Is Chicken Broth OK on the HCG Diet?

The HCG diet has become an increasingly popular way for people to lose weight quickly. The diet involves taking HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) supplements or injections while restricting calories to just 500 per day. With such an extremely low calorie intake, dieters need to be careful to follow the HCG diet protocol exactly to achieve results. One area of frequent debate is whether store-bought chicken broth is allowed on the diet.

Key Facts about Chicken Broth and the HCG Diet

• Chicken broth contains few calories, making it a good option for the 500 calorie limit. However, many commercial broths contain added sugar or other ingredients not allowed on the diet.
• Homemade, unsalted chicken broth with no added fat or oils is permitted. Most HCG diet coaches recommend making your own simple broth at home.
• Some minor variations in chicken broth are up for debate, like using a bone-in chicken breast instead of just bones. Coaches disagree on whether the extra chicken meat changes the broth.
• Most experts say low-sodium store-bought broth is acceptable if homemade is not an option. But the broth must be free of all sugars, additives and extra fats. Always check the label carefully.
• Chicken broth provides important electrolytes on the very low calorie diet. It can help prevent side effects like headaches, fatigue and lightheadedness.

Why Chicken Broth Causes Confusion

With such strict rules on the HCG diet, it’s no wonder chicken broth causes confusion. Even though it’s very low in calories, not all broths are created equal. The controversy stems from the potential additions like sugar, fat or extra protein that could disrupt the diet.The HCG diet limits calories to 500 per day to encourage abnormal fat mobilization. Consuming anything outside of the protocol can impact results. So chicken broth gets put under the microscope.

On average, Americans try 4 different diets per year in an attempt to lose weight. However, over 90% of people who lose weight on a diet gain it back within 1 year.

Homemade broth using just chicken bones/carcass, water, salt and vegetables follows the HCG diet rules precisely. But dieters don’t always have time to prepare homemade. So discussion swirls around what store-bought brands and ingredients are acceptable.The lack of consistency among different coaches also muddies the waters. Like many aspects of the HCG diet, opinions differ on whether it’s a free food or should be avoided altogether.

HCG Diet Experts Weigh In on Chicken Broth

HCG diet coaches and experts have shared a range of opinions on whether chicken broth fits into the HCG diet 500 calorie limit. Their responses highlight the complexity of making a clear determination.A poll on the HCG Diet Info forum found conflicting viewpoints among dieters as well:

• “I use it and have lost consistently. As long as there are no added sugars or fats, it should be fine.”
• “No way! Even without added ingredients, the sodium content is way too high.”
• “Homemade broth is okay but I avoid store-bought since they can contain sugar.”
• “Chicken broth is a necessity for me. As long as it follows the rules, I think it’s allowed.”

HCG diet coach Emma Wright says she tells her clients to avoid broth during the low calorie phase. She feels even the approved brands may stall weight loss.

But health blogger Tara Spencer wrote on her site that she lost over 50 pounds using Swanson’s chicken broth during the 500 calorie phase. She stresses the importance of selecting a compliant brand.

List of HCG Diet Approved Chicken Broths

• Homemade chicken broth using approved ingredients
• Swanson’s Chicken Stock
• Pacific Foods Organic Free Range Chicken Bone Broth
• Kettle & Fire Bone Broth
• Bonafide Provisions Drinkable Veggie Broth

Making Your Own HCG-Friendly Chicken Broth

Most HCG experts recommend making your own simple chicken broth at home so you can control the ingredients. Here is an easy recipe to follow the HCG diet protocol:

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs chicken bones/carcass
• 2 quarts water
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 onion, peeled and halved
• 2 celery stalks, cut into thirds
• 2 carrots, peeled and halved
• 5 peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 1⁄2 tsp salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a large pot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-6 hours, skimming fat and foam as needed.
3. Strain out solids and let broth cool. Store in fridge for up to 5 days.

This simple homemade chicken broth follows HCG diet guidelines. You can drink it straight or use it for cooking approved foods. Making your own also allows you to control sodium levels.

Tips for Using Chicken Broth on the HCG Diet

If you want to include chicken broth on the very low calorie HCG diet, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the label to ensure your store-bought broth has no added sugar, fat or oils. Low-sodium is ideal.
• Limit sodium intake if making your own broth. The HCG diet is very low in salt.
• Drink plain broth as a snack or hot beverage between meals.
• Use broth to add flavor when cooking or steaming approved veggies and proteins.
• Chicken broth provides electrolytes on the restrictive diet, which can prevent side effects.
• Don’t go overboard on portion sizes. Limit broth to 1-2 cups per day.
• Discontinue use if you notice stalled weight loss. Broth may need to be avoided.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Chicken Broth on HCG

Potential Benefits

• Very low in calories
• Provides hydration and electrolytes
• Adds flavor to foods and recipes
• May prevent headaches, fatigue and dizziness
• Offers comfort of hot broth on strict diet

Potential Drawbacks

• May contain hidden sugars or additives
• Higher in sodium than homemade broth
• Some brands could stall weight loss
• Requires careful label reading to find compliant option
• No guarantee it won’t affect individual results

Does Chicken Broth Fit Into the HCG Diet Protocol?

At the end of the day, whether or not to include chicken broth on the very low calorie HCG diet comes down to personal choice. There are good arguments on both sides of the issue. From a calorie standpoint, plain, homemade broth seems to fit into the 500 calorie limit without a problem. However, due to individual differences in response, some people may need to avoid it altogether to stay on track.The key is being an informed consumer and selecting a brand that aligns with the HCG diet rules if you want to incorporate broth. Or making your own at home using approved ingredients. As with any component of the HCG diet plan, pay close attention to your body and adjust as needed. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major changes to your diet.