Should You Exercise During the hCG Diet? Find Out What is Permitted

Should You Exercise During the hCG Diet? Find Out What is Permitted
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What is hCG?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is naturally produced by cells that make up the placenta, and later functions to support the pregnancy by encouraging the production of progesterone. The hormone protects the fetus from starvation in such a way that the mother’s fat stores are used as food. hCG drops or injections have been used along with a stringent diet protocol for people wanting to burn their existing fat stores. These fat stores are released into the blood stream creating a feeling of being full, despite the lower calories being consumed.

The Diet Protocol

The hCG diet is designed to aid in the rapid loss of weight. This hormone increases the body’s metabolism so that it can burn fat at a very fast pace. The hCG hormone can be administered through injections or droplets that are placed under the tongue. Once the diet begins, only 500 calories a day can be consumed from a specific list of mostly natural and unprocessed foods. Other guidlelines to following the diet include not wearing any make-up, and no strenuous exercise. A person can lose up to a pound a day on this diet as the hormone causes the body to burn 3,500 calories a day.

Exercise During the hCG Diet

Strenuous exercise during the hCG diet is not recommended for several reasons. Since only 500 calories a day can be consumed, a person’s body should not be called on to accommodate the energy required for any type of rigorous exercise.

While strenuous exercise is to be avoided, light cardiovascular exercise is permitted. Taking neighborhood walks or light, brisk jogs on a treadmill is allowed, but only for a limited frame of time. Burning too many calories will lead to exhaustion and can even cause one’s blood sugar to drop.

Another reason a person should not perform strenuous exercise while on this diet is because of the science of the diet. The hCG can only burn fat. If any type of strength building exercises are done, the body may form lean muscle and the hCG will not be able to burn it off as the hormone does not work on lean muscle, but only body fat.

Exercise After the Diet

Once a person completes the hCG diet, they can resume a normal exercise routine as daily exercise is important when trying to maintain your weight. It is better to start with easier exercises until the body regains strength and is used to regular exercise again. Gradually increase the intensity level and the amount of time you spend exercising as your body rebuilds strength and endurance. Remember to take your time and only exercise to a point where you are comfortable, not exhausted.

References

hCG Diet Info: What is the hCG Diet? - https://www.hcgdietinfo.com/HCG-Diet-Information.htm

Wise Geeks: What is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin? - https://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-hcg.htm

hCG Diet Direct: hCG Diet Discourages Exercise - https://www.hcgdietdirect.com/hcg-diet-news/hcg-exercise-obese.html