Can You Have Pickles on HCG Diet?

Pickles are cucumbers that have been soaked in vinegar or brine. They are allowed for any diet program. They are a popular snack and condiment and come in a variety of flavors and types. Pickles are low in calories and rich in vitamin K and other nutrients.

Are pickles allowed on the HCG Diet?

YES! You can have pickles on the HCG diet, but there are some guidelines you need to follow.

Pickles are basically cucumber, and cucumber is an HCG diet-approved food. They are low in calories and can help you stay hydrated. This is important when you’re on a low-calorie diet. However, not all pickles are created equal.

The type of pickles you can have on the HCG diet are dill pickles. These pickles are made with vinegar and dill, and they don’t contain any added sugar or other ingredients that can interfere with your weight loss goals.

Safe Pickles for Phase 2

Pickles are cucumbers, and cucumbers are on Dr. Simeon’s original P2 food list for the HCG Diet. Meaning, they are safe and you can have them. Just make sure all other ingredients that come with the pickles are on the protocol. And there should always be zero sugar. 

Safe pickles to have during phase 2 includes:

·      Baby dill pickles

·      Dill pickles

·      Gherkin Pickles or Cornichons 

These pickles are cucumber in vinegar, salt, and spices only. NO sugar!

The Benefits of Eating Pickles

Pickles can offer several benefits when you’re on the HCG diet. Here are some of the benefits of including pickles in your diet:

1. Pickles have good bacteria that are essential for gut health.
2. Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants that reduce your risk of having heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and other conditions.
3. Pickle juice, specifically the vinegar in it, may help keep your blood sugar levels low or normal.
4. Pickles may also support weight loss by curbing your appetite and boosting your metabolic rate.
5. Eating pickles may provide disease-fighting antioxidants. Antioxidants may protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Tips on How to Incorporate Pickles Into the HCG Diet

Here are some tips on how to incorporate pickles into your HCG diet:

1. Stick to dill pickles. As mentioned earlier, you can only have dill pickles on the HCG diet. Make sure to read the label before you buy pickles to ensure that they don’t contain any added sugar or other ingredients.
2. Limit your intake. Even though pickles are low in calories, you still need to be mindful of your portions. Limit your intake to a few pickles per day.
3. Don’t add pickles to your meals. Avoid adding pickles to your meals. This can add extra calories and interfere with your weight loss goals.
4. Use pickles as a snack. Pickles make a great snack when you’re on the HCG diet. They’re low in calories, high in water content, and can help you stay hydrated.
5. Choose pickles in glass jars. Pickles in glass jars are better than those in plastic containers because they don’t contain harmful chemicals that can interfere with your weight loss goals.

NOTE: Pickles are high in sodium. This can cause you to gain a little water weight depending on how much you eat. Make sure to drink plenty of water to help flush out the excess sodium.

Sample HCG Diet Phase 2 Recipe that Uses Pickle

Protein Veggie Recipe or Pickle Meatza

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pickle slices about 15 slices
• 7 oz of ground beef crust
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ cup of pickle juice
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 scoop of powdered stevia
• ¼ cup of pickle juice
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 cups shredded lettuce
• 2 tablespoons of chopped onions

Instructions:

• Combine the beef, salt, and pickle juice in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly.
• Press the beef mix into a non-stick pan and bake in a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven for 15 minutes.
• Take the beef crust out of the oven when it turns golden brown.
• Mix tomato paste, stevia, and water together then spread across the crust. Return crust to the oven for one minute.
• Remove from oven and top it with shredded lettuce, pickles, and onion.