Losing weight requires hard work but keeping your weight off for good after doing hcg injections is even a greater challenge. Lack of self-control and a little bit of this and that can throw your diet overboard. Now, let’s talk about phase 3 of the HCG diet because it’s where you learn how to stabilize your weight and practice self-control over foods particularly carbohydrates. During the maintenance phase, you slow down your weight loss as you start introducing carbs back into your diet.
How much carb per day?
You should not eat anything that is considered carbs in the first week. In your second week, you add carbs into your diet very, very slowly as you gradually increase your calorie intake. It’s best to add carbs from veggies first rather than foods like whole-wheat bread and pasta. In your third week, you can include those with high carbs like potato, corn, and yam.
While you were on the very low calorie diet you are only allowed to eat 1 Melba toast or Grissini stick per meal. Each carb serving contains 23 grams giving you a total of 46 grams in two meals. You continue this cycle during the first week of phase three but on the second week start with 55 grams of carbs. Continue adding at least another 10 grams of carbs each day but make sure your carb intake comes from veggies.
Best carbs for Phase 3
- Fruits veggies
Fresh fruits are on the top list. They are absolutely the best carbs you can grab while on phase 3 of the HCG diet. Fruits have higher carb content than veggies because of the naturally occurring sugars but this does not mean you can’t have them. Some low carb fruits include strawberries, watermelon, avocado, peaches, and apples.
- Veggies
Veggies contain a wide range of healthful compounds including phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals yet are generally low in fat can calories. Veggies are high in fiber and lower in overall calories per serving. Veggies with higher water content have lower carbs per 100 grams serving. Veggies with low carb content include spinach, lettuce, cucumber, cauliflower, asparagus, broccoli, celery, and mushroom.
- High fiber foods
High fiber foods help decrease the net carbs for many of your favorite starchy foods. Fiber is a form of carb needed for proper food digestion and satiety. High fiber foods include chia seeds, flax seeds, lentils, berries, pears, artichokes, and cereals. You can also take fiber supplements like psyllium powder. Just make sure to drink tons of water if you are taking fiber supplements.
- Gluten-free products
Consider cooking with gluten-free products even if you do not suffer from the actual gluten intolerance like Celiac disease. Gluten-free products include quinoa, oats, brown rice, corn, tapioca, and buckwheat.
- Corn, brown rice and potatoes
Brown rice, corn, and potatoes in their refined, processed state are on the worst carb list. However, in their whole unprocessed state, they actually come with many healthful properties when consumed in moderation.
- Grains
Whole grains like quinoa is one of the best carbs for phase 3. It has higher fiber content compared with other grains. It’s also high in protein making it an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians. Other low carb grains that you can experiment with includes spelt, teff, kamut, millet, and amaranth.
- Nuts
Nuts are one of the best carbs for phase 3. They are extremely healthy and ideal for helping you maintain a healthy diet. Nuts are packed full of nutrients and antioxidants. Best nuts for weight loss include almonds, walnuts, cashew, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. Eating nuts like walnut and almonds as a snack or in salads can help preserve the integrity of the vitamins, fats, and minerals. You can also substitute your usual baking flour with almond flours for baked goods, bread, or cookies.
The secret in choosing the best carb is to choose the right kind of carbs. Once you get your hands on the right carb practice portion control when consuming them. Make sure your carb intake is balanced with other foods in your diet. With the right food combination and balance, you can maintain your weight naturally and effortlessly.
