The Chosen Few – Vegetables Allowed on the HCG Diet (Part 2)

(The previous blog, The Chose Few – Vegetables Allowed on the HCG Diet Part 1, addressed 6 of the 13 vegetables allowed on the HCG Diet and this blog addresses the remaining 7.)

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 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 seven 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 have breath mints or gum, even sugar free, on the low-calorie phase of the diet. So, what can you do to tame that dragon? Eat some fennel!

1. Fennel – strengthens immune system, increases brain function, lowers cholesterol, eliminates bad breath, facilitates digestion and relieves diarrhea, acts as a laxative and relieves constipation, used to treat respiratory disorders, lowers high blood pressure, reduces risk of breast and liver cancer, is a diuretic, strengthens hair and prevents hair loss. Warning – too much can cause heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and other neural problems.
2. Cabbage – used as treatment for constipation, improves digestion, promotes eye health, reduces risk of ulcers and cancer, aids in weight loss, improves mental function and concentration, promotes bone health, helps control blood pressure, detoxifies, and improves skin health and skin toning (much needed as you lose weight).
3. Celery – lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces swelling and pain around joints, helps prevent cancer, improves immune system, prevents urinary tract infection in females, is a diuretic, promotes cardiovascular health, helps relieve migraines, helps manage diabetes symptoms, improves eye health, promotes weight loss, and strengthens teeth.
4. Beet Greens – is packed with antioxidants and rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, benefits eyesight, supports healthy skin, teeth, and blood vessels, strengthens immune system, strengthens digestive system, boosts bone strength and helps ward off osteoporosis, aids in speeding up the healing process of wounds and has a higher nutritional value than the beet itself!
5. Chicory – improves digestion and reduces constipation, is a diuretic, is a powerful probiotic, reduces bad cholesterol, prevents various types of cancer, promotes weight loss, diminishes food-seeking behavior (overeating) and increases feeling of fullness, relieves arthritic pain, reduces risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and reduces anxiety and stress. Chicory root extract is a healthy sleep aid. Warning – avoid if you’ve had gallstones or are pregnant or nursing.
6. Chard – is rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, reduces risk of diabetes, helps regulate blood sugar levels, improves digestion, boosts the immune system, helps to lower blood pressure, aids in increasing bone strength and development, detoxifies, increases circulation of blood and oxygenation of essential organs in the body, increases brain function, protects from heart attacks and strokes, benefits eyesight, and helps keep hair healthy.
7. Cucumber – aids in managing diabetes, helps prevent constipation, reduces risk of kidney stones, aids in decreasing blood pressure, used to help skin and complexion, detoxifies, is a diuretic, aids indigestion, optimizes the functions of vital organs such as the bladder, kidney, liver and pancreas, promotes healthy hair growth, and helps prevent splitting of fingernails and toenails. Cucumber extract is used topically to treat skin ailments including sunburn, eye swelling and acne.

Vary your choice of vegetables during the week to treat your body to a smorgasbord of vitamins, nutrients and flavor!