How to Maintain a 1200 Calorie Meal Plan

It is well documented that the best and most reliable way to lose weight is to burn more calories than one consumes. This is what is called maintaining a caloric deficit. For most people, a 1200 calorie meal plan will be an effective way of keeping such a deficit. There are a number of easy ways that one can successfully stick to a diet of this sort, but getting started is often the most difficult step. However, by following a few simple tips, you'll be on your way to a successful diet in no time.

Focus on Filling Foods

When one first starts a 1200 calorie meal plan, it is not uncommon for them to continue to feel hungry long after they have met their caloric intake for the day. One big reason for this is that they are eating the wrong kinds of food. The best way to be successful is to focus on foods that are filling but have low caloric impact. These will be foods that are high in fiber and protein. Try to eat lots of beans and legumes as well as fruits and vegetables. These are much lower in caloric value than high protein options and can be just as filling. This will help you to feel full and not to be tempted to keep eating.

Be a Meticulous Counter

One of the most difficult things about maintaining a 1200 calorie meal plan is actually counting your caloric intake. However, being diligent about this is one of the best ways to be successful. Luckily, there are many excellent internet tools as well as smart phone apps that are intended to help you to count your caloric intake more effectively. Using one of these tools will help you to ensure that you successfully maintain you caloric deficit.

Go Vegan!

Finally, one surefire way to ensure that you successfully maintain a 1200 calorie meal plan is to go vegan. Simply give up consuming any animal products whatsoever. Animal proteins, such as beef or pork, are high in caloric value and offer very little nutritional value to offset this. You are much better off eating lots of grains, legumes, and vegetables which are better for your heart and cholesterol and which are much lower in caloric value that any animal product.

Maintaining a 1200 calorie meal plan doesn't have to be difficult. If you focus on eating filling foods, count meticulously, and limit animal products, then you will be well on your way to success.