All manner of diets have made their way into printed publications, each touting to burn away excess poundage due to bad eating habits and increasing sedentary lifestyles. Whether they focus on an all-protein intake, cabbage soup, reduced or no carbohydrates, many have been proven to be more fad than fact. Another joining the ranks of promising a daily loss of a pound or so is the hCG diet. Its name certainly spells no concern until one discovers that hCG is basically a hormone produced by expecting mothers during the pregnancy term. Aptly shortened from a length name of human chorionic gonadotropin, it is produced by the embryo in its developing stage and then taken over by part of the placenta. To put palpitating hearts at peace, it is also a product of the pituitary gland which exists in both the male and female genders.

There are a few methods to administer this substance into the body. One can either opt for daily injections of a specified dose. In the event needles bring out the squeamish side of the soul, oral intake in the form of hCG diet drops should suffice this lot of users. Alongside daily intake of hCG, one is required to keep to a very low calorie diet of approximately 500 calories. As this seems a challenging feat to most dieters in limiting their caloric intake during a meal, many a book and site advocating the hCG diet is brimming with helpful tips as well as recipes. Whilst cutting out natural sugars during the dieting period, users are advised against using artificial sweeteners as what little calories they contribute can easily affect the outcome. Alcohol and junk food are also taboo as they are chockfull of calories, easily throwing the diet plan and dollars out of the window. Since water contains no calories, one is given carte blanche for its consumption. It may also help when hunger pangs strike with a vengeance, expecting a cheeseburger and getting a healthy chicken stir-fry.

An assortment of kits readily matches the number of pounds to be shed. One wishing to comfortably fit into an airplane seat in the coach section may achieve the goal with a 26-day kit. To be the wow factor at a high school reunion, a 40-day kit may be a better choice. Loss of significant poundage can best be achieved by the double whammy of hCG diet drops for eighty days. In all, seek medical advice before starting any diet promising substantial weight loss.