Photo: Nida

How many carbs should I eat on a 1200 calorie diet?

5 That means if you're on a 1,200-calorie diet, about 600 calories would come from carbs. Since every gram of carbs is about four calories, you would be eating about 150 grams of carbs a day.

verywellhealth.com - Sample Low-Fat 1,200-Calorie Diabetes Diet Meal Plan

What is the best time of day to eat oatmeal?

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly....

Last updated Mar 9, 2022

Can you lose weight on keto without exercising?

The short take. In the shortest possible terms: yes. Keto diets definitely work without exercise. In fact, many personal trainers and nutritionist...

Last updated Jun 17, 2022

Promotion

No single diet is right for all people with diabetes. In fact, a plan designed just for you might be best. Whichever meal plan you choose, cutting calories and carbohydrates can help you keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. Depending on your height, weight, age, and activity level, a 1,200-calorie meal plan may be a good fit. This article explains how to balance carbs, fat, and protein. It also shows you what a day's worth of food looks like on a 1,200-calorie diet.

Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin

What to Think About When Meal Planning

Carbohydrates: Carbs are the body's main source of energy. They impact blood sugar more than other nutrients. Some people with diabetes need to track their carb intake. This is especially true if you take insulin at mealtimes.

There are three types of carbs:

Starches found in grains, potatoes, and beans or lentils

Sugars found in fruits, milk, and processed foods

Fiber found in leafy greens and other vegetables

Watch out for white, refined, processed, and sugary foods. These carbs can cause weight gain and sharp spikes in blood sugars. When thinking about carbs, consider portions as well as type.

1:36 7 Ways to Eat Healthy on a Diabetes Diet

Choose carbs that are rich in fiber, such as:

Whole grains

Starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes

Low-fat dairy such as Greek yogurt

Low-glycemic index fruits such as berries.

Most people do well with 30 to 45 grams of carbs per meal and 15 to 20 grams per snack. The amount you need will depend on your:

Blood sugar control

Physical activity

Weight

Other health factors

A registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator can help you decide how many carbs are right for you. Keep in mind that every gram of carbs has about four calories. If you eat 45 grams of carbs per meal and 30 grams per snack, that's 660 calories from carbs per day. Protein: Protein is a macronutrient and another form of energy for the body. It boosts immunity, wound healing, and muscle recovery. It can also help you feel full longer. With a calorie-controlled diet, it's important to choose lean protein. It has fewer calories and less fat.

Lean protein sources include:

White meat chicken

Pork

Turkey

Lean beef (95% lean)

Egg whites

Low-fat dairy

For vegans and vegetarians, beans and soy-based protein such as edamame and tofu are also sources of protein. They also contain carbs. Protein has four calories per gram. Some studies show that a higher-fat, higher-protein breakfast can reduce hemoglobin A1C in people with diabetes. Fat: Fat is another macronutrient. It helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, can reduce inflammation. They are the building blocks of hair, skin, and nails. These fatty acids also help support brain health.

When choosing fats, look for unsaturated fats such as:

How many calories a day on keto?

14 – 16 calories per pound for those that exercise moderately 3 – 5 times a week with relatively active lifestyles. 16 – 18 calories per pound for...

Last updated Feb 14, 2020

Can I give almond milk on keto?

Unsweetened almond milk contains just 1.4 grams of carbs and is rich in important nutrients when fortified, making it a nutritious, keto-friendly...

Last updated Mar 15, 2021

Promotion

Oils

Nuts

Seeds

Avocado

Fish like sardines and salmon

Limit saturated fat and trans fat as often as possible, including:

Full fat cheese

Fried foods

High-fat meats like sausage and bacon

Butter

Cream

Sweets such as cookies and cakes

Keep an eye on the fats you eat, even healthy ones. Fat calories can add up quickly. One gram of fat has nine calories. Recap No matter how many daily calories your meal plan has, be sure you're getting enough lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables. For many people with diabetes, limiting carbs and saturated fats can make it easier to keep blood sugar in a healthy zone.

1,200 Calories Is Not Right for Everyone

A word of warning: A 1,200-calorie diet is not a good option for every person with diabetes. For example, this calorie level may be low enough to disrupt your metabolism. This number of calories may not give you enough carbs for your medication dosage. And it may not prevent hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. However, 1200 calories will meet the energy needs of some people with diabetes. It's probably best for those who are:

Small in weight and stature

Older than 65

Less active

If you have a prescription for a 1,200-calorie diet, your diabetes care team will have planned with these factors in mind. If you've been prescribed a different diet, there are many meal plans to choose from. This meal plan provides around 1,200 calories a day, with 30 to 45 grams of carbs per meal and 15 to 30 grams per snack.

Day 1

Breakfast

An omelet made with 2 egg whites, one egg, and 1 slice (1 ounce) low-fat cheese

1 slice whole wheat toast with 1 teaspoon nut butter

1 small orange or 2 small kiwi

Coffee with 1 tablespoon half & half

Total carbs per meal: 30 grams

Lunch

2 cups chopped greens with 4 ounces (size of the palm of your hand) grilled chicken and 1 tablespoon oil-based dressing

One small 4-ounce apple

One 6-ounce low-fat yogurt

8 to 12 ounces of water or a sugar-free beverage

Total carbs per meal: 40 grams

Snack

3 cups air-popped popcorn

Total carbs per snack: 15 grams

Dinner

Turkey broccoli wrap:

4 ounces lean white meat ground turkey cooked in 1 teaspoon olive oil

1 low-carb whole grain wrap (about 20 grams of carbs)

1 cup steamed broccoli topped with 1 teaspoon olive oil (top with hot sauce)

8 to 12 ounces of water or a sugar-free beverage

1 cup of raspberries

Total carbs per meal: 45 grams

Day 2

Breakfast

1 container of low-fat Greek yogurt

3/4 cup blueberries

1 tablespoon chopped unsalted almonds

1 cup coffee with 1 tablespoon half and half

What is a healthy sandwich to get from a deli?

Good sandwich choices include sliced deli or rotisserie chicken, turkey, ham, lean roast beef, canned salmon or tuna, nut butter, grilled tempeh or...

Last updated Nov 29, 2019

Do you lose muscle or fat first?

"In general, muscle is not lost before fat—it is very dependent on nutrition and activity volume," Miranda-Comas says. "A person who is attempting...

Last updated May 25, 2021

Promotion

Total carbs per meal: 25 grams

Lunch

Open-faced turkey sandwich:

4 thin slices of roast turkey

1 slice whole grain bread

Lettuce, tomato, 1/4 avocado chopped, dollop of mustard

15 baby carrots with 1 tablespoon hummus

Total carbs per meal: 35 grams

Snack

1 1/4 cup strawberries with 1 tablespoon nut butter

Total carbs per snack: 18 grams

Dinner

Grilled shrimp quinoa bowl:

4 ounces grilled shrimp

1/2 cup cooked quinoa in water or low sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup chopped peppers

1/4 cup shredded low-fat cheese

1 tablespoon salsa

Total carbs per meal: 40 grams

Day 3

Breakfast

Sweet potato strawberry toast

Total carbs per meal: 17 grams

Lunch

5 chopped veggies and greens egg salad

Top on 1 whole grain brown rice cake

1 cup blackberries

8 to 12 ounces water or seltzer

Total carbs per meal: 40 grams

Dinner

5 ounces baked fish with lemon, garlic powder, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon olive oil

1 small baked sweet potato topped with cinnamon and 1 teaspoon butter

1.5 cups steamed spinach

8 to 12 ounces water or seltzer

Total carbs per meal: 30 grams

Create Your Own Meal Plan

This menu is a three-day example of delicious foods you can fit into one day with a 1,200-calorie diet. If you need more variety, there are many nutritious foods you can enjoy. A simple online search will help you calculate their nutritional value. You can use a recipe nutrition calculator to take the guesswork out of meal prep. Just input the recipe you'd like to make and read the nutrition label. You can also use it for side dishes, snacks, and drinks. If the results for your recipe show it has too many calories, you can edit each ingredient. The calculator will show you healthier options. The calculator is a useful tool when making out your shopping list. You'll have a clearer idea of which foods are lower in calories, fat, and sugar. Having a little knowledge before you hit the store can help you make better decisions.

Summary

A meal plan can help you make healthier food choices as you manage diabetes. A registered dietician or diabetes educator can help you figure out how many calories you should eat each day based on your own needs. For some people, a 1,200 calorie per day diet is a good option. Balancing lean protein, carbs, and fats is important to keep your blood sugar safe and steady. Avoiding processed foods and sugar will also benefit you.

verywellhealth.com - Sample Low-Fat 1,200-Calorie Diabetes Diet Meal Plan

What does craving sugar indicate?

As discussed above, a sugar craving could mean that your body is lacking a vitamin or nutrient, or that your blood sugar levels are off. Registered...

Last updated Mar 16, 2021