The Chosen Few – Vegetables Allowed on the HCG Diet (Part 1)

From hundreds of vegetables, Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, who worked a couple of decades on formulating the HCG Diet Protocol, chose 13 vegetables as allowable options, only 13! He excluded some of the most popular “dieting vegetables” like green beans and broccoli, and he included some obscure vegetables like chicory, chard, and beet greens. That’s right, beet greens, the big floppy green leaves you normally chop off and throw away, are an allowable vegetable…but NOT the beet!

Why did Dr. Simeons choose this baker’s dozen? We know that his decision wasn’t a flippant one since he describes himself as one who “has spent years of weary research trying to make a diet as attractive as possible without jeopardizing the loss of weight”. He also wrote, “There are a number of foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, which have the same or even lower caloric values than those listed as permissible, and yet we find that they interfere with the regular loss of weight under HCG, presumably owing to the nature of their composition. Pimiento peppers, okra, artichokes and pears are examples of this.”

We believe that he had his patients try many fruits and vegetables over the years and, through research, testing and observation, concluded that these 13 vegetables produced the most “bang for the buck”. They provide excellent health benefits especially suited to a person following a very restrictive diet while keeping the rate of rapid weight loss as high as possible. Listed here are six vegetables out of the “lucky 13” with some of their many health benefits. In bold face are the attributes that are particularly beneficial to the HCG Diet Protocol. What do I mean by that? For example, an HCG dieter shouldn’t take throat lozenges, chew gum, or use mints during the low-calorie phase of the diet because of the sugar content. So, what should you do when you feel a sore throat coming on or you have bad breath? Eat some radishes!

1. Lettuce – is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, lowers cholesterol levels, helps to improve metabolism and bone health, helps to alleviate anxiety, lowers risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, may aid in fighting certain cancer types (leukemia and breast cancer cells) and induces sleep.
2. Spinach – is rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, strengthens digestive system, boosts metabolism, benefits eyesight, helps strengthen muscles, helps alleviate leg cramps, lowers risk of osteoporosis, cataracts and strokes, and can help curb cravings and hunger.
3. Red Radishes – are a powerful detoxifier, relieve constipation, are a natural diuretic, satisfy hunger, aid in weight loss, help soothe sore throats and relieve congestion, aid liver and gallbladder functions, work as a mouth and breath freshener, and can be used to fight oral, stomach and colon cancer. Radish juice is applied to treat bee stings and insect bites and reduces pain and swelling. Smashed radishes, when applied, can help to clear up skin disorders like rashes and dry skin.
4. Onion – prevents tooth decay and oral infections, naturally relieves sore throat and coughing symptoms, boosts immune system, has anti-cancer properties, regulates blood sugar levels, is a natural blood thinner good for heart ailments, relieves stomachache, urinary disorders and anemia, and repels insects. Onion juice reduces pain from bee stings and insect bites and can also be used to treat earaches.
5. Tomato – is rich in antioxidants, has anti-cancer properties, prevents urinary tract infection and gallstones, improves eyesight, helps digestive process/prevents constipation and diarrhea, relieves constipation, removes toxins, lowers cholesterol and protects the heart, lowers hypertension (high blood pressure), helps type 2 diabetes, fights effects of cigarette smoking, has anti-aging properties and helps maintain healthy teeth, bones, hair and skin. Tomato juice applied to the skin may help severe sunburn.
6. Asparagus – is rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, improves hormone levels, helps reduce risk of low birth weight and birth defects during pregnancy, helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, alleviates retention of water, lowers anxiety and stress, enhances memory, is effective for pre-menstrual bloating, has laxative properties, reduces risk of allergies, cataracts, and chronic health ailments. Warning-may cause gas and kidney stones.

Treat your body to a plethora of health benefits by varying your choice of vegetables!

Read Part 2 to learn about Dr. Simeons’ other seven vegetables…