On a perfect cycle, you'd make it through the HCG diet without any stalling, lose weight consistently over the whole period, and not cheat a single time. Unfortunately, it's not a perfect world that we live in, and dieters, who are only human, are constantly offered opportunities to cheat on the HCG diet. And while it's best not to cheat whatsoever, it's understandable that you will have a moment of weakness or two, and may eventually give in to your desire to cheat. If you do end up eating something you shouldn't, the important thing to remember is that you don't give up. It's never too late to start back on the protocol and finish your cycle and, hopefully, shed a few more pounds before it's all said and done. 

After the cheat, the next thing you do is critical to avoid an extended period of stalling. Here are a few tips on what you should do to recover what you can from your current cycle. 

1) Expect to put on weight. 

The biggest consequence that comes with cheating on the diet is weight gain. While not everybody may put on some of the pounds they lost, most people do. And it's important that during this time you don't panic, just keep track of your weight and keep moving forward. When you see the weight come back after you've worked so hard to shed it off, I know it can be disappointing. But remember that it's a consequence of the cheating, and nothing that can't be fixed. In the future, also remember that this can be avoided easy with a small measure of self-control. Putting on weight doesn't mean the diet is ruined, it just may take a few days to start dropping the pounds again. 

2) Drink water

The weight you gain immediately after cheating isn't always fat, sometimes it's water weight. So, keeping yourself hydrated the day after a cheat so your body can flush out that extra few pounds it's holding can make the difference of even a whole pound or more. 

3) Don't go too far in the other direction

After seeing the scale go up a few notches, many people are tempted to over-correct and cheat the weight back off any way they can. And while that may make sense to some, it isn't the best strategy. Some common mistakes people make are things like skipping meals, which will slow down your metabolism and likely mean more weight gain. Another common one is misuse of their HCG, and they increase their dosage expecting it to increase their weight loss, which doesn't work, and only means they'll shorten their diet. 

People also will try an apple day or steak day the moment they don't lose a pound or two, while it was actually made for a stall that lasts at least four days. 

Some people go even further than that and try to double up on stall breakers, like an apple day, followed by a steak day, followed by starving themselves with nothing but water. Diet cheats happen to the best of us, but it's important not to let one mistake ruin the entire cycle for you. Just remember to stay positive, stay calm, and to continue the protocol. In the future, you'll know better and realize that the momentary satisfaction of cheating is certainly not worth the climb back up the mountain it takes to get back on track. 

About the author

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

3 years ago · 4 min read