HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. One of it's functions is to ensure the growing fetus receives enough nutrients to grow and develop normally. It does this by making the abnormal fat stored in the mother's body available for use. The mother's body is then able to use this fat for nutrients and energy despite her intake. This is why women can throw up for three months straight during "morning sickness" and the baby does not suffer. Pregnancy is the only time HCG is found in the body.


Photo: Jthree

Dr. ATW Simeons discovered in the 1950's that small doses of HCG given to overweight individuals (men and women) decreased their appetite, and made them lose inches specifically around their hips, thighs, buttocks and stomachs. The HCG Diet has been used since then for weight loss in obese persons as well as those wanting to shed a few unhealthy or unwanted pounds.

Chinese vegetable recipes are very popular these days because everyone is always on a diet. With the right recipes on hand, you could easily drop a few pounds a month by eating delicious Chinese food a couple times a week. Many people immediately think of things like bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and bok choy. While these are common Chinese vegetables, not that many recipes use them.


Photo: wasatyu

There are many more vegetables you can use to give your recipes a distinctly Chinese flavor. They are just usually prepackaged in the frozen food section with anything that says Chinese on it. Chinese cabbage is one of the best tasting and useful vegetables you can buy. It's not as tangy or large as normal cabbage and has a great flavor.