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So before the more rewarding Phase 2 losing-weight part, you need to go through the Phase 1 loading portion of the hCG Diet Plan, lasting typically 2-3 days. Also sometimes called gorging, it involves eating more than normal of high fat foods – yes the idea is to actually gain weight during this phase. Don’t panic, it will come off quickly.
So lets talk about how to do it, and then discuss why we do it since it sounds like lunacy to do this on purpose.
Then after you have the basics, you’ll want to get more details on loading properly for you here.
Phase 1: Loading for the hCG Diet: 2 days
Loading is typically done for 2 days, but on occasion there might be reason to load for 3 days or more.
In a nutshell:
Eat larger than normal amounts of high fat foods with the purpose of gaining weight, for 2 days, while taking hCG.
What to do
a. Take hCG injections
(please see my article on finding the best dose of hCG for you) Most feel the least hunger on 125iu or 150iu- this will be 12.5 units or 15 units on the injection syringe if you mix hCG in 1:1 ratio)
b. Eat high fat foods / higher calorie intake than usual
c. Eat low carb* (optional – see below)
Food choices would be the same as the 1 week pre-hCG diet phase (another optional thing I just kind of made up), just focus on eating a higher fat and higher calorie count than usual for these 2 days. You are trying to purposefully gain weight. Shocker! I know.
* Loading low carb is optional– you can load the traditional way and eat whatever you want- cake, donuts etc.- see why I believe in low carb / clean loading for some. If you are not addicted to sugar, you can probably get away with eating pecan pie and cheesecake while loading without too many repercussions on hCG.
d. Weigh yourself daily
How Much Should I Eat Exactly?
Some people say you should stuff yourself till you feel sick. Personally, I do not believe in this. I have a binge eating history, and I have come to realize that there is never a good reason or excuse to get that full on purpose. It is not a healthy positive way to interact with food, so it’s not something I would ever feel is needed.
I have found that sometimes when loading the hCG can make you already feel like not eating almost right away- that kind of happened my first round of hCG when the smell of Dim Sum we went to and all the fatty foods was making me sick and nauseous! And other rounds I found I was able to load and eat a fair amount pretty easily.
My advice, if it were me, would be just eat with purpose but not to the point of making yourself sick.
Also if you note my Clean Loading option, that too can help you to properly load even if you struggle to eat a lot, so that you are not wasting calories getting full on the ingredients that you don’t need for loading (I’m talking to YOU sugar and wheat).
Dealing with Aversion to Most/All Eating During Loading
If you feel too “full” already to feel like you can eat hardly anything, you might try to see if there are any foods that feel less averse to you than others. For instance, sometimes cold foods, or foods with no smell, seem to be able to go down much easier than say…..pungent Dim Sum. So for instance, you could mix some coconut cream and stevia and swerve together and stick it in the freezer for awhile to make a super high fat treat that might be palatable for you. If you can tolerate cold yogurt you can add melted butter or full fat sour cream to it to make a higher fat food.
Remember the main loading principles:
- High fat foods
- Eat with purpose – don’t absentmindedly not eat
- Don’t go to point of being sick to your stomach
- Try to find higher fat foods you can tolerate if you are having aversion to consuming even normal amounts of foods.
My Loading Days Example:
I’ll just give you an example of what I consumed my final round of hCG – I loaded for 2 days, and during that two days combined, I ate a total of 8,000 calories and about 600 grams of fat. This does not mean you have to eat this much on your loading days! I do seem to have a particularly big appetite for a little lady of my height if I make any comparisons in how much I eat in general with my 6′ husband (I eat more than him, at least that’s how it seems to me), so I may have a larger appetite and tolerance for more food than you.
You can see what foods that was comprised of here:
And remember, this is just the very basics of loading – check out all my Phase 1 Loading posts to get really informed.
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What meals did you actually eat on your loading days? I’d love to recreate them. I’m guessing there was tuna salad but not sure how you used say the flaxseed or feta. The ingredients are great but the meal name would be helpful. Can you please share ?
I am a week into the injections and now have to take an antibiotic for 10 days, (my dog got my finger instead of the toy). Will the two interfere with each other? I dont want to waste the shot if it wont work as well.
Hi Melissa,
This is Lucelle, Rayzel’s assistant. Nice to meet you! 🙂
This helphub here might help: https://hcgchicahelphub.com/antibiotics-on-the-hcg-diet/
Question: During phase 1, the fat loading days, do you skip breakfast like you do during phase 2 of the HUG Diet?
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
No need to skip breakfast on loading days. 🙂
How many calories should you consume in the loading phase?
Hi Molly,
I think most consume around 2500-4000 calories a day. It seems like a lot but if you focus on eating fatty foods instead of sugar/carb foods then you’ll achieve that. 🙂
I was not doing the injection correctly on the fist two days (loading days P1) and I’m not sure that I got any HCG at all – ugh. Do I continue today with P2 or do another day of loading when I am sure I am getting the HCG? I was holding the jar upright and thought it would self suction, but alas, it needs to be tipped upside down (eyes like the tenth thing to go…).
Hi Mary,
You can do a day of loading with high fatty foods to be sure. If you want a little further input, you might read the info on doing a 3 day hCG diet load as the principles there may help you make a decision. https://hcgchica.com/should-you-load-3-days-on-the-hcg-diet/
Hi I’m just about to start the hcg diet and I have 2 questions,
1) I’m on my period, is it okay to start while on it or do I need to wait?
2) is there any alcohol allowed in the loading phase or is it none throughout all phases?
Thanks!
Hi Hannah,
This is Lucelle, Rayzel’s assistant.
You can start the loading phase while on your period just not the Phase 2. It’s hard to start P2 when you’re having PMS.
I tried loading with alcohol one time but I stuck to low carb alcohol and only did that for Day 1 and clean load on Day 2 and it was okay for me.
If you purchased LIPO and the B complex shots do you take them on the loading days or start on P2?
Hi Amy,
You can start it on P2.
Hope that helps!
-Lucelle, hcgchica’s assistant
What if you are 100 pounds overweight how does the loading Phase apply to this
Hi Krystel,
Yes, you will still have to do the loading phase even if you are 100lbs.
Hope that helps!
I don’t know where to start, how much to buy. I need to loose 50 pds. I want shots but what else. B12 diet book etc.
Hi Audrey,
This is Lucelle, Rayzel’s assistant. Nice to meet you! 🙂
Here’s Rayzel’s hCG buying guide to help you: https://hcgchica.com/buying-guide-hcg-diet/
You can also buy Rayzel’s diet workbook here: https://dietworkbookforyou.com/
Hope that helps!
My first day I was 197lbs. I did my first loading and now I’m 201lbs.. I don’t feel so motivated anymore. I think I’m going to skip my second load day and just eat my fruit and protein. I can’t afford to gain anymore weight and then this program not work.. I’m going to stick to the program and see if it works, I’m going to skip my second load day..
Do you have any advice for me?
Hi Christy,
This is Li-an, Rayzel’s assistant. Nice to meet you! Loading is a very important phase on this diet and while I would advise you to do a 2nd loading day, the choice is really up to you if you don’t feel comfortable doing it. A better way to do loading is doing a clean loading which Rayzel explained here: http://hcgchica.com/loading-low-carb-clean-hcg-diet/
Good luck!
Hi there.
-So I accidentally skipped the loading days – and jumped into the 500 calories. Do I need to stop and go back to phase 1? The hunger is not bad at all, haven’t checked the scale yet.
-Also, if I eat 400 calories can I have a 100 calories of a glass of red wine at night? Thank you!
-Also I have to travel for work for 4 days. Can I stop injections for those four days and pick up again when I return…BTW did this 5 years ago with your help and I lost 15 pounds in 3 weeks before an important event and it was amazing…
Hi Karen,
-Rayzel thinks that the loading days are extremely important. Losses may be affected. The why’s are discussed here: http://hcgchica.com/the-loading-phase-on-hcg-why/ But it’s still up to you if you decide not to restart
-Red wine is not P2 approved, I would suggest to stick to the protocol.
-You can read about interruptions here: http://hcgchica.com/interruptions-on-the-hcg-diet-how-to-take-a-short-break-during-an-hcg-round/
Good luck!
Li-an, Rayzel’s assistant
This is my 2nd round of HCG. I thought i had it down but I didn’t take the shots during phase 1. I am on day 2 of phase 2. Will it be OK or do I need to start over?
Hi Emily,
This is Li-an, Rayzel’s assistant. If you’ve started P2, I don’t think you have to go back again and restart. Just keep on going and stick to the protocol. Good luck!
What do y reccomed for the 2 loading days to be most effective? Sat I start.
Hi Erica!
This is Cristel, Rayzel’s assistant. So nice to meet you! 🙂
You do load on high fat foods the first 2 days of the diet- following that you would follow the instructions in this section here: http://hcgchica.com/hcg-diet-faq/category/questions-regarding-the-basic-rules-to-follow-to-do-the-hcg-diet/
Also, Loading does seem to be pretty essential. You can do a clean load though and usually this doesn’t cause a large gain. Rayzel’s info on that is here:
http://hcgchica.com/loading-low-carb-clean-hcg-diet/
Hope that helps!
Hi,
On my diet instructions from the hCG Dr. it mentions MCT oil. I know it is a derivative of Coconut oil but how do IO use it in conjuction with hCG diet? I have never seen that particular suggestion on any site I have gone to.
Must I buy it from them or can I get it on Amazon?
I can Email the nutritionist and ask but thought I would get a broader view of uses here.
Thanks in advance
Hi Callie,
MCT oil & coconut oil are both under the alternative protocol and their uses also vary depending on the protocol you are following. The hCG Diet has many variations, in this case I think the best thing to do is ask your doctor? Since you intend to follow the protocol he recommends.
In the meantime, Rayzel has a post here about using coconut oil while on p2: http://hcgchica.com/coconut-oil-hcg-diet-p2/
Hope that helps somehow!
Li-an, Rayzel’s assistant
Thank you. I was following the “DietDoc” plan as recommended here. I talked to the nutritionist and got some more info…
Honestly though, the whole diet did not work or me. I think if you have a very small amount of weight to lose (say 10 – 15) this may not be the best choice. I also feel that someone who is used to exercising should try something else as well.
I simply did not lose enough weight (three pounds – I would have lost that much without the hCGI think!) to justify the cost. I had no trouble following the diet, was not hungry and can see how it would work for someone with more to lose.
Thank you for the help and I wish everyone else better results!
May I offer some constructive criticism? I am watching your videos and you may some really great info, but every time you say look “normal” in regards to weighing less I cringe! That is a very degrading adjective! Please find a different word!
Hello, I started waxing beforr the infections. Will this caause a problem. I haf some food 2 hours early prior to injecting HCG for day 1 of phase 1. Is this a problem? Please let ne know.
Hi Ivana!
This is Cristel, Rayzel’s assistant. Nice to meet you! 🙂
No problem at all.
When do I start taking the b12? Do I inject it with the hcg or seperately?
Hi JoLynn,
I am not sure about b12 at the moment. How often and when to take it or whether to inject with hCG or not – the instructions will be on the vial if you ordered it. Rayzel has not yet fully compiled her b12/lipo blogpost. Sorry, it got reverted to the background while finishing other projects. One thing to note is that the lipo contains ingredients that are supposed to help your body and especially your liver metabolize, or break down the fat that your body is burning more efficiently, and she feels that this could make the hCG protocol overall healthier/less stressful on your body.
Hi
I’m just on day two of phase 1 , but the center where I go to get the shots told me it was a 3-4 day span between the b 12 injections. Hope that helps!
That’s correct. I buy my HCG from a guy in Miami $275 for 30 days. Comes direct from a pharmacy in Texas. He includes a vile equivalent to10 B12 shots. I take them every third day. 1st week lost 8 lbs and I only need to lose 15-20. I’m 5”7 and 158 lbs. second time doing this. In 4 years. Covid got me.
Does it matter what time of day you take your shot? I’m on day 1 loading and realized I forgot my shot! It’s 4pm! I don’t want today to be a waste.
Hi Angela,
Really sorry for the late reply.
Injections are done usually in the morning. If you forgot your shot just one time, like it’s already late in the afternoon – it’s not too late, if it were me, I’d take the injection right away and then maybe add an alarm on my phone, anything to remind me to take the shot in the morning.
So you’re saying that the first two days of me starting the hCG injections are loading days? And then after those two days I continue the injections on the 500 cal diet?
Hi Rebecca!
Yes, that is correct.
Do you take a higher dose of hCG on loading days? I thought I saw that somewhere but now I can’t find it. For example, if my regular dose for P2 is going to be 150 iu, am I supposed to take 175 iu or 200 iu on loading days? Starting Thursday!!!!
Hello,
I understand that there is not a specific amount of fat intake in the loading phase, but I only hit about 160 grams of fat on my first loading day.
I am wondering if I can make it up in the 2nd loading day or if I should go for 3 days of loading?
Any suggestions please? 🙂
Thank you,
Leslie
Hi Leslie!
I don’t honestly think 3 days of loading are truly needed most of the time- if you load well the first 2 days, a third day isn’t usually needed. Usually I can tell by how I feel the morning after the 2nd load day- if I’m still as full as when I went to bed, then I know I’m ready for vlcd- but if I woke up all hungry or something, I might do a 3rd day.
http://hcgchica.com/should-you-load-3-days-on-the-hcg-diet/
I had a gastric bypass and lost a lot of weight. However, I had some emotional issues that led to gaining half of it back. Do you think I could do your HCG diet?
Hi Kate,
I had gastric bypass, lost 140 pounds and kept it off for years…then menopause hit and I gained almost 50 lbs. I did HCG successfully with no problem and my Dr. knew I was doing it. I lost 42 lbs doing a 6 week and a 3 week. Good luck!!
~Lynn
Wow Lynn, thank you so much for chiming in with your experience here! It’s so encouraging to others to see ladies like themselves succeed with this. Would you by any chance be open to letting me interview you on the blog about your hCG experience given your history with weight loss surgery? We might be able to share some help for other ladies in similar situation that might be applicable specifically to them on the protocol. Let me know what you think- if you are open to it, could you email me at [email protected] and title it hcg interview – after weight loss surgery – or something like that? Would love to talk with you!
I have ordered hcg drops…will it work… and how much should i take..what is dose..i am 5,6 with 205 pounds of wt…
What’s the minimum of calories I should eat on a loading day? I def couldn’t reach 7,000.
Do you have any recommendations for foods to eat as a vegetarian on phase 2?
Can u have alcohol on loading phase
Hey @Cindy – yep you can!
Can you have your fruit during breakfast, or as a snack after dinner?
Hi @Mimi – yes you are allowed to split your food up – just no eating two fruits together though.
In the 2 day loading phase, can you drink Alcohol or eat carbs?
Hiya @Jan Rudd! Yes you can. There were no restrictions on what you could eat in the original protocol. Since then I have found that doing a modified loading phase where I do not eat any starches or sugars helped me, which you can learn about here: http://hcgchica.com/loading-low-carb-clean-hcg-diet/ but that method is not required, just an option. Hope that helps! – Rayzel
Thanks, Jan
I am waiting until the end of the month to start because of trip. Can’t wait.
Rayzel, after learning to loading clean- my transition period (that time when you feel completely terrible like the flu) was entirely smooth & easy. You help so many of us & I’m entirely grateful.
I have one questions after how long does the HCG start loosing efficiency I wanna start using it on my birthday unfortunetly I already had two shots so I wanna know if I can save the rest and start with it in May 1st for my birthday.
I wanna k is how to mix 10000 ieu. Will it stay potent the entire 40 days. Where can I buy good quality hCG.