High Flavor, Low Calorie HCG Recipes (2024)

Now if you know me, you know I love cooking with alcohol. I know, I know, but it gives such great flavor to foods! This was not the dish that I had intended to spend my weekend experimenting with, actually didn't even get to work on that dish. I only found a few of the ingredients but I will be working on it soon. So yesterday as I was getting ready to go to church I had the tv going and of course it was the Food Network. The Pioneer Woman came on, never seen it, but she was talking about this Penne pasta recipe that she was working on and I thought to myself, "I can easily transform this dish and cut over half the calories down." I also thought that I could spice it up because hers seemed rather bland and you may know that just won't cut it for me. So without further delay, I present to you Spaghetti Squash Alla Vodka, yum :)

High Flavor, Low Calorie HCG Recipes (1)

Spaghetti Squash
Cooking instructions as follows
http://hcgfoodrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/08/spaghetti-squash-with-ancho-pepper.html

After cooking let it rest for about 20 mins and begin the making the sauce.

Vodka Sauce

Ingredients:
1 large shallot or small sweet onion
2 cloves garlic
2 pads of butter, divided
Olive Oil
1/3 cup of Vodka*
Half a large can of Tomato Puree
1 Cup plus splash of Heavy Cream
1/2 tsp Sugar Sub
1 tsp Italian Herb blend
1TBSP Ancho Chili Pepper Flakes
1TBSP Fresh Chopped Basil, plus some for plating
1/3 cup Grated Percino Romano or Parm, plus some for topping
Salt/Pepper to taste

*Now if you are not one to add a little booze to your dish you can do the same thing with a low sodium 99% fat free Chicken Stock, it won't be quick the same but it will still be good. My true suggestion is to run down to the local liquor store and grab a 1/2 pint of a cheap vodka :)

Cooking:
In a large sauce pan with one melted pad of butter and olive oil set to medium heat, add your diced onion. Cook until it is transparent, then add your minced garlic. Let that cook for about 2 mins, the name of the game is low and slow, you get the best flavors that way. While this is cooking and you are moving those onions around often, slice your spaghetti squash lengthwise making sure you cut off both ends first and let it cool for a few mins. before attempting to scoop out the guts. It's okay if it gets a little cold, we are going to toss the "noodles" in the sauce later and that will warm them back up.

After you have cooked the garlic and onions down some, add the vodka. I turned down the heat to medium low for this part. You will want to let the vodka reduce down to about half it's size, this will take about 2-4 mins. but keep an eye on it and stir frequently That's when I started to scoop out the guts of my spaghetti squash. *(Now if you are using chicken stock, it will likely take longer for it to reduce and there is no need to reduce to heat.)

Once your vodka has reduced, add half the large can of tomato puree and stir well making sure everything is thoroughly incorporated. Turn up the heat back to medium and add the one cup plus a splash of heavy cream. Now I know what you all are thinking, "that's not healthy"! I never said that it was fat free, I believe that fat is okay in moderation and you can cut back in some areas to give way to others. Also because we don't have a true starch our bodies are able to dispose of the fat a lot quicker.

After adding the cream, add the spices, pepper flakes, sugar sub, 1 pad of butter, salt/pepper** and let cook for about 5 mins, again stirring often. When this is happening begin to scrape down the sides of your spaghetti squash to get your "noodles". After the 5 mins, add the "noodles" and cheese and let cook on low for about another 5 mins. Before the last minute, add the chopped basil, reserving a few pinches for plating.

Top with some more grated cheese and a pinch of basil. It's so good!!!!

**TASTE, TASTE, TASTE! I always taste my sauces while cooking, it's the only way you will know if it is seasoned right. For me that meant about 1 1/2 TSP of Salt and 1 TSP of pepper.

Now if you have to have a meat with this, which to be honest I didn't miss it, you can cook some boneless chicken breast in the oven in chicken broth and slice them up and toss them in.

Well I truly hope you enjoy this dish and don't be afraid to lick the plate, I sure did :) Til next time.

Oh and depending on the size of your spaghetti squash you can get about 4-6 portions out of this and for a cup of this dish, less then 250 calories.

Next up, Chocolate Brownies!!!!

High Flavor, Low Calorie HCG Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat less than 500 calories on hCG? ›

The hCG diet limits you to 500 calories a day for 8 weeks while taking hCG, either by getting a shot or by taking a “homeopathic” product, such as oral drops, pellets, or sprays, which you can buy at the store. None of this is approved by the FDA for weight loss.

How much weight can you lose on hCG in 21 days? ›

This will result in three pounds of fat loss each week. Depending on how many calories you consume and burn each day and how long your weight loss phase is, you can generally expect to lose between six and 18 pounds of fat in 21 to 42 days.

How many calories can you eat on the hCG diet? ›

Most often, the HCG diet involves taking in 500 to 800 calories a day. People who follow diets so low in calories are likely to lose weight in the short term. But these diets come with risks such as: Hardened buildups of digestive fluid called gallstones that can form in the gallbladder.

What is the maximum weight loss on the hCG diet? ›

Assuming you normally eat 2,000 calories per day, you limit calories by 1,500 plus you burn 2,500 extra calories from the hCG. This results in a total daily loss of up to 4,000 calories per day. As a result, patients experience a weight loss of ½ to 1 pound per day during the initial phase of their program.

What happens if you eat fat on an HCG diet? ›

Please note that while on this protocol, it is important that you avoid consumption of non-organic products as many of these foods will contain fats and oils. The consumption of these hidden fats can significantly reduce the effects of the diet and alter your results.

Can you lose weight on HCG without dieting? ›

HCG With Regards to Weight Loss

Simply put—taking HCG in any form does not result in weight loss. The methods used alongside HCG are what might result in weight loss—such as a very-low-calorie-diet (VLCD).

Does HCG get rid of belly fat? ›

Any diet that's this low in calories will make you lose weight. However, numerous studies have found that the hCG hormone has no effect on weight loss and doesn't reduce your appetite.

How much weight can you lose in 40 days on HCG? ›

You could see up to a 10% body fat loss over four weeks. Though you will be thrilled to show off your new and improved body, you'll need to understand how to keep the weight off permanently. That's why you'll sustain your results with follow-up care at our office in Newport Beach.

Can you eat beets on an HCG diet? ›

Approved Food List for the HCG Diet. ANY veggie but NO starchy peas, corn, potatoes, or beans. Should take it easy with carrots and beets too. 2 (two) servings of ANY fruits but NO bananas, pineapple or grapes!!!

Can I eat hamburger on HCG diet? ›

Specifically, you can eat beef like extra lean, grass-fed ground beef or buffalo, different lean cuts of chicken, and lean fish options like scallops, whitefish, and some shellfish including shrimp, lobster, and crab. Dairy lovers will love that this diet doesn't require that they give up all forms of dairy.

What is the HCG low calorie diet? ›

The HCG diet plan recommends eating either 500 or 800 calories spread over two meals per day. The timing of these meals isn't critical, but in general, calories are divided equally between lunch and dinner. An intake of 800 calories per day (or lower) is considered a very low calorie diet (VLCD).

Can you gain weight on HCG diet? ›

When a person who is used to high-calorie intake is on HCG diet, the body assumes that it is in starvation mode. When you consume more calories instantly after completing the diet, your body fights to hold on to every calorie (in case there is another starvation mode coming up) which leads to weight gain.

Why was HCG banned? ›

Because hCG and estrogen blockers produce marked increase in blood testosterone concentration in men, this provides strong evidence to support the banning of hCG and estrogen blockers in men.

What vegetables can you eat on the HCG diet? ›

Add vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, spinach, beets, radishes, celery, and cauliflower. Ideally, the vegetables should be steamed or eaten as a salad. Certain types of fruit can complete the meal. Citrus fruits or a handful of berries work.

Why do bodybuilders take HCG? ›

Bodybuilders often take steroids to increase muscle mass fast. They also take hCG injections with steroids to prevent their side effects like infertility. HCG injections are used to restore testosterone levels that have been affected by surgery and medical treatment you recently had.

Does not eating affect HCG? ›

Different foods and drinks don't affect the amount of hCG present in your urine.

What is the HCG low-calorie diet? ›

The HCG diet plan recommends eating either 500 or 800 calories spread over two meals per day. The timing of these meals isn't critical, but in general, calories are divided equally between lunch and dinner. An intake of 800 calories per day (or lower) is considered a very low calorie diet (VLCD).

What happens if you eat less then 500 calories a day? ›

In addition, a 500-calorie diet can lead to a number of conditions such as nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, more sensitivity to temperature, menstrual disorders and hair loss.... Besides, the A lack of fiber in the diet can also cause constipation.

What are the rules for Phase 2 of HCG diet? ›

During Phase 2 you'll be restricted to only 500 calories per day. Thankfully, the daily HCG will help control your appetite and hunger by allowing the body to use already stored fat as calories throughout the day.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Allyn Kozey

Last Updated:

Views: 5775

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Allyn Kozey

Birthday: 1993-12-21

Address: Suite 454 40343 Larson Union, Port Melia, TX 16164

Phone: +2456904400762

Job: Investor Administrator

Hobby: Sketching, Puzzles, Pet, Mountaineering, Skydiving, Dowsing, Sports

Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.