The 1,200 Calorie Diet Plan

A 1,200 calorie diet plan is the least amount of calories that a person who is looking to lose weight is recommended to follow. In fact, a 1,200 calorie diet plan is usually only recommended to women as men who are looking to lose weight should consume at least 1,300-1,500 calories.

It is possible to lose weight and still have a healthy and nutritious diet on 1,200 calories a day. Whenever you follow a diet plan like that has restricted calories you should be sure that the food you are eating contains as many nutrients and vitamins and is healthy as possible so that your body can still have the energy to work and you don't end up lowering your metabolic rate rather than speeding it up.

Who Should Follow a 1,200 Calorie Diet Plan?
Before anyone starts a diet plan they should consult their doctor to be sure that they are in proper shape to be following the specific diet. A doctor can for sure let you know if a 1,200 calorie diet plan is a good idea based off your height, weight, and physical activity. For some people 1,200 calories a day may not be enough, especially if they are active while for others 1,200 calories a day may be the perfect formula for weight loss.

What a 1,200 Calorie Diet Plan Looks Like
When you are consuming only 1,200 calories a day it is important that the all the calories that you are consuming are also coming with essential vitamins and nutrients. This means that instead of eating a handful of potato chips for 150 calories a person could have a small salad or whole wheat crackers and low fat cheese instead.

A healthy 1,200 calorie diet plan that will actually help you lose weight and make you healthier should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy items, and whole grains. The great thing about these foods is that you can eat a lot more of them for the same calorie amount of smaller portions of unhealthy food. For example, instead of eating a doughnut for breakfast that has approximately 250 calories, eat an egg-white omelet with vegetables and a piece of whole wheat toast for the same or slightly less calories.

A 1,200 Calorie Diet Plan Sample Menu
If you are looking for a 1,200 calorie diet plan example to get you started on your weight loss plan, here is a very simple menu sample to get ideas from.

Breakfast: 260 calories
2 slices whole wheat light toast - 80
2 teaspoons light margarine - 30
Egg white omelet (3 eggs) with diced onions and bell pepper with an ounce of shredded low-fat Mozzarella cheese (includes cooking spray) - 150 calories

Snack: 100- 125 calories
Any type of fresh fruit or vegetables such as a large apple or orange, 25 grapes or a half of a green pepper with tablespoon low-fat dressing.

Lunch: 280
Turkey Pita Sandwich on whole wheat pita with 3 slices of turkey, 3 leaves of Romaine lettuce, 3 slices of tomato, slice of low-fat cheddar cheese, and 1 teaspoon mustard

Snack: 150
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese with strawberries or peaches OR
1 medium apple with low-fat American cheese slice

Dinner: 400 - 425
6 oz of baked or grilled chicken breast
1 cup steamed green beans with 2 pats of low-fat margarine
½ cup of brown rice cooked in low-sodium chicken broth
Small tossed salad with low-fat vinaigrette dressing

Drink: water or green tea - 0 calories

Total: 1190-1240 calories

When it comes to following a 1200 calorie diet plan the quality of the food definitely is key to following the plan and losing weight. Imagine that you can eat all of this food on the 1200 calorie diet plan sample or one value meal from the local fast food restaurant. Wouldn't you want to be able to eat 5 times a day rather than just once?