The concept of ketosis has become widely known in recent years. Since the ketogenic diet considerably facilitates weight loss, it has become increasingly popular. Although it was initially created to treat specific diseases, it has now become a way of life for those who wish to lose weight and keep it off.
Many people have asked us if the hCG diet is keto-friendly, or if it can be followed at the same time as the ketogenic diet. Hence, we've decided to explain how the two are related and what sets them apart.
What characteristics do the hCG diet and the keto diet have in common?
You can achieve ketosis with either of them
Ketosis is a metabolic condition that’s either a natural occurrence (during pregnancy, hunger, or infancy) or induced by specific low-carb diets.
Normally, as soon as you consume carbohydrates, your body turns them into glucose, which is subsequently taken into your blood. When your blood sugar levels rise, your pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that allows cells to use blood sugar for energy.
Our cells mostly favor glucose as a fuel source. When your body realizes it cannot use carbohydrates as fuel, it starts to break down fatty acids from its fat stores. Ketones are created when fatty acids enter the liver. They can then be used to feed your body, including the brain. You can learn more about ketosis on a website like Planketogenic.
Let's look at how these two diets can immediately help you go into ketosis.
The ketogenic diet, as we described above, employs a relatively low carbohydrate intake to encourage your body to start producing ketones. You are not required to adhere to any calorie limitations on this diet. All that is needed is to get most of your daily calories from healthy fats and limit your intake of carbohydrates to under 35g.
Phase one of the hCG diet is the first 48 hours. It is advised that you consume high-fat foods instead of eating as many carbohydrates at this time because they prevent ketosis. However, the hCG diet's second phase severely restricts your daily caloric intake to around 500 kcal while drastically reducing your carbohydrate intake. You'll enter ketosis soon due to utilizing stored fat as fuel rather than food.
It's important to remember that you may also follow a vegetarian hCG diet because numerous foods can substitute the lean animal protein in your carnivorous cuisine.
You won't go hungry because of either of these
The hCG diet stipulates that you must get hCG injections during the first and second phases of the diet. They facilitate the beginning of ketosis.
This hormone reduces hunger, which maximizes weight loss. Due to the low-calorie intake, getting hCG in the right proportions is essential. This is because, without hCG, you run the risk of getting hungry and won't be able to stick with the diet for the full recommended duration.
On the other hand, the ketogenic diet promotes meals that are rich in healthy fats. Fat keeps you satisfied for longer, so you won't feel any hunger pangs. Additionally, you won't experience any unanticipated drops in blood sugar levels because your blood sugar levels are steady and free of peaks and valleys.
These two support quick weight loss
The fact that a glucose molecule links three water molecules to itself suggests that carbs will increase the amount of water your body retains. As the body expels the additional water when you cut back on carbs, you will soon see some visible weight loss. However, it takes more time to break down your fat reserves.
What are the differences between the hCG diet and the ketogenic diet?
The hCG diet is a low-fat eating plan
You're encouraged to eliminate as many fats as you can on the hCG diet. In moderation, you may eat fruits and vegetables, but lean protein should be your only source of protein (lean beef, skinless chicken breast, shrimp, cottage cheese, etc.).
On the other hand, while the ketogenic diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, you should consume plenty of healthy fats—roughly 70% of your daily calories. To stay in ketosis, eat things like eggs, hard cheeses, greek yogurt, fatty meats, seafood, olive oil, and butter.
If you're exploring different diets, you might find it interesting to learn about regenerative meat through resources like Carnivore Snax.
The hCG hormone must be injected as part of the hCG diet
To start with, the diet's name is based on hormones. The diet's logic states that hCG injections are crucial because, as we previously established, they can decrease appetite and speed up the process of bringing you into ketosis. Remember that using over-the-counter hCG drops, creams, or sprays is not recommended. We advise you to consult with professionals who deliver the finest hCG injections.
Different ketogenic diet plans exist
Unlike the hCG diet, the ketogenic diet includes a few variations. For instance, a strict ketogenic diet recommends consuming 70% fat, 20%–25% protein, and only 5%–10% carbohydrates daily. There are also specialized keto diets for athletes, high-protein keto diets, flexible keto diets, and keto diets for bodybuilders (which involve eating during a 12-hour window and then not consuming food three hours before bedtime).
The hCG diet is a low-calorie diet
As we previously stated, your daily calorie intake is capped at 500kcal on the hCG diet. On the other hand, the ketogenic diet does not need you to keep track of your caloric intake.
Final thoughts
Everyone agrees that the hCG and keto diets cannot be combined. Understanding these two eating styles is essential for your long-term success because each diet has a unique set of requirements.
Although you can enter ketosis with either the hCG diet or the ketogenic diet, they are two different diets. The hCG diet requires you to eat low-fat and low-calorie meals while taking hormones, whereas the ketogenic diet (in all its variations) encourages you to eat foods that are high in fats and very low in carbohydrates. To be clear, losing weight while on the ketogenic diet won't be hampered by hCG injections.
The hCG diet is a great way to break through a plateau because it emphasizes quick weight loss. However, it has significant negative effects, so if you have any underlying medical conditions, you should get advice from a doctor or a dietician.
It’s not easy to select the ideal weight-loss program frequently. A person's overall health may occasionally suffer due to frequent experimentation with too many different diets. Instead of sacrificing it and putting your health second, find a diet plan that works for your body and your needs. This will help you attain your weight goal and maintain it over time.
References
- https://betterweighmedical.com/hcg-diet-and-ketosis
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hcg-diet-101
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/hcg-diet/faq-20058164
- https://www.verywellfit.com/the-hcg-diet-4688734
- https://fortmyerschirostudio.com/2017/02/05/what-are-ketones-what-can-they-do-for-me/
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https://www.webmd.com/diet/hcg-and-weight-loss
- https://www.socalregenclinic.com/keto-diet-or-hcg-diet-which-is-right-for-you/
- https://revivelowtclinic.pharmacy/keto-diet-plan-weight-loss-men/
https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/womens-heart-health/straight-talk-newsletter/is-diet-a-part-of-your-new-years-resolutions/
