Top 5 Ways To Beat The HCG Diet Plateau
By Dr. Dennis Clark | Posted under HCG Diet Plateau | 113 CommentsThe HCG Diet Plateau
This is simply the stoppage of your weight loss from one day to the next. This is why it is crucial for you to weight yourself every day. Normal progress is a weight drop of a half a pound to a pound (sometimes more) from one day to the next.
When you weigh the same from one day to the next, then you have started a plateau. Most people look at the lack of change as a fluke the first time they notice it. Depending on the individual, the trend may believed only after two days or more of no progress. Sometimes it takes four to six days before some people finally realize that they are stuck, meaning on a weight loss plateau.
1) Best Way: The Simeons Apple Day Strategy
In his book, Pounds and Inches, Dr. Simeons recommended an apple day on the very first day that you find yourself on a plateau. An apple day has two components: 1) eat nothing but six apples all day long; 2) drink as little water as possible. His explanation involves getting sludgy food moving again. It is a challenge to make sense out of this explanation in a physiological way, so just rest assured that it almost always works.
This method removes excess fluids in a hurry, so it is common for weight to drop two pounds from one day to the next. After that, your normal progress should be restored.
2) Increase Bowel Movements
Constipation and infrequent bowel movements are the main problem leading to an HCG weight loss plateau. This makes impeccable sense. You must move your bowels at least once per day during the protocol, and two or three times per day would be better.
Taking in more water is generally the easiest and most effective way to increase bowel movements. However, if this does not work as fast as you want, simply adding soluble fiber to a glass of water will accelerate the process. The easiest soluble fiber to find and use is psyllium powder. It is the main ingredient of Metamucil, although that product contains too many lousy ingredients to be recommended (e.g., sugar or aspartame, artificial color, etc.). Besides, a good nutrition store will offer pure, unadulterated psyllium powder at a much lower price than any grocery store brand.
3) Adhere More Closely to the Original Diet Protocol
Modern variations of the protocol include adding lean ground beef and mixing multiple vegetables at the same meal. The original protocol was more of a sure thing, so eliminate ground beef and have only one vegetable at a time instead of in mixed salads, etc. Also, make sure that your carbohydrate source (e.g., Melba toast) is just the right amount. You can even reduce this amount if need be.
4) Vary Your Food Sources Within the Same Day.
If you are in the habit of eating chicken breast at every meal, or otherwise the same kind of protein source, then substitute a different source for one of your meals. In other words, do not eat use the same kind of meat twice in the same day. This also goes for eating the same type of fruit or the same type of vegetable. Change them up and see how this can move you off of your plateau.
5) Eat Enough!
If you think that eating less and less will be helpful, what you will find is that a too-low caloric intake will slow down your metabolism. You must eat the minimum daily amount of 500-550 calories to keep your metabolic rate just right for burning the abnormal fat from your body. When this rate goes too low, you will hit a plateau and stop losing weight. So eat enough!
All the best in overcoming your weight loss plateau,
Dr. D
by Jessie
Please help!!! I just did the apple day yesterday and I still weighed the EXACT same… I lost 20 lbs in the first 15 days and have been at this same weight the last 5 days.. dispite all my efforts! HELP HELP HELP
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Jessie: By now you should be back on track. It is not uncommon to hit a plateau that lasts 4-6 days.
All the best,
Dennis
by Susan
Hello,
I’ve been on the HCG DIET for 9 days and my weight has been the same for the last three days. Is this normal this early on? Also, I am excersiing about 1.5 hours a day, will this keep me from losing since I am only taking in 500 cal/day? Could ovulation affect this and nonconsistant BM’s?
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Susan: If you are on a plateau that early, then immediately go to an apple day to flush excess fluids.
by Andrea
I read that you are NOT supposed to exercise very much at all, a short brisk walk at most so that you don’t just burn the 500Cal you eat..also, would Miralax be an acceptable way to increase BM? And does it matter what type of apples you eat for your apple day? Should they be large or smallish apples? Thanks!
by Andrea
Another question…if I ordered the homeopathic stuff should I stop using it and try to get the real stuff? What is the difference? What is a good dose to order? I am 21, female, BMI of 26kg/m(squared), weight 170. Thanks for the help!
by Vick
I am almost finish with my injections and will have enough left for about 2 more weeks of shots. Will it keep in the fridge for 6 weeks till I start my next round?
Thanks for all of your information.
by Jan
I have been at a stand still but I have also been sick. I have been following but its been hard. Ive done no cough drops or anything. I am wondering, I have a tea that is to help you “go” is this ok to take on the diet?
by Mich
I am having exactly the same problem as Jessie! I’ve dropped 20, then a 6 day plateau. I’ve done one apple day, I did drop 1 lb after that, then I went back up 2 lbs! I am getting very discouraged! Tomorrow, I’ll try a steak day. But, I don’t know what else to do! Iam so so good on this diet, I never cheat. I could not believe the drop in weight, but, now…I’m scared it isn’t going to work
..
pleasse, please, any advise? should I stop and re- start in 3 weeks? I’ve been the same weight for a week now!
by gloria
On the apple day, do you still use the drops?
by Suzan
Hello
I have been on a vlcd for 4 days the 1 st day I lost 3 lbs, 2nd day 0.8 lbs and for the last 2 days nothing
so I was wondering is this plateau? should I start the apple day? is it posible to start plateau after the 2 nd day ?
by Dr. Dennis Clark
It is not so much whether you are supposed to exercise as it is that you are unable to exercise as vigorously as before you started the protocol. Exercise is fine.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Ah, the issue of homeopathic HCG arises again. Look for my posts on this topic.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
That would be iffy.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
If you are talking about a laxative, then I’d say a mild fiber would be easier on you (e.g., psyllium husk or Metamucil).
by Dr. Dennis Clark
If you stop, then do a 3-week Phase 3, then you must wait another 3 weeks before starting again. You can do apple days as often as you need them. The main problem that leads to slow loss is fluid retention. The first week or so of the protocol induces loss of water weight, then goes into more fat loss. Apples are the key to getting fluid loss going. That should help you a lot.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Absolutely.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Yes, you can plateau at any time. Do an apple day whenever you want.
by Tina
I’m at day 15 and have lost 14lbs. Was losing each day up to day 10. Day 11 and 12 nothing. Did the apple day and lost 2lbs. Returned to the diet no weight loss for 2 more days. Did the apple day lost 2 more pounds. Returned back to the diet yesterday and today nothing. Am I going to have to live off of apples for the remainder of phase 1?
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Tina:
The weight you hang onto is from fluid retention. An apple day helps with that. It is not unheard of to have frequent apple days. Just be sure that your weight never stays above the 2-lb limit before having another apple day.
All the best,
Dennis
by Norman Romero
I am a 55 yr old male. I am doing the HCG plan for my third time. The firt time I lost 37 lbs. 242lbs to 205 The second HCG go round I lost 5-10 lbs. now after a couple weeks on the 3rd go round I stay 198-202 just back and forth. I tried the apple a day to no avail. Now ive just stopped, it has been 2 weeks. I still have the HCG in the refridgerator. When can I start back up and continue losing weight. I would like to go down to 180lbs. I’m thinking my body is immune to the HCG. Is that possible? Any ideas?
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Norman: Yes, you can develop resistance (not immunity), which is reversible. Resistance to HCG disappears after about 6 weeks. That is why you have to wait that long between rounds of the protocol. Acc. to Dr. Simeons, your body will not go below the amount of abnormal fat that you can burn. You can probably drop under the 198 mark without any trouble, although I don’t know how close you can get to 180. On the other hand, even a 500-calorie per day diet, without HCG, would be starvation enough to drop weight. This would include lean body mass. Do you know where you stand on your body fat composition?
All the best,
Dennis
by Stephanie
Hi Dr. Clark,
I am on day 7 of the protocol and have lost 5 lbs. I have hit a plateau (no weight loss yesterday or today). I am going to try the apple day today, but I am wondering if starting my menstrual cycle yesterday could be the cause of this plateau this early on? After the cycle will I see an significant drop?
Thanks.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Stephanie:
Yes, plateaus on the protocol are almost always due to fluid retention. This is, as you know, common during a monthly cycle even without HCG. You should return to your previous level of progress soon. If not, then do an apple day. And congratulations on your success so far!
All the best,
Dennis
by rebecca
Hi, I love the support out there for those of us trying to get ‘back to normal’. I am on day 13, lost 6.3kgs up til 3 days ago, from 73kgs to 66.7. then went up to 68.1 where i have been for three days now. Am waiting til tomorrow before starting an apple day but don’t understand. It goes from lunch to lunch, does that mean I eat four apples in the afternoon and then two apples the next morning ( 3 hrs apart) and then have my normal lunch? And no water accept a sip if I am thirsty? I put some hair spray on 3 days ago, not sure if that did it.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Rebecca:
In my experience, you can eat the apples throughout the day if you wish. Just keep the number right.
All the best,
Dennis
by Carla
Help!! I don’t eat fish. I have been switching between chicken and beef. I am down 15 pounds in 15 days and my hope was to lose at LEAST 13 or more by the end of day 26 but I have been stuck for a few days now. I did an apple day and bumped down about .5 but at most have gone down .2 since then. I know a lot of places it says to cut beef down or out but it also says to only replace a meat with eggs or cottage cheese “occasionally”. I don’t know what to do. Also, there have been a couple of days I have accidentally gone under 500 calories. Could this be the reason alone? Any suggestions on other food items as well? I have not cheated AT ALL. I was thinking maybe I was using too much salt. I am trying to be patient and I am trying not to freak out. I am desperate to be under 200 lbs by the end of this 26 days. Any help/comments would be MUCH appreciated. Maybe I’m freaking for nothing…….Thanks!!
by jay
I lost around 11-12 pounds the first week. (From 198 to 186) That was astonishing and I was very encouraged but then I hit a plateau and I haven’t lost any weight as matter of fact even one day I gain one pound. I have been very strict and stick to the diet drinking lots of water and even hungry I have not eaten more not even Melba cookies. I have notice in that period though that my stools got very dark (any doctor knows why?) in color and I have spent at least two days with no bowl movements. I have tried to eat chicken, lean beef, shrimps, turkey, etc and alternating them. The only thing I had in common everyday was an apple for breakfast. I will add the psyllium powder to the gallons of water that I drink everyday to see if there is any change. My last resort will be the “apple” day. Please help the only thing that keeps me in the diet was the excellent results I saw the first week if results do not improve it is really hard to stick to 500 calories and water, water, water and more water….
by Crys3311
Hi, I’ve recently started HCG injections and today is my 7th day on the diet including Monday & Tuesday being my fat loading days, I’ve lost a total of 7 lbs but six of the seven pounds Ive lost were in days 3-5 and I seemed to have stonewalled after that. I am following the diet very strictly and I’m drinking enough water to float a boat. Is this normal and should I just be patient or do I need to do an apple day? Also I’ve had a pretty intense headache for the last two days. Im really motivated to lose the weight but this headache has gotta go as does the weight. Help!!!!!
by Gregg
Hello Dr. Clark,
I’m a 41 year old male, I’m on my 8th day of the HCG.
For the first 5 days of the 500 calorie day diet I was traelling for work and unable to weigh myself. When I returned on day 5 I weighted myself and was down 9 lbs.
Now, I had 2-3 loose bowel movements per day and was working 16 hour days during this time. Since weighing myself on day 8 down 9 lbs I’ve sat at my same weight for now 3 days. Do you recommend an apple day at this time?
Also, I crave hot peppers… the kind pickeled in vinegar. I know peppers are not on the protocol, but apple cider vinegar is. I drank 2 shot glass size servings of apple cider vinegar and wondered if perhaps this has any adverse affect during the 500 calorie/day phase?
Thanks!
by Gregg
Never mind my previous post/stall, I moved 1/2 pound today so my stall was only 2 days really!
I personally think waiting out the stall is better, the apple day is a psychological helper IMHO.
You lose water weight because you are not drinking, so when you weigh in the next day of course you weigh less.
It’s like a wrestler in college chewing tobacco all day and spitting in conjunction with not drinking so they can weigh in light before their match. But in 1 day that water weight is back. The difference here is with HCG you should still be losing the 1/2 to one pound per day that offsets the return of the water weight you lose in one day.
by Kim
I’ve been doing the hcg for nine days. I’ve went from 209-197.5 which i’ve been for the last 2 days. I did the apple day yesterday and today im still the same. What am i doing wrong???????? Help please
by Don
Hi am on a plateau but I’ve also had diarhhea from the first week so this can’t be fluid retention. This is my second effort at this. I have graphed first and second diets and the are nearly identical; I lost about 15 lbs in the first three weeks then level off and struggle to lose 2 lbs a week. I’m 60 yrs old and started the diet at 225. I’m 5’9; there’s no chance I’m trying to lose too much weight. I’m also diabetic. But this is extremely frustrating. This has been a full six days and I’ve gained 1/2 a lb. I’ve seen no one with this problem.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
How about shellfish? If not, then just make sure that any beef you have is ultra-low in fat. You can be successful, for example, with burgers that are 7% fat. You also hit a nail on the head with your comment about not getting 500 calories every day. It is important to eat enough, so watch that carefully. Salt may cause a problem, although if so it is an indicator of other issues that I couldn’t diagnose for you. If eggs, then keep it to 1 yolk with whites from 4 eggs. Cottage cheese is a little dicey, even if nonfat. Sounds as though you are doing the right things, so the freaking out part is unnecessary. Good luck!
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Constipation will definitely stop your progress. Ideally, we should have a bowel movement after every meal! Once you get things moving again, you should be back on track. Psyllium is the best, although you may want to experiment with magnesium. It is a beneficial supplement in many ways, and 300-400 mg at a time also offers a mild laxative effect.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Definitely do an apple day. The results can seem miraculous for getting you back on track within 24 hours.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Sounds like you are doing fine. An apple day can help a lot in getting through a plateau. Apple cider vinegar is fine, although too many peppers might slow you down.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Thanks for the update. I hope my previous reply was helpful. You are clearly on the right track now.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
It is hard to tell, although you seem to be doing things correctly.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
In some cases, acc. to Dr. Simeons, some people develop resistance to HCG sooner than usual. You may be resistant after only 3 weeks instead of the typical 40 days. If so, then you might consider doing the protocol for 3 weeks at a time and avoid the struggling entirely. Just be sure to space protocols at least 6 weeks apart.
by lynda
Hi there!
I am on my 4th day and my weight remain the same. what could I do to lose the weight?
by Dr. Dennis Clark
This is a common problem. That is why it is important to do an apple day when you are stuck on a plateau. It can be miraculous.
by stephanie
hi..i have been on the diet for 11 days and have lost 10 pounds..i have been the same weight for 3 days now but i have a sensitivity to apples (itchy throat and lips) Is there a substitute for the apple day?
by Michael
Hi Dr. Dennis,
I am on my 10 day and lost 15lbs. My goal is to go 30lbs down. But today seems everything different, no any changes. I am completely stuck on my the same weight. I was weighing 180 and by yesterday was 165. I am 5′ 10″ and I lift weight (enough pecs on my chest.) So, I was wandering, can that be the plateau or that is my original body weight?
Also, I am a vegetarian, can I use why as source of preteen? and can I eat nuts? sunflower? broccoli? eggs?
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Yes, many people have had similar success with tomatoes instead of apples.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Michael…You may be at your natural weight. It sure sounds like it. Any further fat loss is likely not going to happen through hCG. Your body fat composition is the key indicator, though. Depending on your age, you may be on target for anywhere from 14 to 20 percent body fat.
by Heather
Hi, dr. clark. I was on birth control for about four years prior to taking hcg drops and ive been off of the birth control shot for about three months and still haven’t had a period, could my old depo provera shot have anything to do with why I haven’t lost any weight by day four on hcg drops??
by Dr. Dennis Clark
No way I can diagnose this for you. Too many unknown variables. It can happen, though.
by Maya
I’m on day 11 and I’m only down 5.5 lbs. In the last 4 days I’m only down one pound. I am following the protocol to a T. Is this normal? I have about 19 more pounds until my ‘ideal weight.’
by Maya
Another question. Is carbonated water (perrier) allowed? Thx.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Maya: A loss of a half a pound per day is common. If you stall, then fluid retention is almost always to blame. That is when an apple day sets you back on course.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
It is fine.
by Nan
Hi, I am day 9 on the drops and hit a plateau on day 7 I did an apple day and no change. I lost 11poimds and I am so frustrated now.do I keep doing apple days? And why so early on? I don’t want to fail this diet please help.
by Nan
Oh p.s.i still have cravings for sugar after 9 days and why?
by Dr. Dennis Clark
People have been successful doing apple days every other day. The key is to reverse fluid retention. The sugar cravings may go away. They usually do. Good luck, and stick with it!
by Nan
Help I read the vegetable wrong I thought I could have beets so I ate them and I went back to book and it says beet greens oh no I messed up and it says I gained a pound on scale this am. What do I do ? Do I need to do another aple day because of me eating beets ?
by Sarah
Hi Dr.Clark,How much water/tea should I be drinking during the day on the HCG diet?
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Yes, an apple day can be very helpful. Too bad about beets, since they are loaded with sugar.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
As much as you want.
by stillinak
Dr.Clark
I think it is awsome that you take the time to answer everyones questions. You are the kind of suppot peolpe need.. the kind with answers. Even if we already knew the answer, its nice to have some conformation.. I have been reading alot about the stall fase that so many people talk about..
Through q&a it seem there is a parallel between “the stall” and “inconsistant bm’s” and “low fluid intake”
I have aksed loads of people to add the fiber % next to the items on the menu. ie. beef-0
veal-.7g
chicken breast-30g
1. You need 28-35 grams of fiber per day (my personal belief puts that number closer to 40-50 grams per day)
2. Not all the items on the list are equal when it comes to fiber, so you need to eat the complete meal don’t skimp on veggies
3. Choose high fiber fruits. ie. apples w/skin 5g fiber
4. Have that handfull of strawberrys 1C 6.4g fiber
5. DRINK ALL the water/tea reccomended to get the fiber moving.
You should urinate often and having regular bm’s.
Keep this in mind and hopefully you won’t need an apple day….
Best of Luck HCGers
stillinak
by stillinak
Dr. Clark
correction:
Meat has no dietary fiber
Sorry for putting a value by veal and chicken feel free to correct. .
Strawberrys may be closer to 4.4g per 1C depending on your reference. .
Again Many Thanks
stillinak
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Thanks for you input. You are right on target about the amount of fiber that is recommended. Plant-based foods are the best (only?) source, so do as Mom always said: Eat your fruits and veggies!
I appreciate your kind comments.
All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark
So noted. Thanks again.
by Tamara
Please help! I have been sick and started to ovulate this past three days. Day one stayed the same weight, day two gained 1oz and day three gained 5 oz. I am drinking water required and not cheating.
I was wondering if ovulation will cause weight gain?
Does being sick cause you to retain water?
I am getting discouraged now. I am not having regular bowel movements with all this water I am drinking I would think otherwise. I have not tried the apple nor physillam either. I started the day my period ended, and now just two weeks into it I’m ovluating again???
Am I messing my cycleup with the HTC diet?
Is this normal?
If I start my period soon, do I stay on the drops or stop?
Will I gain weight each day if I start my period?
Please advise, I am concerned and getting very discouraged!
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Tamara:
No need to panic. It sounds as though you are simply retaining fluid. An apple day will help get you back on track quickly. Just be sure to cut down you water intake to a minimum when you do your apple day. Definitely use psyllium during the protocol. Constipation will stop your progress completely. The hCG dosages are too small to affect you cycle. Good luck!
All the best,
Dennis
by Tamara
Thank you, but can you answer my question as to if you stop the drops if a period starts?
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Yes, you should suspend taking hCG for the 3-5 heaviest days of your period.
by Elizabeth
Hi Dr Clark, I have been in a stall for 7 days now. Yesterday I did an apple day and only lost about 0.3 pounds. I really don’t know what I’m doing wrong? Its quite demoralizing. Today is my 24th day of taking the drops and my period is due in 2 days. Could that be the problem? My weight loss has been about 0.5 pounds per day on average and I have not been eating the starch items since week 1. Should I continue or go into the maintenance phase? Hope you can help, thanks..
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Elizabeth…Yes, your menstrual period can slow things down. The typical weight loss for women is a half pound per day, so you are doing fine. Make sure that, on your apple days, you drink very little liquid.
All the best,
Dennis
by kandyse
i been on this diet for a week and lost 6 pounds but the last 2 days i havent lost anything, but i also havent had a bm in the last 2 days, should i do the apple day and when u do the apple day do u still take the drops?
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Definitely take the hCG on apple days. And not having regularity will stop your progress completely. Get some psyllium fiber or something equally easy to use and easy on your body to get things moving again.
by Jaleh
Why are there so many different calorie counts out there for the items e have to eat. I am having trouble loosing and I have one page that says chicken is 187 cals and veal is 180 cals. The Fish it got right but the vaeggies are mostly correct not the fruit but there are so many different ansWers. Does anyone knoW here I can get complete accuracey?
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Jaleh: Yes, that is a challenge. Fortunately, you have some leeway. Some clinics are having success with as many as 800 calories. In my case, I had a handful of strawberries for my fruit, without worrying about counting them or weighing them. It just takes some experimenting to see what works best for you, and you can see the results every day at your morning weighing. No reason to stress about it. Good luck!
All the best,
Dennis
by Jnet
I just did the apple day yesterday… IT WORKS!!!! I lost 2lbs!
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Fabulous!
by Sue
Hi
I’ve been on the hcg pills for 10 days. I lost 7 1/2 pounds but the last 2 days i haven’t lost at all. My whole life i have been irregular, nothing seems to work. On fridays i usually take a cleanse because i’m off the next day.
If i only go once a week will that stop the weight loss or just slow it up? I only have about 10 lbs left to lose and i dont want to continue on the pills if nothing is going to happen. Will the weight still come off if i continue only going once a week?
Please help, im feeling totally frustrated. : (
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Sue:
Yes, that extent of irregularity and infrequency will stop your progress in its tracks.
All the best,
Dennis
by Dina
I HAVE LOST 11 POUNDS IN THE FIRST 14 DAYS THEN HIT A PLATEAU AND DID AND APPLE DAY AND LOST TWO PUNDS WHICH i GAINED IN THE NEXT TWO DAYES DESPITE THE COMMITTMENT TO THE PROYOCOLE AND HIT A PLATEAU AGAIN TO THE SAME WIEGHT BEFORE THE APPLE DAY.
I DID AN APPLE DAY AGAIN FOLLOWED BY A STEAK DAY AND KEPT THE TWO PINDS THAT i ALOST WITH THE APPLE DAY OFF .
Today I am back to the regular 500 cal diet and so worried to gain the two pounds back.
Is it a good idea to increase the HCG dosage incase my body is not responding to it any more?
by Dina
I have an other question .. Would cascara sacrada allowed for bowell movement.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Dina:
If your body is not responding to the hCG, increasing the dose will do no good. Resistance to hCG normally disappears by about 6 weeks after your last dose. Sometimes it can take longer. I suspect that you are not resistant to the hormone, though. Your comments about an apple day and a steak day are a bit confusing. The apple day strategy is for overcoming a plateau while taking the hCG. The steak and apple day is for the maintenance phase only. Be sure that you are following the protocol for each phase as recommended.
All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Yes, this is a strong herbal laxative.
by Dina
Thanks allot for respobding Dr.Dennis.When I did the apple day i lost two pounds and when I followed it by semi steak day in which I ate Cod fish instead of steak I lost an other 0.8 pounds and the next day when I got back on the 500 cal with Psylum Hulsk I lost 0.4 pounds.
To get to my goal by the end of this week I am thinking to do the same for the coming six days in the hope that I’ll lose an other 6 pounds.Will I lose 0.8 pound with a steak day after an apple day like I did with a fish day ?
The fact that I lost wieght with the semi fasting day and ate one meal at dinner deems to help but I dont know if the steak will have the same effect. If the steak day didnt work as the fish day will doing an apple day every other day will still helo in loosing two pounds?
by Dina
An other question Dr. Dennis, Will adding a mild excersice help at this point ( Like using the eliptical with no resistance for half an hour ?
by Mona Green
Are the pills and drops interchangable? I left my drops at work but have pills at home. I normally use the drops. Also I am doing an apple day when do I take the drops?
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Mona…Yes, they are. Just follow the twice per day dosage for each. Take the hCG throughout the protocol, including on an apple day. Dennis
by Dannie
Hi
Im on my 6th day and my first 3 days I was losing
2 pounds per day and then after that just one
I still ate same as the first 3 days why is this ?
by Karen Jossel
I started a little over a week ago (9 days) and lost 4.5 right away. The last 4 days nothing. I am so discouraged, my BFF lost a lb. to 1/2 lb. a day with even a little cheating. She’s 53 and I’m almost 62. What gives?
I hate the idea of an apple day. I force myself to eat one in the am, I don’t like sweet in the morning. I work 3 jobs, my schedule is very difficult. I bake chicken, fish, love asparagus, tomatoes and radishes and cucumbers. I bought lean beef. I’ve ordered and food scale.
I’m starting today to cut out the melba toast.
I’d rather have grapefruit or protein in the morning. I don’t want to give up.
Half the time I’m starving and the other half of the time I have to force myself to eat.
by Cosima
Help; I started Hcg on Monday and lost about 3 pounds. I have done this diet qiet successfully before ( 1.5 years ago) but can tell that things are different. I was diagnosed with severe Anemia about 5 month ago. I’ve been on several meds since then and can’t stop them during HCG. Now I’m wondering if I should wait with my diet till my health improves as I do not see the results as before and am wondering if it has something to do with my meds. Any advise? Thank you.
by lori
Hello. I have lost 6 lbs in 5 days and I kind of cheated today. I had two bites of a chocolate bar and ate about 12 strawberries instead of 6( throughout the day) I feel terrible, what can I do now and how much weight can I expect to put back on. Help!
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Dannie: Early loss is mostly water weight, and it can come off very fast. Once you settle into the ‘regular’ rate, you can expect 0.5 to 1.0 pounds per day. Sounds as though you are right on track.
All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Karen:
When you hit a plateau, it is due to fluid retention. That is where the apple day, with very little liquid intake, does its magic. You may see the same results with tomatoes instead of apples. Just experiment.
All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Lori:
Strawberries are not usually a deal breaker. The worst that will probably happen is that you retain some fluid, maybe a pound or two extra, which can be reversed with an apple day.
All the best,
Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Cosima: Yes, meds can disrupt progress. It is hard to predict with a unique mix of prescriptions such as yours. Can you drop at least a half a pound per day? That would be about average.
All the best,
Dennis
by lori
Thank you Dr. Dennis for replying. It’s awesome that you take time to do this=) anyhow, I jumped on the scale today and needless to say, I’m the same weight as yesterday and a little discouraged. So I’m gonna do an apple day today. Let’s see how it goes.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Prepare to be amazed!
by renee
i’ve been on my second round of HCG injections for three weeks now, losing a pound a day. Now of all of a sudden I am at a plateau for 6 days now. I have had previous experience with plateaus from doing the diet before. unfortunately I only have 11 more days until my injections end and my doctor has told me that because I have been so previously successful, and my weight will be where it needs to be, that he will not permit me any more HCG. I have done an apple day, but had the feeling there was no water retention going on, I tried fiber pills for more frequent bowel movements, and even a laxative. But nothing has worked! I sat down and counted my calories to sadly discover I wasn’t reaching the full 500, so yesterday I made sure I had a full 500 and only lost two ounces! Are these two ounces a sign that tomorrow will be a bigger weight loss? These 11 days are extremely important, I need to loose at least five pounds to at least be near my goal weight range. Please help.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Renee:
I don’t know where your ideal weight is or how close you are to it. An apple day is effective, even after a 6-day plateau. If it still doesn’t work for you and your doctor suspects that you have become resistant to hCG, then go with it. Finish the protocol with a 3-day washout, followed by maintenance phase. Make sure that you wait more than 6 weeks to do another round, if that is your plan.
All the best,
Dennis
by maram
hi, this is my second round on hcg dite, my first one was a year ago and i lost 30 lb then i got pregnant and i had a twins three months a go, today is the last day on phase 2 but i cheated on the last three days and i cheated big time, i only lost 11 lb in three weeks and 8 lb of them were on the first week, but i didnt know about the apple day so i just kept going hopping its gonna work but nothing happened and now i dont know what to do, should i start with phase three??? but im scared that its not gonna work becuse i cheated the last three days ( pizza and chocolate ) plz help
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Maram: Phase 3 is not a time for losing weight, only stabilizing the end weight of the hormone treatment. Certainly do an apple day if you are still taking the hCG. Otherwise, go into Phase 3 with the goal of staying at your current weight.
All the best,
Dennis
by maram
thank u. how soon can i start on a second round?? and is there a reason why i didnt loose weight this time. i didnt cheat at all in my second week and i only lost two lb.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Maram:
You must wait at least 6 weeks between the final dose of one round, to the first dose of the next round. There are many possibilities for why you didn’t lose weight this time, although I couldn’t say for sure which was the ultimate cause.
All the best,
Dennis
by lori
hi, dr.dennis. its me again. as much as i hate to say this, i went off the diet again for a few days now. my current weight is 132, goal weight 125 and i started at 141. i want to start again, my self control is just terrible. any suggestions on starting all over again or an apple day to get back on track? maybe working out?your comments would be greatly appreciated. thanks
by lori
just got on the scale 134=(
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Yes, do an apple day ASAP. Then go from there, depending on the results. Good luck!
All the best,
Dennis
by lori
thank you , i started the apple day this morning. as if this morning at 6 i was 133. ill keep you updated, thanks again
by Kandyse
When I do an apple day when do I take the drops?
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Kandyse…Same as every other day…Dennis
by Dede
Hi I recently ended phase 2 of the HCG, I was 137.5 on the last shot and the very next day I was 140.2., I have to admit that I probably ate less then 500 calories on my first of the 3 days without HCG, it could be water retention but I want to know if I am allowed an apple day while I’m not taking the shot? I also been having issues with a UTI could this be a side effect of the HCG the pain its mainly in my lower back kidney area? If anyone can asnwer that would be great thanks.
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Hi, Dede:
Yes, either do an apple day during the 3-day washout, or if already in P3, then do a steak and apple day. You are right that such a quick gain is fluid.
All the best,
Dennis
by cindy
i lost 6 pounds in 3 days. i have been the same weight for 4 days now. what should i do.
by Danah
apple day really works…. hardest thing is to stick with the diet plan
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Cindy…typically, this would be a good time for doing an apple day…Dennis
by Dr. Dennis Clark
Right on, Danah!