Herbs and Spices You Can Have on the HCG Diet

Losing weight is challenging as you have to cut down on all the unhealthy food indulgences. Imagine not having ice cream, pizza, and donuts for several weeks. Nonetheless, cutting down on unhealthy foods can improve your overall health. Luckily, there are herbs and spices you can have to boost your recipe without adding calories.

Eat flavorful foods without being guilty of your calorie intake. HCG diet is a strict regimen but it does not mean you can eat bland foods throughout the program. Adding flavor to your meal reduces the feeling of deprivation during the VLCD. 

HCG Diet Approved Herbs and Spices

1. Garlic. This is one of the most useful in the list of herbs and spices for VLCD. Garlic metabolizes carbs and fats in the body by breaking down cholesterol. You can use powdered garlic but ensure it does not contain starch.
2. Ginseng. It can help in weight loss and, it also stimulates energy levels. Ginseng increases the speed of your metabolic rate during the HCG diet.
3. Turmeric. It is familiar in most countries in the Asian region. Turmeric has antioxidant that promotes recovery of the liver and reduce fat storage. 
4. Black pepper. It blocks the formation and deposition of fat cells in your body. Adding black pepper to your food helps in burning more calories and suppressing your appetite.
5. Cayenne Pepper. Similar to black pepper, it boosts fat burning and reduces your intake of calories. Cayenne pepper also helps in zapping belly fat.
6. Cinnamon.  One of the easiest spices that are included in the list of permissible herbs and spices to use on the HCG Diet. This one can easily be added to coffee, smoothies, and apples. In addition to reducing LDL cholesterol and increasing glucose metabolism, cinnamon has some incredible effects on blood sugar levels
7. Ginger. It promotes weight loss and suppresses your appetite. Ginger can produce thermic effects and improves your metabolism. Drinking ginger tea can alleviate stomach pain and promotes digestion.
8. Thyme. It contains loads of vitamin C that can boost your immune system and promotes weight loss. Thyme contains low calories and, it is permissible during the VLCD. It is also a source of copper, manganese, and fiber.
9. Black Pepper. This spice has a distinct flavor that is typically used during cooking. Black pepper burns calories at the same rate as a twenty minutes walk. It also helps you to lose weight by increasing the absorption of nutrients from other foods and spices.
10. Cumin. It helps with digestion as well as energy production in the body and improves the glycemic metabolic process, particularly in those with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Additionally, cumin is thought to support memory and also provide potent and proven anti-stress benefits. In addition to helping with weight loss through digestion and sugar breakdown, it is also one of the herbs and spices that is used for various medicinal purposes over the centuries.
11. Mint. It is rich in nutrients and improves bowel movement. Constipation is a typical side effect of the HCG diet. You can drink a glass of water with mint leaves to relieve constipation and improve digestion. Mint can produce freshness and improve your brain function. It can also suppress your appetite during the second phase of the HCG diet.
12. Parsley. You can use parsley as a natural diuretic. It reduces bloating and constipation. Using parsley during the HCG diet helps in managing your blood pressure. It has loads of vitamin K that supports bone growth.
13. Rosemary. It has antioxidants that prevent inflammation. Rosemary can improve blood circulation and boost your metabolism. It is one of the herbs and spices that improve memory, alertness, and other brain functions. You can add them to grilled lean meat.

NOTE: Keep your calorie intake low and ensure you use fresh herbs and spices. Avoid buying prepacked products in the market because most of them contain starch. Avoid using garlic powder and pepper from the grocery store because most of them contain starch. Weigh your food choices before cooking to keep your calorie intake low.