconut nectar sugar” or “coconut sugar”.
Apple Juice
Fresh apple juice is good for you, though we recommend eating fresh raw whole apples. Concentrated apple juice (sometimes used as a sweetener) is closer to refined sugar than fresh apple juice.
Barley Malt Syrup
Barley Malt Syrup is considered to be one of the healthiest sweeteners in the natural food industry. Barley malt is made by soaking and sprouting barley to make malt, then combining it with more barley and cooking this mixture until the starch is converted to sugar. The mash is then strained and cooked down to syrup or dried into powder.
Amasake
This is an ancient, Oriental whole grain sweetener made from cultured brown rice. It has a thick, pudding-like consistency. It’s not easy to find in the U.S., but it is a great alternative to refined table sugar.
Sugar Cane Juice
Healthy Sugar Alternative in moderation
Sugar cane juice has many nutrients and other beneficial properties and is said by some health practitioners to be almost as medicinal as raw honey.
Organic Sugar
Organic sugar comes from sugar cane grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. It is usually darker than traditional white sugar because it contains some molasses. (It has not been processed to the degree white sugar is processed).
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is made by boiling sap collected from natural growth maple trees during March & April. It is refined sap and is therefore processed. It has a high glycemic index, and though it is much more nutritious then refined table sugar and high fructose corn syrup, there are better choices.
Evaporated Cane Juice
Evaporated cane juice is often considered unrefined sugar, but juicing is a refining process, and evaporating refines further. Though better than turbinado, cane juice (unevaporated) is a better choice as a sweetener.
Black Strap Molasses
White refined table sugar is sugar cane with all the nutrition taken out. Black strap molasses is all of that nutrition that was taken away. A quality organic (must be organic!) molasses provides iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, and is alkalizing to the body.
Turbinado
Turbinado sugar is partially processed sugar, also called raw sugar.
Raw sugar
Raw sugar is not actually raw sugar. It is processed, though not as refined as common white table sugar. Therefore, given a choice between raw and white, choose raw. There are many different variations of raw sugar with many different names depending on how refined it is.
Cola (and most other sodas)
Though cola has a lower GI ranking then some might expect, there are many other reasons to avoid cola, or any type of soda. There is nothing beneficial to the human body inside a can of soda (not to mention we should avoid drinking out of aluminum cans!).
Alternatine:
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup has very little nutrition and should be avoided.
My how we have evolved with food awareness. My dad would put peanut butter and karo syrup on top of his pancake. Yikes…Sugar,Fat and Carb loaded can you get?
Refined, Pasteurized Honey
The nutrition is gone, and there is often high fructose corn syrup added to processed honey. Refined pasteurized honey is no better than white table sugar.
Refined Table Sugar
Conventionally grown, chemically processed, and striped of all beneficial properties, many health advocates believe that refined sugar is one of the two leading causes (high fructose corn syrup is the other) of nearly every health ailment known to man (or woman or child). Not only does it have a high GI ranking, but it also is extremely acidic to the body causing calcium and other mineral depletion from bones and organs (sugar is alkaline but has a very acidic effect on the body).
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Many health advocates believe that high fructose corn syrup and refined sugar are the two biggest contributors to health ailments in our society. High fructose corn syrup is a combination of sucrose and fructose.
Glucose (AKA Dextrose)
White bread was the benchmark, but for consistency glucose now holds the rating at 100.
This Last One
In my opinion – If you want to lose fat or keep the fat off avoid this one like the plague!
(sounds simple but a lot of prepackaged food have it)
Maltodextrin
Foods that have maltodextrin often say “Low Sugar” or “Complex Carbohydrate”, but this sweetener should be avoided!
Thank you Lara for your help with this post 😉
Now a FUN way to end this post!
HCG Question of the Day – Mints and MSM
HCG Question of the Day – MSM
Comment: I have been on your site and it is informative even for a newbie. I do have a few questions for you though.
Question 1. What can you use for mints while on the HCG protocol? My husband likes eclipse they are sugar free, but we don’t want ANY issues with stalls because of it.
ANSWER – I think as long as you get sugar free mints you will be ok. You could probably “upgrade” even more and find some sugar free that don’t have aspartame. Look at the ingredients and just watch out for malotdextrin or carb like filler (rice powder etc). I use a “breath tonic” that is made by Herb Pharm. This stuff is the “real deal” It will even clean out your sinuses – LOL…It is spendy in local health food stores but I bet you can get it at a better price online. It does have grain alcohol but never hindered my releases.
Question 2. MSM- I have powder- then I seen liquid was better. How do I use it topically for skin?
Answer – I put some on my fingertips apply it and if I am applying another layer of another product I use the blow dryer on cool setting to dry it before the next layer of product.
Question 3. – I have family members that have very bad eczema and was wondering if I can use it topically for them too?
ANSWER – I don’t see why not.You can also get msm in cream or lotion form too if that is easier for you to do it topically.
Question 3 – Eczema sometimes takes the elasticity out of your skin because of the dryness. I started taking it yesterday, I JUST got it yesterday, please inform.
Thank you!
ANSWER – As far as MSM – The powder just tastes more bitter than the liquid.. If you decide to get the liquid to take internally use the powder after you mix it for your topical needs for your kids
(that’s what I would do) 😉
What and Where I buy:
Herb Pharm-Breath Tonic,0.47 fl oz (14 ml) & MSN Liquid
This post was originally created in 2011 but updated in 2018.
HCG Recipe – Baked Apple With a Great Side Benefit!
HCG Recipe for P2 – Baked Apple With Benefits Cinnamon Has!
Slice up one apple (I leave the peel on the apple)
Sprinkle Stevia and Cinnamon to taste (I go somewhat heavy on the cinnamon because of the benefits you will see below)
If I’m going to use the microwave to heat them I also add a squirt of water which creates a yummy sauce.
cook for 2 minutes
If I do actually bake them in the oven I drizzle water over them and bake at 350 degrees. I take them out when the fork inserts easily into the apple slice.
When I am on P2 the 2 fruits I prefer to stick with are Apples and Strawberries because they are both Low Glycemic.
Why eat the apple baked instead of always raw ?
First reason VARIETY second reason is explained below;
Here are some other benefits of Cinnamon:
* controls blood sugar levels
* helps maintain insulin sensitivity
* a VERY powerful antioxidant
* may have antibacterial and antifungal properties
* and dozens of other benefits
Although cinnamon does NOT directly increase fat burning (such as by increasing metabolic rate, etc), it CAN actually help you to lose abdominal fat and get leaner.
Here’s how…
Although cinnamon has dozens of health benefits, the main benefit that will help you to get leaner is through it’s strong effect on controlling blood sugar levels in your body.
In a study published in 2003 in the medical journal Diabetes Care, groups were split into people taking 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon per day in capsule form (the equivalent of approx 1/4th to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon).
The results of the study showed that all 3 amounts of cinnamon reduced fasting blood glucose levels by 18-29% after 40 days.
Cinnamon can also increase insulin sensitivity, which essentially means that it is helping your body to control blood sugar while simultaneously allowing your body to produce less insulin.
As you know, chronically high insulin levels can make your body pack on fat.
If you just want to opt for the Cinnamon capsules many online and local stores offer them.
HCG Question of the DAY – What to do to get Started!
Getting Started with HCG
HCG Question of the DAY!
Just checked your videos and website. you really did a great job:) your before wasn’t bad at all but way better healthier after.. good luck
i just started purchase hcg and waiting for my shipping and reading as much as i can while waiting and i have some questions please..
Response – Thank you so much, but being the person with the extra weight trying to hike up the trails – I’m here to say…it was bad, I felt like an “old lady” being pushed up the incline . Loved that my family Loved me no matter what but HATED how that all felt!
Question 1-how do you chose which dose to take daily for injection for a women 42 years old?
Response – I always did a 40 day round using 5000iu HCG ( always injections) if you want to do sub-lingual check out Karen (YT -mamaclok) so she can help. I found my “sweet spot” was 125 ( the usual amount for most)Breakdown chart on this website. Let me know if you need help with navigation to find it .You just need to start at that amount and then adjust depending on your weight and hunger level. All I can say from personal experience is as “tricky” as it is, once you hit the “sweet spot” you know when you have arrived.
Question 2- i know i should stop one day a week but do i stop during my monthly period?
Response – YES – at least during the “heavy flow”. But if you can wait for the entire cycle to be done that is best
Question 3– if you please put in your website what to eat in each phase that will be great help for newbies
Response – I will need to look back at my journal but basically when I am on P2 I am very “plain Jane”.
Unless I am doing a “mini steak day” (once a week) I stick with chicken breast, shrimp, or fish. My “BIG” salad with my mustard dressing (on this website). And I love the shrimp scampi recipe that is here on the website from Shannon (YUMMY)
I also love broiled asparagus . As far as fruit… apples ( baked with stevia and cinnamon) are great on cold evenings. When on HCG are always cold evenings – LOL.. And strawberries with powder stevia sprinkled on them. I don’t care at all for the grissini so I omitted that mid way on my very first round.But thise that keep it as part of their P2 may be less “carb sensitive” – hey you never know…
thank you so much for sharing your success
Response – I appreciate your questions!!! – I hope my answers help!!! =)
HCG Questions and Answers
HCG Diet Questions and Answers…ACV,MCT,MSM and More
I keep meaning to create a FAQ page on this website. Here is a confession…. I am a terrible typist so by the time I answer everyone’s individual questions the day is done and it is time for bed – LOL.
So for now I am going to feature a question I am asked each day.
I also recorded a couple vlogs which was inspired by these questions. I have added the vlogs below for your convenience.
And Now today’s AWESOME question or should I say Questions –
Question – First of all what I wanted to know if you lost any more weight in your experiment round? –
ANSWER – My first week I did great then I became a “slacker” as far as protocol. As each week went by I realized I was experiencing what Dr Simeon was talking about as far as the abnormal fat. HCG had done its duty and I didn’t have the abnormal fat that the hcg could work on and I began to get just plain “starving like” hungry just like he said would happen. My initial loss was good and became my new “set point” which was great. My inch loss went well and I lost sizes which was awesome. In hind site I should have never planned on a 40 day round – silly me. No regrets though, It was a good learning experience and a way to help others when they get to that point.
Question – When it comes to the MCT and ACV shot, what time of day do you take it? –
ANSWER – I think it is best before you have dinner
Question – Do you do it on phase 3 also?
Phase 4?
For life?
ANSWER – So far I an still doing the ACV everyday in the AM and if I want to reduce my appetite before dinner I take a MCT shot. But when I update mt posts it gets me to thinking about what I have done in the past and think I should go back to doing what I was doing in the past because of the great benefits.
Question – How did the MSM powder work?
ANSWER – I mix it in water but found that using the liquid msm was far less bitter.
I think taking msm in a liquid form makes the difference because your body can absorb it more efficiently.
Question – What phase do you take yours on? Phase 1-4 for a lifetime? And what time of the day. –
ANSWER – I wish I had used msm as soon as I started HCG. because it helps with our skin, joints, muscles etc I feel it can be a life long supplement.
Question – To answer the time of day should I take MSM?
ANSWER – I don’t think it matters, but currently I take mine in the morning mixing it with collagen.
Question – any other advice on products that work on tightening your skin? and the round you used them on please.
ANSWER – Colostrum and Antler Velvet has been great along with the Skin recipe I’ve been doing on my face. I think adding those 2 supplements have been helping tone my skin overall as well.
Question – Did you ever get massages done while on p2? i know your not suppose to, but someone on a blog said they did and it helped their releases? Just wondering if you did.
ANSWER – Didn’t have any back or body massages but if pedicures count then yes 😉 When the mancurist massages my legs she adds oil along with the lotion.
Question – What time of the day do you take the California kickers?
ANSWER – I would either divide the serving up and do half mid morning then mid afternoon or the whole thing mid afternoon.
I hope posting this helps many others with the same questions 🙂
**This Blog was orininally posted in 2011 but Updated in 2018
HCG Got me to Size 1 – !!!!!!!!! – and size 25 jeans – YAY!!!
HCG got me to a size 1! – That’s right size one aka size 25 in jeans – I can’t believe it myself!!! Thank you GOD, My HCG supporters and HCG! – I’m so excited – I feel like I am living a dream – Thank You!! =) Please don’t forget – before I knew about HCG I was pushing 208 lbs.
L-Glutamine – Help for Cravings
L-Glutamine for Weight Loss
A fellow HCGer who was starting a new round mention the the first few days are difficult because of cravings.
For some including me it takes a few days for the hcg level to kick in so hunger and cravings aren’t an issue.
Back when I started my first round someone posted that L-Glutamine helps with cravings, especially sugar cravings.
Simply pour the contents of L-Glutamine capsule under your tongue 😉
Detailed information on LGlutamine
Benefits of L Glutamine
L Glutamine Facts
L- Glutamine Benefits
Before discussing the benefits of l glutamine, which are substantial, we would like to just highlight a few l glutamine facts.
Glutamine is an amino acid (building blocks of protein) found in the muscles of the body. In fact, it is the most abundant free amino acid.
Technically, glutamine is classified as a semi-essential amino acid, which means that under normal circumstances the body can manufacture it on its own to meet the physiological demands.
However, there are times that glutamine becomes an essential amino acid due to metabolic stress situations like trauma (including surgical trauma), cancer, burns, and sepsis. Under such conditions, it is important that there is an adequate intake of glutamine to meet the increased demand created by these situations.
With that being said, let’s move to more l glutamine facts and L- glutamine benefits.
L Glutamine Facts: Health Benefits of L Glutamine
General Info
# Serves as a source of fuel for cells lining the intestines
# It’s involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid.
# Some experts point out that glutamine can pass through the protective blood-brain barrier and, because of this, it is known as brain fuel.
# Aids in protecting the body from ammonia toxicity.
# Appears to be necessary for normal brain function.
# Essential for maintaining amino acid balance in the body during times of severe stress.
# It’s used by white blood cells and contributes to normal immune-system function.
L Glutamine Facts: Health Benefits of L Glutamine
General Health Benefits
# Promotes the maintenance of a healthy digestive tract.
# May promote mental alertness and improve mood and memory.
# May boost immune function and fight infection.
# May decrease sugar cravings and the desire for alcohol.
# Helps to prevent the kind of muscle loss (wasting) that can accompany prolonged bed rest or illnesses such as cancer and AIDS who may be incapable of manufacturing their own supply of glutamine. Side Note: It’s important to note that stress an injury (including surgical trauma) cause the muscles to release glutamine into the bloodstream. In fact, some experts state that during the time of stress as much as one third of glutamine present in the muscles may be released. As a result, stress and/or illness can lead to the loss of skeletal muscle if not enough glutamine is available. Therefore, one of the benefits of L glutamine is to ensure enough of it is available in the body to help prevent muscle loss (wasting).
The Role of L Glutamine Supplements
L glutamine as a supplement may be helpful for the following:
# Gastro-intestinal disorders
# Depression
# Irritability
# Withdrawal support for alcoholics
# Protection of liver tissue against damage from cancer chemotherapy and drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
# Prevent the kind of muscle loss (wasting) that can accompany prolonged bed rest or illnesses such as cancer and AIDS
# Athletes (may help protect the immune system from overtraining stress)
Glutamine Food Sources
Glutamine-rich foods include: beef, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, raw parsley, raw spinach as well as soybeans and other legumes.
Are there any side effects and precautions?
The Benefits of L Glutamine
Glutamine supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. At the time of this writing, the most commonly experienced side effects while taking glutamine include: constipation and bloating.
However, anyone with cirrhosis of the liver, kidney conditions, Reye’s syndrome, or any type of disorder that can result in an accumulation of ammonia in the blood are advised to avoid supplemental glutamine.
In addition, because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications it is crucial that you always speak to a knowledgeable healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplements, including glutamine. This advice is also recommended for anyone suffering from a health condition.
Pregnant and nursing women should only take an amino acid such as glutamine after consulting your physician.
Benefits of Coconut Oil – A Possible “friend” of HCG
HCG & Coconut Oil (you know, one of the ingredients in Chocolate Delight) 😉
Today I was asked Why Coconut Oil?
Answer –
The truth about coconut oil is obvious to anyone who has studied the health of those who live in native tropical cultures, where coconut has been a primary dietary staple for thousands of years.
Back in the 1930s, Dr. Weston Price found South Pacific Islanders whose diets were high in coconut to be healthy and trim, despite high dietary fat, and heart disease was virtually non-existent. Similarly, in 1981, researchers studying two Polynesian communities for whom coconut was the primary caloric energy source found them to have excellent cardiovascular health and fitness.
Where were all the clogged arteries and heart attacks from eating all of this “evil” saturated fat?
Obviously, coconut oil was doing nothing to harm the health of these islanders.
It may be surprising for you to learn that the naturally occurring saturated fat in coconut oil is actually good for you and provides a number of profound health benefits, such as:
• Improving your heart health
• Boosting your thyroid.
• Increasing your metabolism.
• Promoting a lean body and weight loss if needed.
• Supporting your immune system.
Coconut oil even benefits your skin when applied topically and has been found to have anti-aging, regenerative effects.
So, what are coconut oil’s secrets to success?
How Coconut Oil Works Wonders in Your Body
Nearly 50 percent of the fat in coconut oil is of a type rarely found in nature called lauric acid, a “miracle” compound because of its unique health promoting properties. Your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties.
Coconut oil is also nature’s richest source of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), also called medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs. By contrast, most common vegetable or seed oils are comprised of long chain fatty acids (LCFAs), also known as long-chain triglycerides or LCTs.
LCTs are large molecules, so they are difficult for your body to break down and are predominantly stored as fat.
But MCTs , being smaller, are easily digested and immediately burned by your liver for energy — like carbohydrates, but without the insulin spike. MCTs actually boost your metabolism and help your body use fat for energy, as opposed to storing it, so it can actually help you become leaner.
Back in the 1940s, farmers discovered this effect accidentally when they tried using inexpensive coconut oil to fatten their livestock.
It didn’t work!
Instead, coconut oil made the animals lean, active and hungry.
Coconut oil has actually been shown to help optimize body weight, which can dramatically reduce your risk of developingType 2 diabetes . Besides weight loss, boosting your metabolic rate will improve your energy, accelerate healing and improve your overall immune function.
And several studies have now shown that MCTs can enhance physical or athletic performance.
And finally, as we have already discussed, coconut oil is incredibly good for your heart. The truth is this: it is unsaturated fats that are primarily involved in heart disease and too much sugar and processed foods, not the naturally occurring saturated fats, as you have been led to believe.
Coconut Oil in Your Kitchen
Polyunsaturated fats, which include common vegetable oils such as corn, soy, safflower, sunflower and canola, are absolutely the worst oils to cook with.
Why?
Three primary reasons:
1) Cooking your food in omega-6 vegetable oils produces a variety of very toxic chemicals, as well as forming trans-fats. Frying destroys the antioxidants in oil, actually oxidizing the oil, which causes even worse problems for your body than trans-fats.
2) Most vegetable oils are genetically modified including more than 90 percent of soy, corn and canola oils.
3) Vegetable oils contribute to the overabundance of damaged omega-6 fats in your diet, throwing off your omega 6 to omega 3 ratio. Nearly everyone in Western society consumes far too many omega-6 fats — about 100 times more than a century ago — and insufficient omega 3 fats, which contributes to numerous chronic degenerative diseases.
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