When you hear 1200 calories, what do you think of? Do you get scared because it seems like a diet from hell? Do you, on the other hand, find the limit just enough? It all depends on your body type, based on your weight and height. If you are tall, a 1200 calorie plan may either be part of a slimming diet or a suicide mission. If you are short, it may be just enough; going beyond this limit can mean weight gain to you.

Example of a 1200 Calorie Plan

To be clear about what a 1200 calorie meal looks like, here is an example. You can have a breakfast of cereal with fat free milk and fruit. For lunch, you can eat a sandwich with low fat meat such as tuna or skinless chicken. Your snack can be a rice cake with fruit. To finish off the day, your dinner can be composed of 3 ounces low fat meat, such as chicken or tuna. Then, eat this with healthy carbohydrates, such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta. Add two cups of steamed vegetables and then fruit and a plain salad. You can see that 1200 calories can be filling if you pick the right types of food.

For Maintenance

Nutritionists say that the 1200 calorie diet is the minimum requirement for each person to function and maintain weight. Even the slightest and the most inactive person should still be able to take in at least 1200 calories to not only survive but to keep healthy. Shorter people also need 1200 calories to maintain their weight.

For Weight Loss

For taller people, a 1200 calorie diet is not just a means to maintain but a way to lose weight. For example, a person who needs 1500 calories to maintain his weight will lose weight by going for the 1200 calorie diet. Add exercise to the equation and the person can lose weight rapidly this way. Those who are used to a high calorie diet, however, may have trouble adjusting to the 1200 calorie plan. Still, with the proper choice of foods, it is possible to feel full with such a diet. In time, 1200 calories will feel so much more natural.

For Weight Gain

Because 1200 calories is the minimum intake advised to people, active or not, it would seem impossible to gain weight on such a diet. Of course, shorter people could try by having a total of 1200 calories but picking foods with calories concentrated on fats and carbohydrates. These foods, however, are fatty but not very filling. So, there would be a tendency to go over the 1200 calorie limit. With weight gain in mind, it is advisable to go over 1200 calories. Those who want to have a bulkier but more muscular build will have to combine strength training with the massive food intake.

Taking in 1200 calories a day may not be so difficult for people who need fewer calories to function. Taller, more active people who are going for maintenance, on the other hand, are advised to go over this minimum.