1200 Calorie Diet
In essence, the 1200 Calorie Diet is a calorie-counting diet which brings your calorie intake down as far as possible without compromising nutritional balance or your body’s physiological processes. 1200 is merely a guideline, and no one should attempt the diet without first determining their basal metabolic rate (BMR); because, if their BMR is actually higher than 1200, then 1200 calories will not be enough.
There are several things to consider when contemplating the 1200 Calorie Diet:
- It is advisable to see your doctor before beginning this diet to ensure you are healthy enough to participate in the program. This diet is not recommended for diabetics.
- 1200 calories is the guideline for women; men should look at 1500-1600 as a starting point for base caloric intake.
- If your calorie intake does not meet or exceed your BMR, your body responds by 1) slowing down your metabolism and 2) hording body fat. If you’re body thinks it’s starving, it’s not going to easily give up that excess fat – making weight loss even harder to achieve.
- Extra calories need to be added on days when you exercise in order to ensure you do not go below your BMR.
If you decide to try the 1200 Calorie Diet, it is important to choose your foods wisely. Because there is absolutely no room for wasted calories, every food choice needs to be a nutritious one. It is also best to distribute your calories throughout the day to ensure you don’t get too hungry. Eat small meals and allow for snacks. In addition to preventing hunger (and possible binge-eating), distributing your calories this way will also help keep your metabolism running well.
The 1200 Calorie Diet is a calorie-counting diet which seriously restricts the amount of food you are able to eat in any given day. As such, people may feel deprived and become more prone to cheating. In addition, because it is a highly-restrictive diet and not a lifestyle change, there is a good chance that once you resume regular eating habits, some or all of the weight you’ve lost will begin to reappear.