PHASE OVERVIEW

The HCG program consists of a series of "Phases" that you will enter in and out of during your weight loss journey. Begin by determining how much weight needs to be lost.

If you have:	10 to 20 pounds to lose ~ Choose 23 day HCG plan
	20 to 50 pounds to lose ~ Choose 40 day HCG plan (multiple rounds if needed)

Phase 1 is the cleansing period. Kevin Trudeau, in his book "The Weight Loss Cure", lists many wonderful cleanses that anyone can do to rid the body of toxins. Liver, Gallbladder, and colon cleanses can be very helpful before starting a weight loss program. Many people, however, move right into Phase 2. (It is the recommendation of WatersEdge Today that you research the different cleanses that are available and talk with your doctor regarding this or any weight loss program).

Phase 2 is Dr. Simeons' protocol. It is during this Phase, that the caloric intake is reduced and Homeopathic HCG is taken. Phase 2 looks like this:Day 1 and 2 are "Load" days: Begin taking the Homeopathic HCG drops 3x per day and eat high fat-content foods. Eat as much as possible and eat all the foods that are normally craved during stressful times. The more fat, the better. The "Load" days serve two purposes. First, the body will build up fat in the normal reserves while the HCG is beginning to take affect. Secondly, if foods that are normally craved are consumed during this period, there is an emotional release that happens in the mind. These foods will not have the crave-producing pull that they normally have and it will be much easier to stay on the program successfully. So, Eat Up! Days 3 thru 23 or 40 (depending upon the amount of weight that needs to be lost) will consist of a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) while continuing to take the Homeopathic HCG drops 3x per day.The 3 days following the completion of Phase 2 will consist of VLCD without taking the HCG. During these days the HCG Frequecy is leaving the body and at the end of the 3rd day with no HCG the body is ready to receive a higher caloric intake, fats and oils.

THE EATING PLAN

Phase 2 – VLCD (very low calorie diet) while taking the HCG

Breakfast: Water, herb tea in any quantity, black tea and coffee are also permitted. You may sweeten coffee and teas with Stevia, a natural sweetener which is available through health food stores. (Do not use aspartame, Nutrisweet, acesulfame, sucralose, Splenda, or any other chemicalized sugars.)

Lunch and Dinner: 100 grams of Lean meat
3 1/2 ounces (raw) or 3 ounces (cooked)
Beef, veal, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab or shrimp.

Substitutions: You may use 4 eggs (1 whole plus 3 whites) or 1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese occasionally as your protein.

Bread: 1 Melba toast or 1 Grissini Bread Stick

Fruits: Pick 1 fruit for each meal.
One apple (not two small apples)
One orange
1/2 Grapefruit
(one handful) Strawberries

Vegetables: Pick 1 vegetable for each meal.(handful)
Radishes, Cucumbers, Celery, Fennel, Onions, Spinach, Asparagus, Beet Greens, Lettuce, Chard, Tomatoes, Cabbage

Phase 3 is the 3 weeks following Phase 2.

This time is crucial for stabilizing the body to settle at the new set-point.

Weighing daily is of utmost important during this time. The weight on the morning after the last HCG day will be the new set-point. Keeping the weight at this new levelis the key to resetting the hypothalamus. If the weight increases by more than 2 pounds on any given day during these 3 weeks, a "steak day", or an "apple/grapefruit day" will follow.

A "steak day" is one day of fasting through breakfast and lunch, (while maintaining the consumption of clear fluids), and a dinner consisting of a large steak and either one apple or one tomato.

An "apple/grapefruit day" is one day of eating 4 to 6 apples throughout the day, or, 4 to 6 grapefruits throughout the day.

This will bring the body weight back down towards the last HCG weight, thus,reminding the hypothalamus of the new set-point. If more weight is to be lost, Phase 2 may be entered into again. This Phase will consist of the 2 "Load" days followed by the same exact protocol as the original Phase 2. Phase 3 will be entered into again in the same fashion and repeated with the exact same protocol as the original Phase 3. This rotation of Phase 2 and Phase 3 can be repeated as many times as needed to attain the desired body weight. After the desired weight has been achieved, Phase 3 will be followed by Phase 4.

Phase 4 is the 3 weeks following Phase 3 - (yes, that is a total of 6 weeks). During Phase 4, weighing every day to continue to set the hypothalamus at the last HCG weight is still very important. Also during Phase 4, will be the gradual introduction to small amounts of sugar and starches. Dr. Simeon found that during this Phase, the body is capable of handling sugar and starches again, yet still maintaining the goal weight. These 3 weeks are still very important to the solidity of the new set-point. Therefore, if a "steak" day is needed during these 3 weeks to bring the weight back down, it should be done.

If all Phases were to be followed vigorously, Dr. Simeon believed that this protocol would create a permanent solution to obesity.We, at believe that his research is undeniably accurate and that the body will regain a normal set-point.Resetting the hormonal balance of the hypothalamus will be the end result.

Important Points:
Meat: Make sure that the meat is very lean with no fat. All visible fat must be removed before cooking. A food scale will assist in getting the weight correct. The meatscan be cooked by broiling, grilling, or boiling, with no additional fats or oils. A George Foreman Grill works great. The meats can be cooked by broiling, grilling, or boiling, or stir-frying, with no additional fats or oils. Each day, the juice of one lemon or lime is allowed. Salt, pepper, vinegar, and most other herbs and spices are fine to use as seasonings. Check the ingredient labels to be certain that there are no sugar fillers added.

Seasonings:
Each day, the juice of one lemon or lime is allowed. Salt, pepper, vinegar, and most other herbs and spices are fine to use as seasonings. Check the ingredient labels to be certain that there are no sugar fillers added.

The 8 items allowed per day may be eaten in 2 meals, or spread out through the day. However, 2 of the same items (i.e. 2 fruits or 2 proteins) may not be eaten together at the same time.

Diabetics or those who are prone to hypoglycemia may divide the daily amount of allowed foods into smaller meals throughout the day to control blood sugar levels.

**Remember only 8 items may be eaten each day**

What to Avoid?
Oil's - All Digestible oils. (sunflower, olive, coconut, sesame, vit E, vit A, fish oils) No digestible oils, butters, cooking spray or dressings containing oil of any kind can be used.

Also, any Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotions, Toothpaste, Makeup, Deodorant, and other Bathroom Items that contain digestible oils, seed oils.

Mineral Oil and Petroleum products are not digestible, so they are acceptable within the parameters of the program.

Exercise:
During Phase 2, while you are taking HCG and following the VLCD (very low calorie diet), it is important to restrict exercise to a minimum or moderate level. Exercise can produce lactic acid build up in the body and force the body to retain water until the acid is neutralized.

Suggestions:
Ladies –Only use Mineral based cosmetics. No Liquid Makeup (contains Oil)
Massage – Avoid Massages while on the diet. Oil & Lotions are heavily used.
Sunbathing – Avoid getting a Sunburn. Sun is a great way to produce natural Vitamin D however sunburns produce water retention.