This comes up ALOT and so posting it again for newbies. It helps if you understand our lingo...LOL

The word 'phases' actually came about from kevin troudeaus book. He wrote about Dr. Simeons protocol and used the words 'phases' to differentiate each step of the diet. We use them here because it keeps things simple (once you understand them)

Phase 1 is/means: This is a phase that very few people do. Its a cleansing phase that wasnt in the original protocol. Troudeau added it.

Phase 2 is/means: This is actually the beginning of the original protocol. A person starts injections or drops of HCG and 'loads' for two days and then on the third day starts the VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet) portion of the protocol and continues with the HCG. At this time, the person will consume only 500 calories and follow the Pounds and Inches guidelines for food choices. This continues for 23 doses or 40 doses depending on which length round you choose. The morning of the final dose, you weigh yourself. This is your LIW or LDW - The weight you are at your last dose. You dont want to go 2lbs above or below it. Then for the next 72 hours you stay on the VLCD even though you are no longer taking the HCG.

Phase 3 is/means: This starts at the end of the 72 hours. In this phase you eat a lot more, but NO sugars or starches of any kind for three weeks. Trying to maintain that 2lb above or below LIW.

Phase 4 is/means: This starts when the 3 weeks for Phase 3 are ended. You can now sllllooowwwwly add in starch and sugar - still trying to maintain that 2 lb buffer. This last for 3 weeks if you are doing a second round (makes a total of 6 weeks that you are off the HCG) or forever if you are done with HCG