What do you eat to stay at 1200 calories a day?
almalaurathomas
Posts: 64
My goal is 1200 calories a day, and so far, I have had no problem staying that low. However, I find myself grazing on low calorie snacks and eating chicken with no sides, etc. I don't have actual low calorie MEAL plans that I can eat, other than weight watchers meals. I would like to start cooking and experimenting a little. I have two small children, so I like quick and easy meals. However, I am trying to learn to enjoy new foods and cooking them. Can anyone share their recipes for simple, not a ton of ingredients, low calorie meals? Thanks!
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Brothey soups! easy and fun to make,,pick a broth load up on vegetables pick a lean meat or meat substitute boil and enjoy! I also make what we call "sloppy toms" its sloppy joes with turkey instead of beef super quick super easy and low calories, I usually have a protein powder shake for lunch or breakfast and use almond milk. I use optimum nutrition and it has helped me stay full and on track with my calories. The thing i love about cooking is that i can take a base recipie and play with it...substituting or adding more desirable or healthy foods! good luck!0
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i do chicken in the crock pot. red pepper, green peppers, whole chicken breast and spices. it shreds perfectly when done and it tastes amazing!0
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I eat whatever strikes my mood. I have found that by being conscious of portion sizes, I can eat the same stuff I was eating before MFPing; I just have to make sure that I'm close to my 1200 net calories ea. day.
I have gotten into the habit of logging my breakfast and my lunch after eating them. Same for snacking. BUT, for dinner, I log one serving before eating so that I can see what cals. are left and decide whether I'll want seconds, or rather have an evening snack. My breakfast is usually cereal w/skim and a cup or two of coffee. Lunch, typicaly a salad. Dinner, you never know.
Oh, there is a great recipe on www.allrecipes.com called Salsa Chicken. So simple and delicious!0 -
I drink a lot of water, and I eat tons of fruit and vegetables ( more fruit than vegetables ) I also cut cheese and dairy out of my diet, so i eliminated most junk food.0
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I know they say to snack is healthy, but I find when I staying at 1200 I don't have a lot of room for snacks. If I do I'll eat half my breakfast and eat the other half after I work out. Etc. with the other meals. I'm not a big help am I. I am curious what other say though.0
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I eat huge amounts of salads and vegetables. They're just filler. I also plan my meals out and premake meats that can be throw in with vegetables later. It works out pretty well
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Sautee or bake or grill lean proteins. Steam or roast a variety of veggies. Eat some carbs, but make sure it's good carbs like wild or brown rice, sweet potatoes, barley, quinoa...
Exercise and you'll be able to afford to eat more calories.0 -
Try skinnytaste.com.... there are a ton of receipes on the0
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I don't know how you guys do it. I can't eat that low. Personally I would be sick. My job and my working out, I need to eat around 2000 calories a day and I started my weight loss journey at 344 pounds and eating 2500 calories a day.0
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I like fish, turkey, sweet potatoes, and yams; they will keep you full
but to stay under 1200 calories add squash, greens, and all those other light veggies
for a snack probably a peach, orange, or plum0 -
I've started eating a lot of oatmeal, made with almond milk, cinnamon, and fresh apple slices. It does use up a chunk of my daily calories, but it keeps me full for a long time so it's worth it!0
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I like to make my own pizzas using Flatout Flat Bread. If you put veggies on it and not meat, it's pretty easy to keep low-cal. Here's one recipe example although you can customize your toppings: http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=64641 That would also be a fun recipe for kids because they could make their own.
Also I like to make egg white crepes: http://fivepoundsatatime.tumblr.com/post/30666738934/egg-white-crepes That's my version on my blog.
You can also make your own chicken tenders and onion rings with just egg whites and bread crumbs to coat. If you don't dunk them in too much dipping sauce it can be fairly low cal while tasting like you are eating fast food.
And I am in love with greek yogurt + fresh fruit + granola.0 -
If your kids are old enough, get them involved preping the food.0
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Hi, i follow a 1200 diet and i dont really feel deprived although i do have a desk job and am only 5'2 so this does suit me. I do eat back some of my exercise calories. My diary is open if you want some ideas.0
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i made chickpea and corriander burgers today and had one it really filled me up and i strugggled to meet my calories goal!0
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I have greek yogurt for breakfast, small lunch, usually half a sandwich and salad, and honestly a regular dinner AND a snack later. 1200 wasn't enough for me and it was making me sick and feel fatigued.0
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well working out in the morning works out best for me because then I get in 2 cups of water and I'm ahead of myself! I also eat salads, lots of fruits and vegetables, some carbs and feel really full wayy before 7 sometimes 6 its so weird! so eat fuller meals, drink water before your meals and working out always keeps you on track ! 0
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My goal is 1200 calories a day, and so far, I have had no problem staying that low. However, I find myself grazing on low calorie snacks and eating chicken with no sides, etc. I don't have actual low calorie MEAL plans that I can eat, other than weight watchers meals. I would like to start cooking and experimenting a little. I have two small children, so I like quick and easy meals. However, I am trying to learn to enjoy new foods and cooking them. Can anyone share their recipes for simple, not a ton of ingredients, low calorie meals? Thanks!
You might want to figure out what your TDEE and BMR are.. this post can help you do that. If 1200 is actually around what is a good level then all power to you.
Otherwise this post can help work out what your TDEE and BMR are http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-120 -
Soft shell tacos. You can buy low cal tortillas, low-fat cheese, lean ground meat. Add lettuce, tomatoes, sauce. Kids usually like tacos, too.0
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I also don't knw people eat that low either. I always get headaches if I eat less than 1400. But I find on rest days my appetite is insatiable so I try to workout everyday unless my body definately needs a break.0
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Make cordon bleu without the breading......It is really good in salad the next day too.
Pound some thin chicken breats flat add some low fat cheese and a piece of ham and roll up, secure with a tooth pick and bake at 400 for about 20 minutes or until no longer pink. I usually cut one open to check..my meat therm is wacked.0 -
I eat whatever strikes my mood. I have found that by being conscious of portion sizes, I can eat the same stuff I was eating before MFPing; I just have to make sure that I'm close to my 1200 net calories ea. day.
I have gotten into the habit of logging my breakfast and my lunch after eating them. Same for snacking. BUT, for dinner, I log one serving before eating so that I can see what cals. are left and decide whether I'll want seconds, or rather have an evening snack. My breakfast is usually cereal w/skim and a cup or two of coffee. Lunch, typicaly a salad. Dinner, you never know.
Oh, there is a great recipe on www.allrecipes.com called Salsa Chicken. So simple and delicious!
I do the same and add in more exercise if I want to eat a little more or have a glass of wine so it balances. I also try to eat things high in protein so I'm full longer.
My average meal plan is something like this:
Breakfast: Special K w/ red Berries and skim milk
Lunch: Capri Super-V pouch (I grab those because they are fast, it's the only non-water drink I have all day)
a Healthy Choice meal or Clif bar for lunch with fruit (grapes, strawberries, etc) and a veggie (carrots usually)
I only really get about a 10-15 minute lunch break as a teacher so I don't have time for much else.
Dinner: a regular meal with one serving pre-computed into MFP so I can see what's left or how much exercise is needed. Then I decide if I want seconds, wine, dessert, whatever based upon the calories/carbs/fat I have left.
Common snacks are: turkey roll-ups, string cheese, fruit, veggies, low fat cottage cheese, yogurt0 -
I eat between 1200 and 1500 on any given day.
I also make myself a large ziplock bag of veggies...celery, broccoli, cauliflower, red/yellow/orange peppers and snow peas and as soon as I get hungry between meals I graze...it's been amazing and I get tons of veggies in this way :-)0 -
My goal is 1200 calories a day, and so far, I have had no problem staying that low. However, I find myself grazing on low calorie snacks and eating chicken with no sides, etc. I don't have actual low calorie MEAL plans that I can eat, other than weight watchers meals. I would like to start cooking and experimenting a little. I have two small children, so I like quick and easy meals. However, I am trying to learn to enjoy new foods and cooking them. Can anyone share their recipes for simple, not a ton of ingredients, low calorie meals? Thanks!
You might want to figure out what your TDEE and BMR are.. this post can help you do that. If 1200 is actually around what is a good level then all power to you.
Otherwise this post can help work out what your TDEE and BMR are http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12
^^^^^ This
I'm 5'2 and on 1500 cals a day and losing. IMHO 1200 is too low for most people. just my two cents but I'm happier now, (don't judge todays diary!)0 -
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A salad with most meals is a great help, spinach, tomatoes, celery, cucumbers & lo cal dressing has very little calories & a lot of nutrition.
I love huevos rancheros for dinner, eggs (or egg whites) cooked in salsa & serve on a tortilla, maybe with some avocado on the side and black beans.
Also, if I am exercising, no way I will feel full on 1200 a day, I can do that for a few days to "save up" for a big meal or something but as a daily plan I think it's really really tough.0 -
I love Gina's recipes and pictures!0
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I ditto the oatmeal w/almond milk! It's very filling and will get me through about 5-6 hours before I'm hungry again. Sometimes I eat for dinner then I don't go to bed with my stomach growling!0
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I am generally around 1200 and I feel like I eat a lot some days (some days I'm over if I've earned extra exercise calories). I even have a hard time reaching 1200 sometimes and that is eating 3 meals and even some snacks - been on an ice cream/sherbet kick lately. My meals are pretty healthy too and I love quick and easy meals - several 1 pan dinners. Anyway... my diary is open if you want some ideas and I'll share recipes if there is anything there that catches your eye. Good luck on your journey!!0
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