1200 Calorie Diet to Lose Weight

A maximum percentage of the population consumes extra calories, than the amount actually required by the body. When these extra calories are not utilized, they are converted into fats. This leads to increase in weight and other health problems. Many of us who are facing the problem of obesity, are always in search of weight loss plans. 1200 calorie diet plan is one such weight loss plan, that helps you to shed down pounds within few days. Following a 1200 calorie diet is a healthy way of losing weight.

How to Lose Weight with a 1200 Calorie Diet

It has been observed that many of us consume almost triple the recommended calories per day. Thus, it is necessary that we restrict ourselves to the number of calories required by our body. The main theory behind any weight loss program is, to spend or burn more calories than consumed. Following a 1200 calorie meal plan is nothing but eating 1200 calories everyday. This diet plan is for obese people who want to lose 1-2 pounds per week. It is necessary that one should consult a physician before following such calorie oriented diet plans. Once you get a green signal from the physician, you can start following this diet plan, where you will consume just 1200 calories everyday. Given below is a sample 1200 calorie diet menu, that will give you an idea on how to design your personalized 1200 calorie diet plan.

Sample 1200 Calorie Diet Plans

While planning the 1200 calorie menu plan always try to keep it simple. Eat frequent meals, 4-6 times a day. Stick to healthy calorie sources, to complete your 1200 calorie diet plan. You should consume at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Try to include fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet plan. Avoid foods that are high in fats and sugars. Your 1200 calorie diet plan should be a balanced diet plan, which consists all the required nutrients like proteins and carbohydrates. Count the calories properly and see that you do not exceed or eat less than 1200 calories. The distribution of the calories should be such that more calories are consumed at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Have mid snacks between the meals. Check out the sample plans given below.

Sample #1

Meal	Food Items	Quantity	Calories
Breakfast	Light margarine	2 teaspoons	35
	Whole wheat toast	2	130
	Skimmed milk	4 ounces	45
	Sugar	1 teaspoon	15
	Yogurt (fat and sugar free)	6 ounce	135
Morning Snack	Peanut butter	1 teaspoon	33
	Fresh orange	1	62
Lunch	Any low fat cheese	1 ounce	100
	Baby carrots	Half cup	35
	Fat free chocolate ice cream	Half cup	90
	Whole wheat English muffin (toasted)	1	135
Afternoon Snack	Low-fat cottage cheese	2 tablespoons	10
	Rice cakes (mini)	4	64
Dinner	Baked sweet potato	1 medium-sized	103
	Lean protein	3 ounces	105
	Light margarine	2 teaspoons	35
	Steamed broccoli	1 cup	54

Sample #2

Meal	Food Items	Quantity	Calories
Breakfast	Hard-boiled egg	1	70
	Sliced strawberries	1 cup	53
	Wheat cereal (frosted shredded)	1 cup	180
Morning Snack	Graham cracker	2	60
	Stick mozzarella string cheese	1	80
Lunch	Vegetable Barley Soup (Fat free)	1 cup	90
	Sandwich (whole wheat bread, humus and tomato)	1 slice, 2 tablespoons, 1 slice	90
	Skimmed milk	18 ounces	200
Afternoon Snack	Organic yogurt (Low fat)	1 container	130
Dinner	Veggie cakes	2	260
	Blackberries	1 cup	62

It is necessary that while following a 1200 calorie diet, you must also exercise for at least 20 minutes. Walking is the best exercise you can follow. You will surely lose weight after completing this diet plan, but you need to follow a healthy lifestyle to maintain the weight you have lost. It is recommended that you consult a doctor before trying this weight loss plan.