Can You Include White Beans in Your HCG Diet Plan?

The HCG diet was first developed in the 1950s by British physician Dr. Albert T.W. Simeons. His original protocol did not include many common foods, making the diet extremely restrictive and challenging to follow.

Since then, modified versions of the HCG diet have emerged, leading many to wonder whether certain foods like white beans can be incorporated into the plan.

Key Facts About White Beans and the HCG Diet

• White beans are legumes that are high in protein, fiber and certain nutrients.

• Most versions of the HCG diet strictly limit carbohydrate intake, especially during the very low-calorie phase.

• Some modified protocols allow limited portions of white beans and other legumes.

• White beans contain carbohydrates and calories that must fit into the 500-calorie limit.

• More research is still needed on different versions of the HCG diet.

“More than 93 million adults in the United States are affected by obesity.” – American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Below is a detailed overview on the role white beans may be able to play in an HCG diet protocol.

What are White Beans?

White beans are the edible seeds of the Phaseolus vulgaris plant. They are sometimes referred to as navy beans, pea beans or haricot beans.

Some of the more common varieties of white beans include:

• Great Northern beans
• Cannellini beans
• Navy beans
• Baby lima beans

White beans have a very mild flavor and soft texture when cooked. Their white color comes from the lack of anthocyanin pigments.

Some of the key nutrients found in white beans include:

• Protein – 15 grams per cup cooked
• Fiber – 19 grams per cup cooked
• Iron – 22% Daily Value per cup cooked
• Folate – 64% DV per cup cooked

They are also low in fat and relatively low on the glycemic index, meaning they do not significantly spike blood sugar levels.

White Bean Nutrition Facts

Here is the nutrition breakdown for 1 cup (179g) of cooked white beans:

• Calories: 249
• Fat: 0.9 g
• Carbs: 44.8 g
• Fiber: 18.8 g
• Protein: 14.9 g

White beans are high in protein and fiber, which can help promote feelings of fullness on very low-calorie diets like the HCG diet. However, their carbohydrate content may be a concern.

The Role of Carbs in the HCG Diet

One of the hallmarks of the original HCG diet by Dr. Simeons is its severe restriction of carbohydrates.

During the very low-calorie phase, carbs are typically limited to just 2 servings of fruit per day and non-starchy vegetables like spinach and celery. Starchy veggies, grains and legumes are not included.

The reasoning is that carb restriction helps promote the breakdown of fat for energy, leading to rapid weight loss. It also helps keep calories extremely low.

However, some modified versions of the HCG diet do allow small portions of certain carb sources like white beans while keeping calories at 500 per day.

Are White Beans HCG-Friendly?

Whether white beans can be incorporated into the HCG diet depends on the specific protocol being followed. Here are some key considerations:

• Calorie limits – With 249 calories per cup, beans may use up half the daily calorie allowance.
• Carb content – At 45g per cup, white beans are relatively high in carbohydrates.
• Portion size – Beans would need to be limited to small servings of 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup.
• Nutrition – Beans provide beneficial protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Overall, modest portions of white beans can potentially fit into a 500-calorie HCG diet plan. They provide more nutritional value compared to other starchy carb sources.

Benefits of Adding White Beans

Here are some of the benefits white beans can offer when included as part of the HCG diet:

• Increase fiber intake, which can help relieve constipation on very low-calorie diets.

• Provide nutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium and folate.

• Supply plant-based protein to help preserve muscle mass as you lose weight.

• Help you feel fuller compared to the same number of calories from sugars or oils.

• Make the diet more interesting and sustainable by adding variety.

• Can be used to make HCG-friendly dips, soups, salads, veggie burgers and more.

When included in moderation, white beans can provide important nutritional and health benefits during rapid weight loss on the HCG diet protocol.

Tips for Incorporating White Beans

If you want to include white beans or other legumes in your HCG diet, keep these tips in mind:

• Measure portions carefully using a food scale to avoid going over calorie limits.

• Rinse and drain beans well to remove excess starch and reduce gas-producing compounds.

• Mix a small amount (1⁄4 cup or less) into salads or veggie sides.

• Puree beans with spices to make a low-calorie veggie dip or hummus.

• Add a spoonful to soup broths for extra protein.

• Substitute zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for half the beans in recipes.

• Season cooked beans with HCG-approved herbs and spices like garlic, onion, parsley, basil, oregano, salt and pepper.

Sample White Bean HCG Meals

To give you an idea of how white beans can be incorporated into HCG diet recipes, here are a few meal examples:

Breakfast: Egg white omelet with 1⁄4 cup beans, spinach and tomatoes

Lunch: Mixed greens salad with 3 oz chicken, 1⁄4 cup beans, balsamic vinegar

Dinner: 3 oz white fish, 1⁄2 cup cauliflower rice, 1⁄4 cup bean puree, broccoli

Snack: Veggies with 2 tbsp white bean hummus

Dessert: Melon cubes topped with 1 tbsp beans, cinnamon and stevia

With some creativity, beans can add nutrition, fiber and plant-based protein to your very low-calorie HCG diet.

Should You Add White Beans to Your HCG Diet?

Adding white beans and other legumes to your HCG diet can provide additional protein, fiber and nutrients. However, they do contain a significant number of carbohydrates.

To decide if beans are right for your HCG diet protocol, consider:

• Your specific calorie needs and limits
• Any existing health conditions like diabetes or food intolerances
• Your personal carb tolerance and weight loss goals
• Your ability to precisely measure portion sizes

As with any major change to your diet, consult your healthcare provider first to evaluate the benefits and risks to your individual health.

While the HCG diet remains controversial, white beans can potentially be included in moderation to make the plan more nutritious and sustainable. But strict calorie control is still required in order to achieve substantial weight loss.

Sources:
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/avoid-dangerous-hcg-diet-products
https://www.verywellhealth.com/hcg-diet-7495294
https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8036881/what-is-the-hcg-diet-is-it-safe/