Questions About Alcohol and Your HCG Diet

I get a lot of HCG diet questions relating to alcohol consumption on the HCG diet and if HCG 2.0 is different in comparison. I wish I had better news, but alcohol is one of the worst things you can consume that will adversely effect your weight loss. Not only is alcohol extremely high in calories containing 7 calories per gram compared to protein or carbs, which contain only 4 calories per gram, but over-consumption can be taxing on the liver. If your liver is busy oxidizing alcohol, it’s not oxidizing fats which then accumulate both in the liver (fatty liver disease) and systemically in  your belly, arms and thighs. Beer and wine is going to be highest in calories followed by straight liquors. Definitely avoid sugary mixers that can double and even triple the caloric intake. Mix with water or diet soda… in moderation. As is life, moderation is the key.

With all said above, I still have plenty of dieters that lose weight successfully while on HCG 2.0. The key to successfully imbibing alcohol while on the low calorie phase of your HCG diet is choosing the right adult beverages and consuming them in a responsible, intentional way. There’s an appropriate time to enjoy a moderate amount of alcohol to unwind or to celebrate. Aside from the positive aspects of socializing, some types of alcohol are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and they may also reduce the risk of infection with the bacteria that causes ulcers.

Here are a few key factors to help you decide whether you should pop a cork:

• Alcohol is a toxin to the liver.
• Alcohol is a drug, which means it’s addictive.
• If losing weight is your goal, remember that your liver can’t help you with fat burning if it’s busy detoxifying alcohol.

Before you pour yourself a glass of something intoxicating, consider your health goals and overall eating habits, and then make smart choices about which type of alcohol you drink.

Steer clear of grain-based drinks that can also include gluten, such as the following:

• Beer hcg diet questions 
• Bourbon can I drink on the HCG diet?
• Gin (some brands are processed with grain-based alcohol)
• Grain-based vodka
• Whiskey

To celebrate on special occasions, feel free to choose one of these:

• Potato vodka
• Red wine
• Rum
• Sparkling wine
• Tequila
• White wine

To manage your body’s insulin response to the sugars found in alcohol, mix spirits, like tequila or vodka, with soda water, ice, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Avoid fruit juices, which are liquid sugar; and avoid tonic water, which is also high in sugar.

Wine and beers should absolutely be avoided during the low calorie phase of your HCG diet. When you re-introduce these during the maintenance phase of HCG, keep the following in mind… When uncorking wine, choose the driest (least sweet) wines possible. The driest reds include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot; the driest whites are Sauvignon Blanc and Albarino.

I’m a bit of a beer snob myself, so either drink less of your heavier beer favorites or try something lite, like Bud Select or Ultra.

I certainly  like to partake every now and again, but lets be honest… Can you really maintain a high level of health if you drink alcohol frequently and/or in large quantities. The pleasant buzz that alcohol provides also places stress on your liver, creates a strong insulin response, and dehydrates your cells. Enjoy cocktails in moderation.

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