Whole grains are either present in the whole form or ground into flour. These are packed with nutrients and other benefits for your body. However, if you are trying to lose weight during the HCG diet you have to avoid consuming whole grains. Whole grains are not the healthiest food options for your HCG diet, especially during the VLCD.
Why whole grains are not allowed during the HCG diet?
Whole grains are not allowed during the HCG diet because they can cause weight loss plateau or weight gain. Whole grains possess sugar and carbs which is not allowed during the HCG diet because it is a zero-carb and sugar diet. Whole grains can increase inflammation and weight gain. It increases your insulin levels rapidly which makes frequent occurrences of hunger. Whole grains may also make it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients from the foods you eat.
Avoiding grains altogether may improve your health and weight loss. Give up whole grains consumption before starting your HCG diet. This is for you to prepare properly for rapid weight loss during Phase 2. Giving up whole grains before starting Phase 2 of the HCG diet can help curb food cravings and hunger.
Why do you have to avoid whole-grains during the HCG diet?
#1- Whole grains have lectins
Lectin is a type of protein that cannot be digested. It passes through your digestive system and remains undigested which can lead to inflammation. Too much of it can damage the lining of your intestine overtime. The inflammation that is caused by lectins can also weaken your immune system.
#2- Whole grains can cause diabetes
All grain-based foods including whole grains can spike up your blood sugar levels. It causes imbalances of hormones in your body and other negative effects on your HCG diet. Grain-based foods can break down into glucose very quickly. The high level of glucose breakdown can deposit more fats in fat storage rather than burning them. This is eventually associated with weight gain that can result in obesity or overweight.
#3- Whole grains are high in carbs
Whole grains have carbs that are absorbed quickly in your body. It leads to a rapid spike of blood sugar followed by hunger and cravings. This causes your body to make more insulin and deposit the extra glucose as fat. Take note that you are not allowed to eat carbs while doing the VLCD. You are only allowed to have low-calorie foods to complete the 500 calorie daily requirements.
Grain-based foods that you need to avoid during the HCG diet
- Bread
- Pasta
- Muesli
- Oatmeal
- Rice
- Cake
- Cookies
- Grain-based cereals
- Pastries
Do whole grains have a direct effect on HCG?
Whole grains do not have a direct effect on the diet hormone. However, loading whole grains increases your risk of gaining weight. Whole grains contain sugars that can interfere with the work of HCG in your body. It can cause weight loss stall or can stop the HCG in burning your body fats. It’s because the lectin in whole grain prevents your body from absorbing the HCG. This only means that it cannot work fully for weight loss.
