Can You Drink Alcohol on the HCG Diet?

Alcohol and weight loss are complicated issues as it is not advisable during the HCG diet. Dealing with alcohol cravings during the HCG diet is challenging. Phase 2 of the HCG diet plan is the principal weight loss phase made possible by an extended caloric reduction. With the help of HCG shots, the hunger pangs including alcohol cravings are much easier to deal with.

Is Alcohol Allowed During HCG Phase 2?

The original protocol of the HCG diet does not permit any alcoholic beverages during the VLCD. However, a modern protocol such as the 800-calorie version permits dieters to have alcohol in moderation. The secret to drinking alcohol while on the second phase of the HCG diet is choosing the right option and drinking in moderation.

Before chugging a glass or two, remind yourself of your weight loss goal. Note that you are establishing healthy eating habits while using HCG injections. Drinking alcoholic beverages may interfere with your progress. Here are some choices of alcohol you can have during the VLCD:

Rum
White wine
Red wine
Tequila
Vodka (maximum of three shots)

When you are dealing with cravings for alcoholic beverages, avoid them all during the HCG diet. Alcoholic beverages like beer have the highest calories. A bottle can add more than 100 calories and, it can increase your calorie intake. Drinking too much can compromise your daily meal and results in nutritional deficiency.

Reasons To Totally Avoid Alcohol on Phase 2 of the HCG Diet

Calories in alcohol are high and, they can interfere with your progress. Calorie-loaded drinks increase fat deposition in the body.
Alcoholic mixes contain loads of sugar and carbs. Additionally, they can affect HCG’s fat-burning mechanism and may affect your liver and develops dependency.
Alcohol stimulates your appetite and activates the reward center in your brain. As a result, it can worsen your cravings for alcoholic beverages.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages leads to frequent snacking on carbs and high-calorie foods. It can also affect your sleeping routine due to stimulants.

How to Quit Alcohol during the HCG Diet

Load more on healthy foods to improve the detoxification process in the body. It staves off chemicals that can trigger cravings.
Sleeping on time can reduce the occurrence of cravings during the day. It can also alleviate stress without involving alcoholic drinks.
Drink water or tea as a substitute drink instead of an alcoholic treat. Oxygen and nutrients flow more efficiently and toxins are removed from the body with water.
Shift your attention to other fun activities when you crave alcohol. It will help you reduce your cravings and maintain a low-calorie intake.
Take your HCG shots every day to curb your hunger and maintain your energy.

Alcohol Stops Fat Burning and Decreases Your Metabolism

Our bodies burn some protein, fat, and carbohydrates immediately and store some for later use. However, this does not occur when drinking alcohol. When alcohol reaches the bloodstream, it begins to be used for metabolism and for energy. As this is happening, the body cannot use protein, fat, or carbs for metabolism and turns them into fat.

Less than 5 percent of the alcohol calories you drink are turned into fat. A beer belly is not caused by alcohol turning to fat, but rather by the alcohol being used as energy instead of fat stored for long periods. Remember, what is not burned turns to fat, and if alcohol is around, everything you eat turns to fat.

Can I Drink Alcohol During Phase 3 of the HCG Diet?

Alcohol is allowed during phase 3 of the HCG diet but you have to select the right choice. Note that you are maintaining the weight loss you achieve during phase 3. So, introducing alcohol may not be a good idea if done irresponsibly.

Vodka, whiskey, gin, and tequila, as well as other non-sweet distilled alcohols, are acceptable, and one or two drinks should not result in difficulty with stability the following day. When making a cocktail, limit yourself to fruit juice and sparkling water.