
The HCG Diet is a highly restrictive weight-loss protocol that promises drastic weight loss of up to 3 lbs per day. It is considered dangerous due to its extremely low-calorie allowance of just 500 calories per day. The diet, designed by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons in the 1950s, forbids the use of Splenda (sucralose), a widely available artificial sweetener, due to its unnatural contents and adverse health effects. Instead, the original HCG Diet only permits the use of Stevia and saccharin as artificial sweeteners, with some debate over the safety of saccharin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Splenda allowed on the HCG Diet? | No |
| Sweeteners allowed on the HCG Diet | Stevia, Saccharin |
| Is Splenda natural? | No |
| Side effects of Splenda | Skin rashes/flushing, panic-like agitation, dizziness, numbness, diarrhea, swelling, muscle aches, headaches, intestinal cramping, bladder issues, stomach pain, memory issues |
| Is Stevia natural? | Yes |
| Side effects of Stevia | None known |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Sucralose, the artificial sweetener marketed as Splenda, is not allowed on the HCG diet
- Dr A.T.W. Simeons' original HCG diet forbids the use of Splenda
- Other versions of the HCG diet allow for the use of Splenda
- The only sweetener allowed on the HCG diet is Stevia
- Saccharin is another sweetener that can be used on the HCG diet

Sucralose, the artificial sweetener marketed as Splenda, is not allowed on the HCG diet
Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that has been used since 1970 in Japan and other countries. It is considered the best sweetener for the HCG diet because it is derived from the stevia plant and takes very little processing to create a great-tasting product. It has been reported to be free of side effects and safe for unlimited consumption. However, not all brands of stevia are the same, and some may be mixed with other sweeteners that can slow or stall weight loss. Therefore, it is important to choose a reputable brand of stevia, such as Wisdom Natural Brands or SweetLeaf Stevia, which has proven to allow unhindered HCG weight loss.
Saccharin, the only other sweetener option for the HCG diet, is an artificial sweetener that has been available since the early 1900s. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has considered saccharin safe, it has also been under scrutiny due to the chemicals it is made from. Some studies have suggested a possible link between saccharin and health problems, including cancer. As a result, some sources do not recommend using saccharin on the HCG diet, as it may not be the best option for long-term overall health.
While Splenda may not directly add to your calorie count, its synthetic nature and potential adverse effects on body functions are concerning. Recent studies have linked sucralose to migraines and other negative reactions, including skin rashes, panic-like agitation, dizziness, numbness, diarrhea, swelling, muscle aches, headaches, intestinal cramping, bladder issues, and stomach pain. Additionally, Splenda has been associated with diabetes-promoting properties and was recently downgraded from "safe" to "caution" by the Center for the Public Interest in Science due to its potential link to leukemia in mice.
Obese Person's Diet: What's on the Menu?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Dr A.T.W. Simeons' original HCG diet forbids the use of Splenda
The HCG diet is a highly restrictive weight-loss protocol that promises rapid weight loss of up to 3 pounds per day. It is a very low-calorie diet, allowing only 500 calories per day, which is equivalent to starvation, according to the Human Nutrition Center at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, who designed the original HCG diet in the early 1950s, specifically forbade the use of Splenda (sucralose) as a sweetener. In his manuscript "Pounds and Inches," Dr. Simeons outlined the primary protocol for the majority of HCG weight loss diets, which does not include Splenda. While Splenda does not contribute directly to the calorie count, its synthetic nature and potential negative impacts on body functions are concerning. Recent studies have linked sucralose to adverse effects, including migraines, skin rashes, panic-like agitation, dizziness, numbness, diarrhoea, swelling, muscle aches, headaches, intestinal cramping, bladder issues, and stomach pain.
Instead of Splenda, Dr. Simeons' original HCG diet only permits the use of two artificial sweeteners: Stevia and saccharin. Stevia, derived from the stevia plant, is considered the only "natural" artificial sweetener. It has been used since 1970 in Japan and other countries and is known for its zero-calorie content and health benefits. Studies have shown that stevioside, one of stevia's sweet compounds, can reduce blood pressure and improve insulin function, aiding in lowering blood sugar levels. Saccharin, on the other hand, has a long history as an artificial sweetener in the United States. While it was deemed safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1978, it has also faced scrutiny due to potential health risks.
It is important to note that some modern variations of the HCG diet created by other doctors may allow for the use of Splenda. However, the original protocol established by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons explicitly excludes Splenda and sucralose as sweeteners.
Diet and Dehydration: What's the Real Link?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Other versions of the HCG diet allow for the use of Splenda
The HCG diet is a highly restrictive weight-loss protocol that promises rapid weight loss of up to 3 lbs per day. The diet is very low in calories, allowing only 500 calories per day, which is equivalent to eating just one meal. According to the Human Nutrition Center at the University of California, Los Angeles, this very low-calorie intake has an effect similar to starvation, and malnutrition is almost certain.
The original HCG diet, designed by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons in the 1950s, forbids the use of Splenda (sucralose) as a sweetener. Dr. Simeons' protocol only permits the use of artificial sweeteners Stevia and saccharin. However, it is important to note that Dr. Simeons died in 1970, before Splenda was created in 1976, so it is unclear whether he would have allowed its use.
Other versions of the HCG diet do allow for the use of Splenda. Some alternative protocols include Splenda and sucralose as acceptable sweeteners. However, it is important to note that Splenda has been associated with negative health effects. Recent studies have linked sucralose consumption to migraines, skin rashes, panic-like agitation, dizziness, numbness, diarrhea, swelling, muscle aches, headaches, intestinal cramping, bladder issues, and stomach pain. Additionally, Splenda has been found to have diabetes-promoting properties and has been downgraded from "safe" to "caution" by the Center for the Public Interest in Science due to its potential link to leukemia in mice.
While some HCG diet variations permit Splenda, it is generally advised to opt for natural alternatives like Stevia. Stevia is derived from the stevia plant and has been used as a sweetener since the 1970s in Japan and other countries. It is considered a natural artificial sweetener and has been reported to be free of side effects and safe for unlimited consumption.
Chocolate and Dieting: What's the Real Impact?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The only sweetener allowed on the HCG diet is Stevia
The HCG diet is a highly restrictive weight-loss protocol that promises rapid weight loss of up to 3 pounds per day. Due to its extremely low-calorie nature, the HCG diet is considered dangerous and almost certain to result in some degree of malnutrition. The diet is very strict about the types of sweeteners allowed, with most options being forbidden.
The original HCG diet, designed by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons in the 1950s, specifically forbids the use of Splenda (sucralose) as a sweetener. Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that has been linked to adverse health effects, including migraines, skin rashes, panic-like agitation, dizziness, and potential diabetes-promoting properties.
While some other versions of the HCG diet may allow for alternative sweeteners like Splenda or saccharin, the original protocol designed by Dr. Simeons only permits the use of Stevia. It is crucial to carefully read labels and choose pure stevia to ensure compliance with the strict guidelines of the HCG diet.
Juicing Diets: Healthy or Hazardous?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Saccharin is another sweetener that can be used on the HCG diet
The HCG diet is a very restrictive weight-loss protocol that promises drastic weight loss of up to 3 lbs per day. It is very low in calories, allowing only 500 calories a day, which is the equivalent of eating just one meal for most people. The original HCG diet, designed by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons in the 1950s, forbids the use of Splenda or sucralose to sweeten any foods and beverages. However, some other doctors have created versions of the HCG diet that allow for Splenda and sucralose.
Saccharin is available at most grocery stores and coffee shops in the "pink packet", not to be confused with the "blue packet" that contains aspartame. Popular brands of saccharin include Sweet 'n' Low. It is important to note that saccharin has a metallic aftertaste and is not suitable for baking or cooking. While saccharin is allowed on the HCG diet, it is not recommended by some sources due to potential health concerns.
Overall, while saccharin can be used as a sweetener on the HCG diet, it is important to consider the potential health risks associated with its consumption and make an informed decision. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any restrictive diet or using artificial sweeteners.
Vegetarian Diets: Heart-Healthy or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, Splenda is not allowed on the original HCG diet.
Splenda is a synthetic sweetener with unnatural contents that may be unsafe for your body. It has been linked to migraines, skin rashes, panic-like agitation, and other adverse reactions.
The original HCG diet only allows the use of Stevia and saccharin as artificial sweeteners. Stevia is considered the best option as it is derived from a plant, has no known side effects, and is safe for unlimited consumption.
Some versions of the HCG diet may allow for the use of Splenda and sucralose, but the original protocol restricts the use of most sweeteners. Monk fruit is another natural sweetener that can be consumed.
The HCG diet is a very restrictive weight loss protocol that allows only 500 calories per day. It was designed by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons in the early 1950s and is known to be dangerous due to its extremely low-calorie nature.











































