Sugar free sweeteners on the Beta HCG diet

The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) diet is a low calorie diet that relies on the administration of hCG for appetite suppression and quick fat burning. It was originally devised by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons in the 1950s, when he was researching the effects of hCG and noticed that patients taking the hormone tended to lose weight. Simeons began to research the use of hCG for weight loss and noticed that dieters could consume very few calories and, as long as they were taking daily doses of hCG, they didn’t experience headaches, extreme hunger, or physical weakness.

hCG is a hormone that is produced in pregnant women and helps support the body’s production of progesterone. The hormone is believed to cause a pregnant woman’s body to release stored fat to nourish the fetus if the woman doesn’t consume enough calories. Those following the hCG diet are given the hormone because some believe it helps bodies burn fat quicker.

The hCG diet plan allows the intake of only 500 calories per day. Originally, the diet plan allowed unsweetened tea or coffee with up to one tablespoon of milk for breakfast. Artificial sweeteners saccharin and stevia were allowed in place of sugar. Lunch and dinner each consisted of low-fat poultry, fish, or meat — with a pre-cooked weight of 100 grams — that was cooked without oil or butter; a vegetable; a breadstick or piece of Melba toast; and a serving of fruit. There were no snacks, unless the dieter wanted to eat the fruit, breadstick, or Melba toast for a snack instead of consuming it with the meal.

Nowadays, more sweeteners are available than just saccharin or stevia. I allow my patients to use any zero calorie sweetener they like, but if you find that your weight loss is not optimal, eliminate those all sweeteners altogether, or restrict yourself to the saccharin or stevia only.

stevia sweetener

splenda with fiber

sweet and low zero calorie sweetener

splenda essentials

Glucose control during pregnancy with chromium

Chromium is necessary for your body to use sugar correctly as well as for the breaking down of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. If you’re unable to get enough chromium from the foods that you eat, or if your body needs more chromium, supplements are the ideal choice. If your body is deficient in chromium you may experience nerve problems or be at risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Chromium is involved in glucose metabolism and is the major mineral needed for insulin production. Chromium is beneficial for both high and low blood sugar problems.

"Chromium works with insulin to drive sugar from your blood into the tissues of your body for use or storage. This mineral is so important in sugar tolerance that severe deficiencies of it cause a diabetes-like illness to develop" Eades, Mary Dan, The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals, 1994, The Philip Lief Group, Inc.

Chromium GTF (glucose tolerance factor) is a very easily absorbed form of chromium, naturally derived from yeast in the safe trivalent form. GTF chromium is naturally bound to glycine, glutamic acid, cysteine and niacin. In contrast, industrial chromium is in a hexavalent form and can be toxic.

Benefits

Balances blood glucose levels
Helps to curb sugar cravings
May aid in the maintenance of healthy weight

In order to stay in good health it’s vital that you eat a diet that is balanced. If your body is lacking in certain vitamins and minerals talk to your doctor about

(1) which foods you should add to your diet to get more of these vitamins and minerals, and

(2) which supplements can be of benefit to you.

Chromium can be found in variety of foods such as wheat germ, cheese, brewer’s yeast, and grape juice. The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for chromium will vary depending on your age, health, and body size. Pregnant or lactating women will require more chromium. In the US chromium supplements are generally found as chromium picolinate or chromium gtf. There have been conflicting reports regarding chromium picolinate during pregnancy, so I have included only links to chromium gtf.

The upper limit for the RDA for pregnant women taking chromium per day is 200 micrograms.

Before taking any supplement that is purchased over the counter make sure that you read the instructions and carefully follow the directions. Take note of any precautions that are listed. If you have allergies talk to your doctor about chromium.