HCG diet for vegetarians and vegans – helping you lose weight, and feel great!
One of the questions that we are commonly asked is whether the hCG diet still works for vegetarians and vegans.
And the answer is a resounding YES!
If you’re a vegetarian or a vegan, you can still lose weight on the hCG diet by making a few simple substitutes to the meal plan which is included in the program.
Miso soup, just one of the many vegetarian options
Getting adequate protein
Adequate protein intake is one of the most important factors in achieving weight loss on the hCG diet. Protein plays a role in moderating hunger hormones in the body which reduces your appetite and helps you to make better food choices overall.
Our weight loss success protocol (or our protocol) includes lean protein from sources such as chicken, beef and fish but if you’re not a meat-eater, you can still get ample amount of protein into your diet while maintaining a calorie-restricted diet, to make the hCG diet work for you.
We recommend that you substitute 30g of protein from a meat source with 30g of vegetarian or vegan protein. For most substitutes, that will equate to a vegetarian or vegan consuming approximately 100 calories more per day than someone who can get their protein from meat.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
The hCG diet program has been scientifically designed to provide a nutrition plan which works in conjunction with the hormones in your body, so the closer you can follow it, the better your weight loss results will be. The challenge is consuming enough protein without exceeding your daily calorie allowance.
There are varying levels of vegetarianism, and while some Lacto-Ovo vegetarians avoid meat and fish altogether, others include certain types of fish in their diet meaning it’s relatively straightforward just to swap the meat options for fish.
For vegetarians or vegans who don’t include fish in their diets and are looking for some high protein foods to help them reach their recommended protein intake; here are some easy hCG diet vegetarian and vegan options which avoid meat and fish entirely.
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese contains approximately 30g of protein per cup. Add a decent portion to a salad to meet your recommended protein intake.
Protein powder.
Mix a serve of your favourite protein powder (we love Triple P – Sunray) with a cup of water for anywhere between 20 and 30g of non-meat protein.
Shake it Dairy-Free soup
Each 30g sachet of this delicious soup contains 20g of vegetarian and vegan protein.
Tofu
Tofu is extremely versatile, and it tastes delicious too! Add to stir fries and salads for 20g of protein for every cup.
Tofu makes a great meat substitute for vegans and vegetarians
Tempeh
Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans, and when used in cooking, one cup packs a 30g protein punch!
Miso soup
Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup which is low in calories. It’s one of the many vegetarian options on the HCG diet because you can have a lot of it which helps you meet your protein intake, without going overboard on the calories.
Eggs
Eggs are one of the most versatile, high-protein foods which we guarantee you’ll never get bored of! Scramble, poach or boil two eggs for 12g of protein and add them to salads or vegetable dishes for a high protein, nourishing hCG diet vegetarian option.
Vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian – our program can work for you
Many vegetarians use the hCG diet for weight loss and find it simple to follow. Vegans, who avoid all animal products, may find the program more challenging although protein sources such as soy products and protein shakes are a convenient substitute. Vegetarians who avoid meat but eat fish – pescatarians – will only need to replace a small number of meals as fish is a high source of protein too.
If you are following the hCG diet and substituting meat with vegetarian or vegan options, it is essential to include probiotics in your diet to help control the bacteria in your gut which leads to food cravings. You must always read the labels of any packaged and processed foods to ensure that you consume minimal sugar and fat, this will ensure that you get the best results from the hCG diet.
When following a strict nutritional plan, results on the vegetarian and vegan version of the hCG diet will be the same as the regular hCG diet; rapid weight loss and increased energy and vitality.
As you can see with a few dietary modifications there are several options available to vegetarians and vegans. Most importantly replace the meat proteins with your choice of our suggested lean proteins and stick to the recommended calorie requirements. If you are struggling for suitable meals that stay within the phase two VLCD criteria you may consider supplementing with a good low carb vegan protein powder mixed with water, it is important however, to be careful of the sweetener that is used in the powder and stick to stevia or Xylitol. There are several Pea protein options on the market, just remember to read the labels to ensure that you have a clean label product before purchasing.
As you can see the hCG diet is a great solution for those looking for good, quick weight loss results regardless of whether you are Vegan or Vegetarian, this is just the start to your food freedom for life.
If you’re a non-meat eater or avoid animal products together and you’re trying to lose weight, why not try our 23 day starter kit. The hCG program is easy to follow, offers fast results and includes foods that nourish your body while helping you to drop unwanted kilos.
Original article written by Maxine Wright and Liza Brunell.
Maxine Wright, Naturopath, Nutritionist, Herbalist, Weight Loss Coach ANTA Reg. 4226 (Adv Dip Health Sciences Liza Brunell, Naturopath (Adv Dip Health Sciences, Naturopathy))
