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Updated On Jan 2025
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Updated On Jan 2025

How To Follow A 1200 Calorie Indian Diet Plan For Weight Loss?

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1200 Calorie Indian Diet Plan

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Nimisha Gupta

Nimisha Gupta is a content writer at Fitelo, a health and wellness platform.

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Russell Sharma

I am passionate about the intersection of food science, nutrition, and research.

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Are you looking for a proven and result-oriented 1200 calorie Indian diet plan for weight loss without sacrificing the taste? If yes, then here you go. According to a Journal, daily calorie restriction is effective for losing weight and maintaining good health. Calorie limits were shown to cause a significant reduction in body weight and fat mass daily.

The beauty of this plan is that it incorporates the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine. From hearty dals to fiery sabzis, lasting full satisfaction can be achieved even while abiding by calorie goals. Carbs, protein, and healthy fat must be balanced in the right amounts.

Here, we come up with a well-structured plan for a 1200-calorie Indian diet to be gorged with. It will serve you different meal options in a day as per individual requirements for weight loss. Excited! let’s start eating healthily while getting some mouthwatering dishes.

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Why Choose A 1200 Calorie Diet?

A diet of 1200 calories is a structured eating plan designed to restrict the number of calories a person consumes in a day to one thousand two hundred. Primarily, it is about losing weight because it focuses on generating a calorie deficit that forces the body to live off stored fats for energy.

Here are the reasons for going with the same: 

how a 1200 calorie diet plan helps in weight loss

1. Effective in Weight Loss: The low energy intake of 1200 calories a day compels the body to utilize already stored fat for energy, largely resulting in the desire to shed those few kilos.

2. Structural and Easily Feasible: The diet offers clear guidelines and portion sizes, making planning easier and also helping people refrain from overeating.

3. Maintains Nutrient Intake: It can possibly provide almost all those essential nutrients when a 1200 Calorie diet is properly planned and mainly based on whole, nutrient-dense foods.

4. Clinically Based: Research supports the benefit of low-calorie diets in causing weight loss. A Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism study states that low-calorie diets can significantly reduce weight and improve metabolic health.

5. Customizable: You can adjust a 1200 calorie diet to fit your needs, including the preference for Indian food. This makes it possible and enjoyable for the future.

This diet will be beneficial for losing weight for a short period, but it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning it to ensure it suits your individual needs.

A Sample 1200 Calorie Indian Diet Plan

The plan is a calorie-restricted eating plan designed to help you achieve your health and weight goals. By consuming a limited number of calories per day, you create a calorie deficit diet, which is essential for weight loss.

But don’t be discouraged by the term “restriction.” This diet isn’t about deprivation; it’s about making smart choices and enjoying satisfying meals while staying within your calorie target.

This diet plan is taking careful amounts and nature of foods for the purpose of boosting the body’s ability to burn fat by providing it with a good amount of food within a calorie budget.

MealWhat to Eat Caloric Value
Early MorningJeera Water (1 glass) + 5 Soaked Almonds 40 Kcal
Breakfast 2 Potato stuffed roti 206 Kcal
Dahi ( 1 Qtr Bowl ) 90 Kcal
Mid-Morning Meal1 glass Milk 168 Kcal
LunchWheat Roti – 2 nos 174 Kcal
Bhindi fry 73 Kcal
Curd – 1 Qtr Bowl90 Kcal
Evening DelightMilk Chai73 Kcal
Roasted Makhanas 56 Kcal
(0.5 Bowl)
Late evening SnackTomato Cucumber Salad15 Kcal
Dinner Moong Dal without tadka + 1 tbsp Ghee (1 Bowl)167 Kcal
Post Dinner RelishChamomile Tea2 Kcal
Total 1200 Kcal

Everybody’s body is different, and the same diet plan doesn’t work for everyone. So, Book A Consultation with us today to get your customized diet plan.

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Do’s And Don’ts Of A 1200 Calorie Diet

Here are some do’s and don’ts that you need to follow apart from just reading them:

  • Most importantly, this is a calorie-deficit simple meal plan and should not be a way of life. So, it’s better to go for a normal diet plan for weight loss.
  • Also, include a bit of exercise (ideally in the ratio of 80:20) along with the diet to gain the most benefit out of this.
  • Diet is not difficult to follow at all provided that it is followed with a consistent routine.
  • When following a diet like this, it’s crucial to actively limit the consumption of aerated beverages, sweets, and alcohol. Conversely, ensure you actively prioritize adequate daily water intake to maintain proper hydration.
  • Staying hydrated is essential, especially when dieting since it might encourage you to limit your snacking and prevent overeating.
  • The above diet plan is a sample and should not be followed without first consulting a dietitian in particular.
  • Anyone suffering from an eating disorder should avoid starting this diet since it will increase their mental and other health problems.

Is A 1200 Calorie Diet Safe For Everyone?

1200 calories are shown to be effective for weight loss. However, it might not be good enough for everyone to take this diet. Knowing who should and who should not take it would be one of the precautions one has to take for a safe and healthy practice.

Who Should Follow A 1200 Calorie Diet:

  • Adult persons trying to lose weight with less or moderate activity
  • Those who want to create a calorie deficit for burning fat
  • Persons under professional attention for short-term weight loss
  • Individuals in search of a structured, reduced eating plan

Who Should NOT Follow A 1200 Calorie Diet:

  • Children, teenagers, or adolescents until, unless it is under medical supervision;
  • Pregnant women or nursing mothers;
  • Highly active individuals or athletes;
  • Individuals with certain medical conditions (anorexia, severe metabolic conditions, etc.);
  • Individuals with a history of malnourishment or chronic health problems without medical guidance.

How Many Calories Should You Eat Daily?

Determining the suitable calorie intake on a daily basis depends on various factors, including your age, gender, weight, activity level, and specific health goals. The number of calories you need can vary significantly from person to person. Here’s a general guideline to help you understand how to estimate your daily calorie needs:

  • Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): This is the number of calories your body requires at rest to maintain basic functions like breathing, digestion, and cell repair. BMR is influenced by factors like age, gender, weight, and genetics. You can calculate your BMR using equations like the Harris-Benedict formula.
  • Physical Activity: Your level of physical activity significantly affects your daily calorie needs. Those with a more active lifestyle burn more calories. Activities like walking, running, swimming, or weightlifting increase your calorie expenditure.
  • Goals: Your calorie intake also depends on your health and fitness goals. Are you looking to lose weight, maintain your current weight, or gain muscle mass? Each of these goals will require a different low-calorie meal to lose weight.

Here’s a rough estimate of daily calorie needs for different goals:

  • Weight Maintenance: To maintain your current weight, you can generally start with your BMR and add calories to account for your daily activities. This is often referred to as your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).
  • Weight Loss: To lose weight, you’ll need to create a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories than your TDEE. A common recommendation is a deficit of 500 to 1000 calories per day, leading to a gradual and sustainable weight loss diet of about 1 to 2 pounds per week.

Benefits Of 1200 Calorie Indian Diet Plan

Following this plan benefits you in the below ways.

benefits of a 1200 calorie diet plan
  1. Effective For Weight Loss: One of the primary benefits is that it can be effective for weight loss. By creating a calorie deficit, you’re likely to lose weight over time. It’s a structured approach to portion control and calorie reduction.
  1. Portion Control: This diet teaches you to be mindful of portion sizes, which can be a valuable skill for long-term weight management. Learning to control portion sizes can help prevent overeating in the future.
  1. Balanced Nutrition: When done correctly, it encourages a balanced intake of essential nutrients. It can help you make healthier food choices and prioritize nutrient-dense high protein low calorie foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  1. Flexibility: There’s room for flexibility allowing you to customize meals based on your preferences and dietary restrictions.

Remember, it’s best to talk to a dietitian to make sure the plan is right for your needs.

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Healthy Snack Ideas Under 200 Calories

Be smart about snacking, and don’t give up the good taste you´d want with the food. Here are some healthy and satisfying options working within your caloric goals.

Quick Indian Snack Options

  • Roasted chana: It has crunchy goodness, is high in protein, and ready-to-eat. Roasted chickpeas are also a much-appreciated travel snack.
  • Methi thepla: It is a rich and filling snack of whole wheat flour and fenugreek leaves grown with omum in flavor.
  • Cucumber and carrot salad with a touch of lemon: Cool and hydrating, this salad is exemplary in calories and fiber.
  • Buttermilk (chaas): A refreshing cool drink with probiotics that calms down digestion and is low in calorie levels.
  • Poha (lightly spiced with vegetables): It is a savory light Indian snack made from rice flakes and erupting in flavors of other veggies.
  • Masala makhana: These spices are rich in protein and fiber with negligible calories and are a good option for a crunchy snack.

High-Protein Snacks to Keep You Full

  • Boiled eggs: These are packed with protein, filling the body and helping curb hunger between meals. Also, check out this boiled egg diet plan for weight loss!
  • Paneer cubes with a sprinkle of black pepper: This is a high-protein, low-carb snack that is too palatable and filling.
  • Greek yogurt with a few almonds: This great-tasting protein snack also brings good fat right along.
  • Chickpea salad with cucumber and tomatoes: It is a refreshing, protein-packed salad to nourish the hunger at lunch.
  • Tofu simmered with veggies: This dish is a protein powerhouse packed with fresh ingredients to ensure added nutrients.
  • Lentil soup: Warm, hearty, maybe not with great big helpings; however, it is hearty! Lentil soup is a plant-based protein snack that is healthy for weight loss.

A well-balanced 1200 calories a day weight loss plan can help you achieve your fitness goals while ensuring you get the necessary nutrients.

Tips To Sustain A 1200 Calorie Diet Without Feeling Hungry

Staying on track with a 1200 calorie diet can be challenging, especially when hunger strikes. Here are some practical tips to help you feel satisfied while still reaching your weight loss goals.

1. Include High-Protein Foods: Protein keeps you fuller for longer. Include foods such as eggs, lentils, and Greek yogurt. This research from the National Library Of Medicine highlights the importance of combining calorie restriction with adequate protein intake and exercise to maintain muscle mass during weight loss.

2. Eat Fiber-Rich Foods: It helps control hunger by slowing digestion. Opt for vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

3. Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated can also help curb your hunger and prevent overeating.

4. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Spread meals throughout the day to avoid being deprived.

5. Select low-calorie, high-volume foods: These could include leafy greens, cucumbers, and zucchini to allow more space in the diet without an increased number of calories.

6. Eat Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, and seeds keep you satisfied between meals because of their bulkiness.

7. Use Consume Less Processed Snack: Make a conscious choice of whole food rather than a processed snack. Like, consume an apple in place of a packet of chips. If you use these, the energy crashes don’t occur.

8. Plan Your Snacks: Prepare healthy Indian snacks for weight loss ahead of time to avoid temptation and keep hunger at bay.

9. Stay Busy: Activities or hobbies that keep your mind from food whenever the hunger pinches.

10. Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep or staying overly active are supposed to increase hunger hormones. It becomes hard to stick to a low-calorie diet with a restricted intake of foods.

A Final Take by Filelo

A 1200 calorie diet, especially one that includes the flavors of Indian food, can prove to be quite effective and pleasurable in helping you lose weight. You can thus stay on the right track with the right structure of meals while feeling satisfied by making the right choices.

The key takeaways from this diet plan are:

  • 1200 Calorie Indian Diet Plan: It is a calorie-restricted diet that encompasses all the delightful flavors of India, portion control, and balanced nutrition to help you lose weight.
  • Why 1200 Calorie Diet?: Effective for weight loss, ensures nutrient intake, is very adjustable, and is backed by scientific facts. One might need a plausible, short-term solution when wanting to cut some weight due to calorie deficiency.
  • A Sample 1200 Calorie Indian Diet Plan: This diet is a combination of traditional weight loss Indian recipes such as roti, dal, and vegetables that provide adequate protein, fiber, and healthy fats within the 1200-calorie limit.
  • Who Should and Should Not Follow: Suitable for adults who are looking to lose weight with moderate activity, but not for children, pregnant women, athletes, or people with certain health conditions.
  • Calories You Need Per Day: How many calories you need depends on the variables of age, gender, physical activity, and whether you have goals for maintenance, weight loss, or muscle building. The widely accepted caloric deficit for safe weight loss is between 500 to 1000 calories.
  • Advantages of 1200 Calorie Indian Diet: Promote weight loss, teach portioning, provide balance in nutrition, and also provide the opportunity for flexible foods.
  • Do’s and Don’ts: Plan in advance, keep drinking loads of water, avoid junk food, and take the same to a dietitian to check whether it’s safe.
  • Healthy Snack Ideas: One needs to take low-calorie, nutrient-dense snacks, such as roasted chana, methi thepla, boiled eggs, and Greek yogurt, to fight hunger pangs and to stick to your calorie goals.
  • Sustainability Tips: Include high protein and fiber intake, drink enough water, take smaller meals, and plan for snacks to prevent hunger and get on track to your weight loss goals.

It’s a really good idea to talk to a Fitelo expert, like a dietitian, to make a special plan that fits your needs and what you like to eat. You can lose weight and stay healthy by eating fewer calories, moving your body regularly, getting enough sleep, and living a healthy life. 

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Is Calorie Counting The Best Way To Lose Weight?

A calorie functions as a measurement, akin to a teaspoon or an inch, while fat represents the surplus calories your body stores. When you consume more calories than you require, your body stores the excess calories as fat.

Gurpreet Lost 10 Kgs With Fitelo’s Sustainable Diet Plan

Gurpreet had a true sportsman spirit and followed everything dedicatedly. In just 45 days, she came 10 kgs down and lost a great number of inches as well!

Fun Fact

Most of us will agree that digestive biscuits are healthy, but little do we know about the facts. Even if you are consuming calories, it would be better to gain beneficial nutrients through those calories. Check out this post and see how a Besan Ladoo has fewer calories than the so-called healthy digestive biscuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Weight Can I Lose On A 1200 Calorie Diet A Day?

Weight loss on a 1200-calorie diet varies from person to person and depends on several factors, such as activity level and metabolism. But on average, it is said that a person loses about 0.5 to 1 kg per week. For that to happen, you need to be consistent with the diet.

What Can I Eat For 1200 Calories Per Day?

A 1200-calorie diet should be taken with balanced meals having lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. You can enjoy roti, dal, sabzi, yogurt, and fruits.

How To Lose 5kg In 7 Days Diet?

A rapid weight loss is not advisable because it can be unhealthy. However, a calorie deficit, regular exercise, and a healthy eating plan can support gradual weight loss in a safe manner.

How To Lose 10 Kgs In A Month With An Indian Diet?

To lose 10 kg in a month, focus on creating a calorie deficit with an Indian diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, alongside regular exercise. A slower, sustainable approach is safer and more effective. 

Is The 1200 Calorie Indian Diet Plan Suitable For Everyone?

This may not be suitable for everyone. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting this diet, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or specific dietary needs.

What If I Can’t Meet My Nutritional Needs On 1200 Calories?

If you struggle to meet your nutritional needs on a diet, consider consulting with a dietitian who can help you create a balanced meal plan that aligns with your calorie target while ensuring proper nutrition.

Contact Us Today

Your search to find the right guidance to be a part of all those fat-to-fit stories ends here. So, contact us today if you are looking for a diet plan with cheat meals. Also, we will discuss how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you to make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your own health before starting a diet that is restrictive. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long happy life.

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