Simple Diet Plan

nationalvillage3215

I have been on this weight loss journey off and on many times. I got discouraged because I saw such poor results. But for me I think I have this figured out. In the past I was trying all these "low calorie" recipes with baking, soups, stews having multiple ingredients and multiple servings. Converting 6 servings to 1 probably had some severe pitfalls as far as accurate calorie counting while being overly complicated. Bottom line is I think I was grossly miscalculating daily calories even though I was weighing everything. Then I saw the 3 Day Cleveland Clinic 1200 calorie Diet Plan which is a very easy, simple, straightforward plan for single servings with no multiple serving recipes. All you do is cook, weigh and eat. An example is:

Breakfast: 2 large eggs, 2 slices whole wheat toast, 1T Olive oil spread
Lunch: 2 slices whole grain bread, 3 oz. tuna in water, 1 slice low fat cheese, 1 T low fat mayo
Dinner: 4 oz grilled chicken breast, 1 medium baked potato, 1-1/2 cups green beens
Snack: 1 cup skim milk, 1 medium apple

I measure, weigh all of the above and tailor to my daily calorie count. I am happy with my 7 lb weight loss of in 3 weeks and feel much more confident in my food log. Finally I feel like I am on a path to success. No more recipes recipes for 4-6 servings! And it is fast with easy meal prep. Probably not to everyone's liking but thought I would throw it out there as a tip/suggestion.

unstableunicorn

It might be worth working some more veggies into the plan (mini cucumber or two for a snack, celery sticks with lunch, etc) to fill out nutritional needs, but if it’s working and you’re satisfied/can maintain it, that’s great! Sounds like it gives you plenty of wiggle room for holidays & special occassions.

nationalvillage3215

Yes, I adjust/changeup the veggies, fruit, protein and portion sizes for variety and to reach my 1200 cal/per day. Now I am no longer tempted for just "a little bit" more of a 4-6 serving size recipe.

TeaBea

OP - good luck to you. Stay on this "plan" as long as you can stand it, but be sure to have a good maintenance plan in place.

The problem with "simple, straight-forward" lowest possible calorie count plans is there is little room for learning.

The best way to make life-long changes (to keep the weight off for good) is to learn about current eating habits. Your eating habits. Learn about portion sizes for foods that aren't "diet" foods. Learn how to cook for reduced calories. I like to freeze extra portions for future meals.

The lowest one-size-fits-all calories (1200) leaves little room for a treat here or there. Maybe zig-zag your calories. Allow for 1500 calories on weekends to make things a bit more realistic.

Lowest calorie plans are often low fat (this one included). Low-fat was all the rage in the 1980's. This would not be filling to me. I don't need keto levels of fat (blech) but the lowest minimum calories would just be misery for me.