Best North and South Indian 1200 Calorie Diet Plans for Weight Loss

Reviewed by: | Author: Manoja Kalakanti

We have already done an article on a generalized 1200 calorie diet plan and its benefits, but in reality a generalized diet plan is not enough as far as our country is concerned, with such varied cultures and customs and equally diverse food habits, one is always at loss as to what foods to include in the diet and what to stay away from. Therefore we have decided to come up with 2 region specific 1200 calorie diet plans which will help you to include foods from your regular diet in to the regime so that you don’t feel alienated form your favorite foods while being on the diet.

diet-in-veggies

Why the 1200 Cal Diet?

By now, almost all of you know what a 1200 cal diet is all about and how it works. For those who don’t, here is a quick recap- The 1200 Kcal diet plan helps you to lose weight and keeps it under control without giving up your favorite foods or starving yourself and without sweating yourself out in the gym. It works as an effective diet for maintaining the weight after completion of the GM diet. This diet is easy; all you need to have is will-power and practice self-control. Although the 1200 Kcal diet plan is highly recommended and very healthy it is not for those who have an extremely active life style, because they will need more calories to keep their body functioning properly.

How the 1200 Calorie Diet Works?

Losing weight is not as complex as it seems, all you need to do is consume fewer calories than you burn throughout the day by performing various activities and working out. Each and every work we do burns calories; our body burns calories even while we are lying on the couch, w watching TV programs. A 1200 calorie diet provides adequate nutrition to the body yet helps in losing weight. How much calorie is needed by the body depends on a few factors like the individual’s weight, height and level of activity. A person with a sedentary life style will need fewer calories compared to an individual with high level of activity.

calorie balance

An Easy Way to Find Out How Much Calorie You Require Each Day:

(Your weight in Pounds X 12)- 500= Calorie Required Each Day

1 Kg =2.20 Pounds.

For instance, if a person’s weight is 75 kgs, it comes to 165 Pounds

(165X12)-500=1480

Therefore, the individual’s calorie requirement per day is 1480 calories, and in order to lose weight, he must consume less than 1480 calories.

Foods to Avoid While on the 1200 Cal Diet:

The 1200 cal diet is a sure shot way to lose weight but that will be possible only when you take the calories form healthy foods live green leafy vegetables, whole grains and fresh fruits. Gorging on unhealthy processed foods, soda and fast food is not going to show the desired results.

fast food collection on on white background

  • Sugary aerated drinks
  • Cheese, butter and ghee
  • White rice, white flour, white bread, pasta
  • Fried and oily snacks
  • Tea and coffee with milk and sugar
  • Red meat
  • Sweets and desserts
  • Alcohol

Foods to Include in the 1200 Cal Diet:

Substitute the unhealthy and harmful junk and fatty foods with nutritious organic food, whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy in order to promote quick weight loss. Transforming over to a healthy diet will also help in achieving long-term well being and provide great looking skin.

Weight gain in a Healthy Way

  • Green Leafy Vegetables
  • Unpolished brown rice
  • Multigrain flour, bread and pasta
  • Multigrain flakes
  • Fresh fruits
  • Beans, legumes and lentils
  • Lean meats like chicken and fish
  • Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and curd
  • Green tea and herbal tea

A Generalized North Indian 1200 Calorie Diet Plan:

The North Indian diet is mostly no vegetarian and is characterizes with thick tasty gravies, rich curries, parathas, tandoors, cottage cheese and spices. But a diet that helps in weight loss cannot include all the tasty dishes, although I have tried to include chicken in this food chart. This is a generalized plan and you can always integrate and innovate it with foods of your choice.

Timing

Foods to Eat

Calories

Early Morning

1 Glass lukewarm water with lemon juice

0

Morning

Tea without sugar + 2 Gluten Free biscuits

80

Breakfast

1 Paratha+ 1 cup Curd

250

Mid-Morning

1 Serving of Fruit

70

Lunch

1 bowl brown rice+ 1 bowl Urad dal(100g)+boiled chicken(100g)

440

Evening

Lassi without sugar

90

Dinner

2 Roti+ 1 bowl Mixed Vegetables

260

Total Calories

1190

A Generalized South Indian 1200 Calorie Diet Plan:

The South Indian diet is mostly rice centric with delicious biryanis and rice seasoned with tomatoes, pudina, tamarind, lemons or curry leaves. It also makes wide use of lentils in preparing delicious dosas, vadas and uttapam. The cuisine of South India is extremely flavorful and appetizing while being light and easy on the stomach. Following is a generalized South Indian 1200 cal diet chart that you can always integrate and innovate it with foods of your choice.

Timing

Foods to Eat

Calories

Early Morning

1 Glass lukewarm water with lemon juice

0

Morning

Black coffee without sugar + 2 Marie biscuits

60

Breakfast

2 Idlis/ 1 Plain Dosa

200/120

Mid-Morning

1 Serving of Fruit

70

Lunch

1 bowl brown rice+ 1 Cup Sambar+1 cup Mixed Vegetables (100g)+Baked Fish (100g)

510

Evening

1 Cup Butter Milk

100

Dinner

2 Chapatis+ 1 bowl Mixed Vegetables (100g)

260

Total Calories

1200/1120

Points to keep in Mind while on the 1200 Cal Diet:

Now that you know how to find out your daily calorie requirements and the foods that you can include your specific diet plan, these simple yet important tips will helps you achieve the perfect toned body with ease.

lose weight

  • Don’t do any high intensity exercise and work outs while on the diet
  • Do light stretching and yoga moves to tone the muscles
  • Change your eating pattern and have 6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 big ones
  • Wake up early and have the meals on proper time
  • Try to finish up dinner by 8:30 pm
  • Water is the vital element that is required for proper functioning of the body. Therefore drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily
  • Drink 2 glasses of water before dinner

Although the 1200 cal diet plan is a sure way of losing weight quickly, it is best to follow a healthy diet plan coupled with a regular workout schedule for a healthy and fit body in the long.

Download App

Get our wellness newsletter

Health and Diet tips, Fitness,
Beauty and more.