Taking A Look At The 1200 Calorie Diet Plan
Finding ourselves having grown up in a western society, it is most likely that calorie counting is frowned upon and generally pooh-poohed. For quite some time now we have enjoyed a real “have it now” mindset when it comes to food. As a result, our waistlines are definite evidence of this freedom so-called.
For those who are tired of the weight gain that comes with food choices regardless of their calorie content and are looking for the right diet to win the battle of the bulge, there is the popular 1200 calorie diet. If this is something you want to do, keep in mind the level of commitment you will need to follow it through. No more TGIFriday’s appetizers, or the ColdStone Creamery sundaes. These are things that you’ll have to cut out of your life completely – and for your own good! – if you want to get and stay fit and healthy.
Within most 1200 calorie diets you will find a menu rich in lean proteins such as chicken, eggs and fish. Let’s take a closer look at the fish category:
The best within the fish choices would be salmon, preferably wild caught. The main reason for this is that wild caught salmon tends to be higher in omega-3 fatty acids when compared to farm-raised salmon, which is higher in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. These latter two don’t share the same anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3, and are therefore not as beneficial to your body in reducing overall swelling and inflammation. That’s not to say farm-raised salmon is bad for you – you could eat it every day and be perfectly healthy. It’s just that wild caught salmon happens to be that much better nutrient-wise. If you need to, you can supplement with an Omega-3 vitamin.
Another category worth considering in a 1200 calorie diet is fruits and vegetables. The tried and true saying of old that goes something like “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is true for several reasons. Apples are a great regulator of blood-sugar, meaning you won’t get hunger pangs in between meals, helping you to stay on your 1200 calorie diet. Some other fruits and vegetables to choose from would include bananas, carrots and grapes. The great thing about these food choices is you can pretty much eat as much as you want. Because we are such a snack conscious society, it’s best to have little snacks between meals that consists of a piece of fruit or a handful of vegetables.
Should you find yourself overly hungry between meals, you can enjoy a handful of nuts. Almonds, walnuts or cashews are good choices. If possible, avoid peanuts, and try to buy fresh, non-processed and preferably unsalted nuts. They’ll be a little bland at first, but as you get used to your 1200 calorie diet you’ll see your tastes changing and your appetites for natural foods growing.
As was stated at the beginning of this article, your level of commitment is entirely up to you. As such, you must learn portion control. It’s one of the hardest things to master in America today, especially when going out to eat. Just one appetizer at a chain restaurant can run between 500-2000 calories. You do the math – that just doesn’t fit into the 1200 calorie diet, does it? So avoid placing yourself into that environment as much as possible and, keep in mind:
You didn’t gain the weight overnight and you won’t lose it overnight either. Slow and steady wins the battle of the bulge!
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