1200 Calorie Diet – A Low Calorie Diet Plan
April 5, 2010
You can keep on cutting off calories from your diet, but once you reach the 1200-calorie mark, you cannot reduce your calorie intake below this limit. Some fad diets might ask you to reduce your calorie requirement below 1200 calories, but lesser calorie intake would lead to serious health problems. Although the exact calorie requirement of an individual is determined according to the age and health condition, usually regular intake of 1200 calories per day is enough for individuals accustomed to sedentary lifestyle. Excess calories, might be needed for people engaged in vigorous physical activities. To prevent malnourishment, pregnant and nursing mothers should include extra calories in their regular diet.
If you are trying to lose your weight by eliminating excess calories from your daily meals, here are some tips to help you plan your 1200 calorie diet.
1200 calorie diet plan
To meet your desired calorie target, you should have three to four servings of whole grains, two to three servings of vegetables, two to three servings of fruits, two servings of fat free milk and dairy products, one to two servings of lean protein and one to four servings or 30 to 40 grams of healthy fats. The 1200 calorie diet for vegetarians should comprise of five servings of whole grain products, two servings of fruits, three servings of vegetables, two servings of low fat milk and dairy products, 30 to 40 grams of total fat and about five ounces of nuts, beans and seeds. Remember to include different types of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Including at least five varieties of fruits and vegetables in your diet everyday will help to meet your daily nutrient requirement.
In a 1200 calorie diet, 55 percent of the calorie intake should be obtained from carbohydrates. Low glycemic index carbohydrates or complex carbohydrates should be part of your meals. Simple carbohydrates should be eliminated from your recipes. About 30 percent of your total calorie requirement should be met through healthy fat consumption, while protein should account for 30 percent of calorie consumption. To prevent hunger pangs and to sustain the normal blood glucose level, you should have five to six small meals throughout the day.
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