Tanning on the HCG Diet

Lying out in the sun or hitting the tanning salon isn’t that great for your health in general, but it’s an especially bad idea if you’re on the VLCD phase of the HCG Diet because it may wreak havoc on your weight loss.

When your skin is exposed to sun (or tanning bulbs) it causes your body to excrete toxins. As a result of processing these toxins, your kidneys make your body to store extra water. And, when your body is storing all that water, you’ll see the number on the scale jump up.

So, we suggest trying to stay out of both the sun and the tanning salon – at least while you’re on Phase 2.

But let’s be real. It’s not necessarily practical to expect someone to stay inside for 40 days straight. Basically, if you have to be in the sun, cover up as best you can, drink tons and tons of water (because dehydration will just make it worse), and prepare yourself for a smaller loss or slight gain the next day.

But… remember sunscreen is not allowed on Phase 2 because of the harsh chemicals in the lotion.

Yes, it may be a little inconvenient to stay out of the sun for a whole month (especially if you live in a sunny part of the world), but you must keep in mind that it’s only for a short time, then you can go back to sunbathing all you want. However, don’t be surprised if you notice gains any time you are out in the sun whether you’re on the HCG Diet, in Maintenance or even after.

Once again… tanning can cause stalls or gains during Phase 2. In our opinion, you would rather be skinny and ‘pasty’, rather than thick and bronze.