The 1200-calorie diet plan: Does it work?

Creating a calorie deficit is the first step towards losing weight. For the unversed, creating a calorie deficit means eating fewer calories than what you can burn in a day. The 1200 calorie diet, as the name explains is a calorie-restrictive diet, which promises to make you lose weight quickly. While following the diet plan, you are not supposed to eat much but just three meals per day with one snack.

The diet plan is safe but it definitely affects your energy levels. Maintaining energy with less amount of food might be stressful and tough for many. So, if you are trying to follow the diet, do it only for a restrictive period of time.

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1. Reduce your salt intake. Avoid eating sandwiches, pizza, bread, canned food and poultry products.

2. Do not forget to include protein in your diet. And make sure to not consume more than 15-20 grams of carbohydrates in your snacks. Replace your meetha with fruits and salty snacks like chips with whole-grain bars.

3. Include a lot of vegetables, fruits and whole grains in your daily diet. Try to eat high fibre carbs instead of simple carbs.

4. Do not consume full-fat dairy, choose plant-based options like olive oil and nuts. Eat fish instead of red meat.

5. Include vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in your diet. Consume nuts, beans, olive oil, whole grains and lean protein.

Here is all what you can eat on a 1200 calorie diet

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2 large eggs

1 cup oatmeal

2 slices of whole-grain bread

1/2 cup of blueberries

1/2 cup fresh pineapple

1 cup fat-free cottage cheese

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1 cup skimmed milk

2 slices of whole-grain bread

1 medium peach

3 oz grilled chicken

Avocado and shredded lettuce

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1/2 cup whole wheat pasta

2 cups spring lettuce

1/2 cup of brown rice

1 cup broccoli

1 medium baked potato

1 cup green beans

4 oz grilled chicken

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1 medium-size apple

1 cup skim milk

Plain greek yoghurt

1/2 cup strawberries

1/4 cup mixed nuts

2 tablespoon dried cranberries

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