The Best 1200 Calorie Diet

A 1200 calorie diet is a solid plan for weight loss. Most health professionals and dietitians will place clients on a 1200 diet to lose weight but must be adhered with precaution. The caloric content acquired from food must come from nutrient dense sources and not empty calories such as candy, baked goods, processed foods, etc..

Sample Menu

Meals should be very small, eaten every three to four hours, with the fewest calories consumed before bedtime.

Breakfast
1 cup bran cereal
1 cup skim milk
1 whole banana

Lunch
Tuna sandwich on whole wheat bread with low fat mayonnaise
2 cups of raw veggies (cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, etc..)
1 small pear

Afternoon Snack
1 peach
Glass of water with lemon

Dinner
4 oz. of grilled chicken breast
1 cup steamed green beans
Small garden salad with 1 tsp. of olive oil
1 nectarine for dessert

Snack Before Bed
1 small apple

Advantages

If a diet such as the sample menu above is consumed on a daily basis, the likelihood of hunger decreases. This menu can be altered as long as the caloric content does not exceed 1200 calories. Beginning a 1200 calorie diet will result in quick initial weight loss as well as steady loss for the duration of the diet. This can also be adapted to those with special needs such as diabetics, vegetarians, etc. Remember this can be very effective so long as all foods on the plan have plenty of vitamins and minerals and not excessive amounts of sugar and carbohydrates.

Disadvantages

This disadvantages of adherence to a 1200 calorie diet is how much time it takes to prepare meals. It does not have to take long to make a meal but counting calories and figuring out how to keep it at 1200 exactly takes a lot of organization. This can be a shock to the system for those who are used to taking in 2000 calories or more each day. These people may suffer lethargy and exhaustion in the beginning. This also may not be suitable for those with active lifestyles. An intake of 1200 calories a day is not sustainable for those who exercise a lot or have physically demanding jobs.

Conclusion

If you are determined to lose weight and have the discipline to stick to a 1200 calorie diet, it can yield fast results. As long as nutritionally balanced meals are eaten, a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals is not a concern. If necessary, make gradual changes to the diet based on level of physical activity, how you feel on the diet and any lifestyle changes made in the process.