If you’re on a weight reduction journey, there’s a typical false impression {that a} 1,200-calorie weight-reduction plan is the “right” quantity you might want to shed these few further kilos. However right here’s the factor: This isn’t essentially the case, and too few energy can have the alternative impact in your weight reduction targets.

Because the title suggests, a 1,200-calorie weight-reduction plan is a kind of low-calorie weight-reduction plan plan that restricts every day caloric consumption to roughly 1,200 energy a day, says Diala Alatassi, MD, a board-certified inner and weight problems medication doctor at Endeavor Well being Medical Group. The aim of a 1,200-calorie weight-reduction plan is to create a calorie deficit, which may, in concept, result in weight reduction.

That stated, 1,200 energy a day is mostly not sufficient to help your total well being, particularly in case you embody any kind of train into your way of life, says Alex Larson, RD, a registered dietitian and founding father of Alex Larson Vitamin. We’ll get into why in only a sec.

Meet the specialists: Diala Alatassi, MD, is a board-certified inner and weight problems medication doctor at Endeavor Well being Medical Group. Alex Larson, RD, is a registered dietitian and founding father of Alex Larson Vitamin. Kim Shapira, RD, is a registered dietitian and founding father of the Kim Shapira Methodology.

Curious what number of energy you actually need in a day? Hold scrolling for every part you might want to learn about calculating your caloric wants and find out how to create a balanced, weight loss-friendly meal.

Is 1,200 energy per day good for weight reduction?

Most often, no. Extended calorie restriction can truly sluggish metabolism as a result of your physique senses that meals is scarce and lowers the speed wherein it burns current energy, says Dr. Alatassi. And whilst you could initially drop extra pounds from a 1,200-calorie weight-reduction plan, transitioning out of this consuming plan can result in rebound weight acquire, she explains.

Plus, extreme calorie restriction can result in bone and muscle loss, mind fog, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, complications, hormone imbalances, and poor immune operate. Learn: It throws off your entire bod.

Because of this, in case you’re going to attempt a 1,200-calorie weight-reduction plan, you *want* to speak along with your healthcare supplier first, says Dr. Alatassi. Why? It’s typically not sustainable for long-term well being for the common individual and chances are you’ll run the chance of dietary deficiencies, she explains. “Consulting with a registered dietitian or healthcare skilled is essential to evaluate particular person wants, monitor dangers, and make sure the weight-reduction plan is secure and applicable whereas prioritizing total well being and well-being.”

What number of energy do you truly must drop extra pounds?

The variety of energy you want in a day depends upon your age, intercourse, weight, exercise degree, total well being, and basal metabolic charge (BMR), says Dr. Alatassi. FYI: Your BMR is the variety of energy you might want to keep fundamental physiological capabilities like pondering, going to the lavatory, and taking deep breaths.

On common, a typical grownup girl wants about 1,800 energy a day, says Kim Shapira, RD, a registered dietitian and founding father of the Kim Shapira Methodology. Consuming lower than that may result in dietary deficiencies, a scarcity of vitality, gastrointestinal misery, nervousness, and lowered cognitive operate, she provides.

It’s at all times finest to seek the advice of a doctor or dietitian to find out your precise caloric wants, however two nifty formulation—generally known as the Mifflin-St. Jeor or Harris-Benedict equations—can present a tough estimate. In case your aim is to drop extra pounds, you then subtract round 500 energy per day to theoretically lose one pound per week, provides Larson.

The preferred components is the Mifflin-St. Jeor equation which calculates your BMR.

For girls, the Mifflin-St. Jeor equation is:

BMR = (10 x weight in kg) + (6.25 x peak in cm) – (5 x age in years) – 161.

So, for a 25-year-old girl who’s 5’4 and weighs 150 kilos, this may be: BMR= (10 x 68) + (6.25 x 163) – (5 x 25) – 161 = about 1,413 energy.

The Harris-Benedict equation can be used for estimating your caloric wants, and should even be extra correct than the Mifflin-St. Jeor technique.

For girls, the Harris-Benedict equation is:

BMR = 655.1 + (9.563 x weight in kg ) + (1.850 x peak in cm) – (4.676 x age in years).

For a similar 150-pound girl, this may be: BMR= 655.1 + (9.563 x 68) + (1.850 x 163) – (4.676 x 25) = about 1,490 energy.

With that in thoughts, simply keep in mind that any equation is supposed to offer a ~unfastened~ estimate in your caloric wants and isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. In reality, your outcomes could also be barely totally different relying on which components you employ, as seen above.

Your caloric wants may additionally change from sooner or later to the following primarily based in your exercise, stress, and total well being, says Shapira. Listening to your physique and adjusting your consumption accordingly will assist with long-term weight reduction and administration, she explains.

9 Methods To Make A Wholesome Weight Loss Meal

As soon as you establish your caloric wants, the next suggestions can assist you craft a wholesome, weight loss-friendly meal.

1. Eat extra protein.

Consuming high-protein meals can assist help muscle upkeep, enhances satiety, and aids in weight reduction, so incorporate lean protein like fish, poultry, beans, legumes, tofu, or soy into each meal, says Dr. Alatassi.

2. Eat extra colourful fruits and veggies.

Purpose to refill half your plate with fruit and veggies, says Larson. “They’re filling to eat, decrease in energy, and excessive in micronutrients equivalent to nutritional vitamins, minerals, and fiber,” she explains.

3. Select wholesome fat.

Go for wholesome fat equivalent to olive, grapeseed, avocado, or sunflower oil when cooking, says Larson. Not solely can wholesome fat decrease the chance of growing coronary heart illness, however analysis out of UCLA Well being suggests they’ll additionally enhance levels of cholesterol, management blood sugar, and scale back irritation.

4. Go for advanced carbs.

When selecting carbohydrates, Larson recommends searching for whole-grain advanced carbs equivalent to quinoa, brown rice, and whole-grain pasta or breads. They’re extra filling since they take longer to digest, are excessive in fiber, and fewer more likely to trigger spikes in your blood sugar.

5. Concentrate on entire meals.

Base your meals on entire, minimally processed meals, says Dr. Alatassi. Suppose: lean protein, fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, and legumes. These meals present important vitamins and contribute to a sense of fullness, finally supporting weight reduction, she provides.

6. Pay attention to portion management.

It’s simpler stated than achieved, however Dr. Alatassi recommends listening to your physique’s starvation and fullness cues to keep away from overeating and select nutrient-dense choices to maximise important vitamins with out extra energy. Utilizing smaller plates can even assist handle portion measurement, she provides.

7. Follow aware consuming.

“Follow aware consuming by savoring flavors and chewing slowly,” says Dr. Alatassi. It’s additionally finest to keep away from distractions throughout meals, like watching TV or scrolling TikTok, as this enhances consciousness of satiety alerts and prevents overeating, she explains.

8. Keep hydrated.

You’ve doubtless heard it earlier than, but it surely’s essential to drink not less than eight cups of water day by day, says Shapira. “We have to hydrate to assist our cells detox, and water is the key sauce,” she explains. And no, espresso doesn’t rely! Each time potential, select water as your major bev.

9. Eat what you like.

Weight reduction doesn’t must be rooted in restriction. “Eat what you like if you find yourself hungry,” says Shapira. This can assist transfer away from the notion that meals are both “good” or “dangerous” and units you up for a long-term wholesome way of life, she provides.

Finally, the 1,200-calorie weight-reduction plan might not be probably the most sustainable weight reduction strategy since 1,200 energy is just too few for most individuals. Having fun with nourishing, well-balanced meals is probably going extra useful—however at all times seek the advice of your healthcare supplier or a dietitian to find out what’s finest for you and your physique.



Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based author and graduate pupil at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass shopper of social media and cares about girls’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all issues health and is presently obsessive about Peloton Tread exercises and sizzling yoga.  



Diala Alatassi, MD, is a board-certified inner and weight problems medication doctor at Endeavor Well being Medical Group with a specialty in diabetes, ldl cholesterol administration, hypertension, and weight problems medication.