Preliminary hcg stuff

I read many many posts, blogs and websites trying to get a handle on all the different Hcg options out there, and there are many. The original Dr. Simeon protocol from the 1950's, the new revised Kevin Trudeau version (much more complex and expensive) and many many clinics that offer their own versions including higher calorie food plans, longer time periods etc. But for me, I like the basic simplicity of the Simeon protocol along with common sense updates since it is 50 years later and there are lots of changes in what kinds of foods are available today that werent then. What I find most helpful is that there are a few websites that have hundreds if not thousands of people that are doing the protocol, testing different things and sharing the results. Let me give an example: in the original protocol Dr Simeon says that you can use Stevia and Saccarin for sweetners in your beverages. Well, today there are other options such as just the Reb A from Stevia (less aftertaste and bitterness), Erythritol, Splenda and others... the only way we can know how they affect the program is form people trying them and posting. Also, there are many more culinary options today that didnt exist, lots of low and 0 calorie foods... again, the trial and error of others will help us all.

So, what is fair to say, is that I will be following the basic Simeon protocol with some more modern updates based on others trial and error and my own experimentations. Also, I will add here, that lots of people are yelling "stick to the protocol! stick to the protocol! don't deviate!" but the wierd part of that to me is the so many of them are doing slightly different protocols anyway. Some are strict Simeons, some are Trudeus and yet they all yell "stick to the protocol". So far in my short experience, it seems that the basics are ciritical but the exact details are somewhat flexible. Such as 500 cals daily, or, only 200g protein... don't do less than 500g even if you feel full, DO drink all the water!!! But, there are some great recipes out there and some have found that a little Virgin Coconut oil and a few Macadamia nuts actually help! I will share my experience with these as I along.

One 'must' that I do advocate for everybody! Do read Dr. Simeons very short and thoruogh manuscript about his work! It is called Pounds and Inches and it is available as a free download from many sites! READ IT so you have a good understanding of the basic science of the protocol. I will refer to language such as Loading days, VLCD, Rounds, Phases, TOM and Apple days. READ "POUNDS AND INCHES".

Method: there are 3 basic ways to take the Hcg... Hcg Injections, Hcg Sublingual (both of these methods are with the use of prescription Hcg) and third is Hcg Homeopathic Drops. It is important to note that the Homeopathic Drops contain NO Hcg, otherwise it would be by prescription only! There is a big debate over whether or not the Homeopathic drops really work the same as Hcg does, some claim they can prove the drops work the same and others claim it is only the 500 cal diet that does it. I don't know, I've read both and there are compelling arguments for both. So, and here is the wierd part, I chose to do injections which are purported to be the MOST effective and Claudia is doing the Homeopathic drops. Well, when I get to the point in my life that I'm ready to make a decision and commit to something it happens quickly so what I have chosen to do is to start on the Homeopathic drops while I wait for my prescription to arrive from either India or New Zealand (from a Canadian Pharmacy online).

So, here we go!