Lose Weight on 1200 Calories
From LoveToKnow Diet
To lose weight on 1200 calories is easy. To lose weight healthfully on 1200 calories is a whole other issue.
Can You Lose Weight on 1200 Calories
Almost anyone, regardless of body type or size can lose weight by consuming only 1200 calories. 1200 calories is not a lot. It’s actually under the recommend requirements for most semi-active people. 1400 to 1500 calories is few calories enough to allow you to lose weight, but still enough to get all the important nutrients without too much planning.
However, 1200 is not an unsafe calorie amount; you just need to be extra careful about getting all of the nutrients you need. There are many health reasons to lose weight.; it’s much more unhealthy to be overweight, than it is to eat 1200 calories.
If you’re interested in trying a 1200 calorie diet the first thing to do is make an appointment to speak with your health care provider about it. Some people really should not be on a 1200 diet plan. For example, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, 1200 calories is simply too low. Your health care provider can help you to decide if 1200 calories is right for you.
How Eating 1200 Calories Helps You to Lose Weight
Weight loss is not as tricky as most diet plans make it out to be. Weight loss is truly as simple as calories in vs. calories out. The point of a healthy diet is to eat enough calories to sustain your energy output, nourish your body, and still allow for moderate weight loss. Moderate, healthy weight loss is about two pounds a week. However, if you’re obese, your health care provider may say that it’s okay for you to lose more than two pounds a week.
Most people burn a fair amount of calories per day by doing things as simple as breathing, watching TV, and walking around the house, so add in some scheduled exercise and you will lose weight on 1200 calories.
To find out how many calories you’re burning each day visit the Calories Burned Calculator.
How To Eat A Healthy 1200 Calories
While you will lose weight on 1200 calories. 1200 is a relatively low amount of calories, so you’ll need to make each calorie count. Nutrient wise you need to be careful. Some fast food and dessert items alone have over 1200 calories, so this can require self control as well.
Balance is key. Visit MyPyramid.gov to see your specific food pyramid. There are food pyramids available for all types of diet – basic, vegetarian, low carbs, and more. By answering a few simple questions, MyPyramid will give you a custom made food pyramid. You can use this pyramid to allocate calories.
For example if your pyramid notes that most of your nutrients need to come from whole grains and veggies, then your calories for the day should reflect this as well. Something that can really help is to write items down and their calorie count as you eat throughout the day. Another good idea is to plan meals in advance. By planning in advance, you won’t run out of calories by midday. If you need some menu ideas take a look at this great article; 1200 Calorie Diet Sample Menu. Don’t forget to work in filling, low-calorie snacks into your diet plan.
A really easy way to keep track of the foods you eat, the calories in said foods, and your exercise throughout the day is to use a computer diet program. Weight-By-Date pro is a really good program that allows you to track all aspects of your fitness goals; from food, to meal planning, to exercise. It’s handy because it does all the calculatiing and tracking for you.
Studies show that people who log their diets, or keep food journals lose weight faster and easier. A computer food journal is best because it’s less work on your part and you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Read a review of Weight-By-Date pro..
Learn More
Comments
Hi Sienna,
That's a good question. The same things don't work for everyone, but the more you practice healthy eating the more it becomes a habit. Follow this link to 10 Diet Tips to see if you might find something to help you along.
Donna
-- Contributed by: Donna Sundbladim 15 also and 5'5" and 128 pounds... how much weight will i lose in a month if i eat 1200 calories a day? i want to get down to 110 - 115
-- Contributed by: lipsyHi Sienna,
That is the struggle many people experience when dieting. Some things that work for others include:
- Keeping a food diary - write down everything you eat and track your calories.
- Find an accountability partner or group. This includes groups like Weight Watchers and TOPS.
- Make a plan for when you'll be in those unhealthy settings. Bring a healthy snack with you or even offer to bring something if it is a party setting. That way you're covered.
Hope those help. Let me know how it goes.
Donna
-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad
This page has been accessed 7,788 times. This page was last modified 20:23, 5 January 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Visit us on facebook