Can you really restrict your weight loss diet to just 1200 day? How can you plan your meals on this very low calorie diet? It is safe, is it healthy, are there any dangers to restricting your calorie intake this much?
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Eat 1200 Calories a Day and Lose Weight (That’s the Theory Anyway)
The idea of eating 1200 calories a day is daunting for many people, but it doesn’t have to be. This article will help you get started on your weight loss journey by walking you through how to eat 1200 calories a day and not feel hungry or deprived.
We’ll also talk about the benefits of long-term success with this type of dieting approach.
What are the Basics of Eating 1,200 Calories a Day?
Eating 1200 calories a day is about cutting your average intake down to 1500-1600 calories. To do this you’ll need to cut out unnecessary snacks and focus on healthy, low calorie foods that will help keep you full and satisfied while also promoting weight loss.
Boosting the nutrient content in your diet without overloading on calories can be challenging but it’s not impossible if you know what to look for in foods. Aim for protein from lean sources such as chicken breast or fish; complex carbohydrates like brown rice; vegetables like broccoli; and other high fiber fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes etc…
Healthy food options that are naturally lower in fat include non-fat dairy and eggs, tofu, beans and other legumes.
You can also use cooking methods like steaming or baking to avoid oil-based dressings or sauces that add unnecessary fat and calories.
Tip: You can up your exercise routine to help burn calories faster and more efficiently.
Meal Ideas for Eating 1,200 Calories a Day?
Breakfast
You do not want to spend all of your calories at the start of the day , so it’s important to save some for later. High protein breakfasts are a good choice because they can help you feel full and avoid cravings later in the day. Scrambled eggs, an omelet with veggies or lean turkey bacon will all fill you up without weighing on your stomach too much
Lunch Options
A salad is always a great option that offers vegetables as well as other sources of vitamins and minerals like beans or nuts; but if sandwiches make you happier, choose one made with whole wheat bread instead of white flour, lettuce over mayonnaise and add healthy fats like avocado to keep calories low
Dinner Ideas?
The evening meal should be rich in complex carbs from pastas or rice dishes such as a plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce.
The evening meal should also be a good source of protein from meat, beans or eggs and finish off the night with healthy fats like avocado for an easy way to get your required 1200 calories in!
Some Low Calories Snacks Ideas – If You Must
These snack ideas are ideal for most low calorie diets or anyone wanting to lose weight.
- Nuts (unsalted or salted) – a great source of protein and fat
- Kale Chips
- Celery sticks with peanut butter
- Apple slices with almond butter
- Carrot sticks dipped in hummus or low calorie dressing are all good ways to get your required 1200 calories each day while reducing the amount of sugar you consume!
Possible Dangers of a 1200 Calorie a Day Diet
If you are not paying attention to the type of food and drink that you consume, a 1,200 calorie diet will result in weight gain.
Sticking to water or unsweetened teas like green tea is important for many reasons but especially when trying to maintain your desired target calories. Alcohol is also best avoided while on this diet as it can add up quickly due to its high caloric content.
It is also essential to get enough vitamins and minerals to avoid deficiencies.
You could lose 1 lb per week if you cut your calorie intake to 1200 a day
How much weight will I lose if I eat 1,200 calories a day?
This is a question that many people ask and the answer can vary. Generally, if you are active on this diet plan, it will take about 18-24 months to lose weight at a rate of one pound per week.
If you are inactive or spent most of your day sitting in front of computers like myself – then it might take closer to 36 months or more to see those same results!
However, there is no reason why you should not try out 1200 calories for yourself and see what it has done for others before making any other decisions.
Is Eating 1200 calories a Day Healthy?
Eating 1200 calories a day is healthy for most people. If you are an athlete or have any other medical condition, talk to your doctor before starting this diet plan.
How do I know if 1200 Calories Is Enough – How many Calories?
The average size woman would need between 1800 and 2100 calories per day while the average man would need around 2500-2800 daily energy intake to maintain their current weight.
If you’re struggling with hunger on fewer than 1200 calories but not quite sure how much more food is needed – try adding one of these high calorie foods in as lunch: avocado (160), oatmeal raisin cookie (210) or yogurt parfait with granola (350).
How long will it take to lose 20 lbs on a 1200 calorie diet?
If you cut out just 500 calories per day, it would take about 22 weeks to lose 20lbs.
How many days a week should I eat 1200 calories?
It’s best if you can work in at least three low-calorie days and one high-calorie day into your weekly routine.
Eating 1200 Calories per day Summary
To sum up this very low calorie diet and how it can help your weight loss efforts, consider these points:
- 1200 calories a day is not an easy diet to follow and may require more research than you would otherwise have.
- You can still eat healthy foods on this low calorie diet but it will take longer to prepare your meals in order for them to be under that 1000 calorie limit.
- Eating 1200 calories or less per day is possible with planning and careful meal preparation if you are willing to put the time into it!
