My BEST 30 day meal plan!! All days under 1200 calories (2024)

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1200 Calorie Diet | Calorie Counting | Healthy Meal Plans | Weight Loss | Weight Loss Meal Plans

ByAmy RoskelleyNovember 27, 2021October 19, 2023

After documenting all my meals, calculating all the calories and macros, taking pictures, and writing out my shopping list for the last 30 days, I’m finally ready to share it! 30 day, 1200 calorie meal plan with each day over 100 grams of protein. Grab this meal plan and reach your weight loss goals now.

Weight Loss 101

Creating a calorie deficit is the only effective way to lose weight and reach your goals. Especially if you are already eating mostly healthy and exercising. Your weight might hit a plateau for a very long time until you cut your calories sufficiently to lose weight. (calculate what you need for your calories and macros here).

Losing the “last 10 lbs” for me required me to get down to 1200 calories, and weigh and measure everything I ate! And even then, it still took several months of consistency to get to my goal.

But it also took 30+ years! So a few months of being ultra consistent, really isn’t that long.

My BEST 30 day meal plan!! All days under 1200 calories (1)

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Why a 1200 calorie diet plan?

1200 calories happens to be the calorie threshold most people would agree would create an appropriate deficit, while still meeting your micronutrient needs.

You don’t have to drop to 1200 calories forever. After you lose weight, you can gradually increase calories and still maintain your weight loss. I’ve been able to maintain my weight loss at 1500 calories without gaining weight.

Why you need a meal plan for weight loss

It works: Following a meal plan, or having a pattern for my meals has helped me and thousands of people lose weight.
Avoid decision fatigue: Following a meal plan eliminates the focus on food, and the fatigue of trying to make good food choices. I find, I’m more likely to have discipline when I’m not focused on what I should choose for my next meal.
It’s REALLY 1200: This 1200 calorie meal plan helps you to stick to a calorie deficit without worrying about if you are doing it right.

What food can I eat on a 1200 calories diet?

If you eat healthy, whole foods, and lots of fruits and vegetables, 1200 calories can actually be quite satisfying! Making sure to get 100 grams of protein each day has been a game changer in helping to control my appetite.

The way I have been eating 1200 calories looks like this:

BREAKFAST: Eggs & Oats or toast 300-400 calories
LUNCH: Salad with protein on top 300-400 calories
SNACK/DESSERT: 200 calories
DINNER: Protein and veggies 400-500 calories

Example of a 1200 calorie day:

In my 1200 calorie meal plan (that you can buy here), there’s a “full day of eating” page for all 30 days in the meal plan. That way you can get a quick look at the meals and their calories. Each day is 1200 calories and over 100 grams of protein.

MY MOST IMPORTANT TIP: If there is a particular day you like, then I HIGHLY recommend putting that day on REPEAT. In fact, I repeat the same meals (especially breakfast, lunch, and snack) several days at a time, until I use up all the food for those meals, and then I move on to another day for breakfast, lunch, and snack. I always rotate my dinners though.

So start with this one: DAY 1, and eat the same food for the rest of the week! Then, tell me how you feel. I’d love to hear from you.

My BEST 30 day meal plan!! All days under 1200 calories (2)

In my 30 day meal plan, I have a full day of instructions for all 30 days, like the one below. That’s 120 meals and recipes with calories and macros for each meal, and for each day!

My BEST 30 day meal plan!! All days under 1200 calories (3)

30-Day Meal Plan for Weight Loss: 1200 Calories a Day

Included in my 30 day meal plan is this calendar of the FULL 30 days of 1200 calories each day. If you see a meal you want the recipe for, you’ll want the full meal plan! Print this page of the plan, and put it on your fridge!

My BEST 30 day meal plan!! All days under 1200 calories (4)

Everything that comes with this Low Calorie Diet Plan

OK- Here’s EVERYTHING you’ll get with this 1200 calorie meal plan:

30 days of 1200 calorie meals
Over 100 grams of protein each day.
Grocery list for each week with links to my favorite low calorie brands.
My 12 mindset hacks that helped me to stay motivated, consistent, and stick with it long enough to see results!
My workout plan for cardio and strength training.
Links to the supplements I take, as well as the gadgets, and products I use on a regular basis.
Worksheets with a weight tracker, habit tracker, and some blank recipe pages and shopping lists.
And of course- email support! Message me any day, any time! I always reply.

I hope that this 1200 calorie meal plan is helpful for you! Let me know which of the meals were your favorite!

1200 Calorie Diet Plan for Weight Loss FAQs

How much weight will I lose if I eat 1200 calories a day?

– The amount of weight you can lose eating 1200 calories depends on your current caloric intake. If you are currently maintaining your weight at 2000 calories, you could lose a pound of fat every 4 days. You can lose even more weight off the scale if you are also losing water due to an increase of water consumption, or a decrease in sodium or carbs.
– Most people however will lose around 2 lbs per week consuming 1200 calories.

How long will it take to lose 30 pounds on a 1200 calorie diet?

To lose 30 lbs, you would need to create a calorie deficit of 105,000 calories. If you are currently maintaining weight at 1700 calories, and you reduce your intake by 500 calories per day to 1200 calories, it would take 210 days to lose 30 lbs, or 7 months. If you are currently eating 2000 calories, it would take 131 days or 4 ½ months.

Why am I not losing weight while eating 1200 calories a day?

There are two main reasons you aren’t losing weight on a 1200 calorie diet. You are either not in a calorie deficit, or you aren’t being patient enough. It takes time to lose weight, but you also have to learn through tracking if you are in a deficit at all.

Will I lose weight eating 1200 calories a day without exercise?

Yes, you can lose weight on a 1200 calorie diet without exercise, however, you might also be losing muscle and lean tissue. Including exercise in your routine will help you maintain lean muscle mass, while simultaneously reducing fat.

My BEST 30 day meal plan!! All days under 1200 calories (5)

My BEST 30 day meal plan!! All days under 1200 calories (6)

YOU READY TO GET THIS PLAN??

If you like this high protein diet plan, you might also like:

10 low calorie salad dressing recipes
What I Eat in A Day (1360 Calories: 40/30/30)
85 Calorie Protein Peanut Butter Cookies
Healthy 96 Calorie Pumpkin Custard

High Protein Diet Plan
Mediterranean Diet 7-Day Meal Plan PDF
Healthy Snacks from Costco
Low Calorie Bread Recipe
1400 Calories a Day to Lose Weight
Weight Loss Pasta Salad

My Plate Meal Plan
1400 Calories a Day to Lose Weight
Weight Watchers Brownie Recipe

Amy Roskelley

Hi! I'm Amy Roskelley, a health & fitness professional and the owner of Health Beet website and blog. I have a Bachelors of Science in Community Health from BYU. Masters of Business (University of Utah) Certified Personal Trainer (ACE), RRCA Running coach, Certified Personal Chef (IAP), and Certified as a Nutrition & Wellness Consultant (AFPA), Certified Mind, Body, Eating Coach. (IPE).
I'm the creator of many low calorie recipes author of weight loss books. Mother of 3, runner, and NPC Fitness competitor.

Hi, Is this plan still available for purchase
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1. Yes Stephanie! You can find all my digital products here https://healthbeet.org/shop/
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Thank you for this meal plan! This is such an easy meal plan since his is the food I typically eat anyways and there isn’t a ton cooking or ingredients that you wouldn’t normally keep around the house. I am really grateful for the shopping list and the fact that these recipes are the proper amount of food for one or two servings!
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1. Thank you Lucy!! I’m trying to make more of these as well because it helps me stay on plan so well!
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What do you cook your eggs in? And is that counted in the calories and fats?
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1. I just use cooking spray, so I do not count any extra calories or fat.
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2. Just cooking spray, so I don’t add anything for calories and fat.
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I ordered the 1200/1500 combo yesterday and only got the 1200. Is there somewhere else I need to look?
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1. It’s sent Megan! Let me know if you have any questions.
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I just bought the bundle. I downloaded the 1200 calorie but am unable to find the 1500 calorie now to download.
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1. I resent it Paula! Let me know if you get it.
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My husband and I LOVE this meal plan. We’ve been doing it on repeat for several months. Wish you had another 30 day that we could rotate with it. I know you have the recipes but it’s so nice to have it all planned out day to day with grocery lists and all. 😆 SO EASY, so convenient, and delicious filling meals.
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1. Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words. I DEFINITELY want to make more plans!
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Hello,
I am new and thinking of purchasing this meal plan, but before I do, I wanted to see if you calculated the carbs? If you have any other 30 day meal plan that’s 1,200, high protein, low carb, low fat, I would really be interested in purchasing. Thank you!
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1. Yes Marilyn! All the carbs are counted in this plan and most days are around 100-125 g carbs.
  It’s my only 30 day, 1200 calorie plan!
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  1. Hello!
    I am a 55 year old woman, 5 ft1/2 in. I’m constantly struggling with my weight! I have an athletic frame so I always feel thicker since I’m short.My heaviest is about 120. I can usually get down to 115 but going below that is usually starvation and 5 miles of power walking 7 days a week! Would love to be 105 and be able to stay there and still enjoy food! But I’m losing hope.
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    See Also
    One Meal a Day Diet: Benefits, Risks, and More
    1. Hi Dina!I feel like I’m in the same boat as you. At our height, unfortunately, we don’t need a lot of calories to thrive. Have you tried sticking to a low calorie diet (1200, but really filling up on fruit and veggies so it DOESN’T feel like you’re starving? I found that my true calories, even if I’m aiming for 1200 is closer to 1500-1600 if I counted all the veggies, condiments, etc. And yet, because those extra calories are high in fiber, I can still lose weight.
      Don’t lose hope!!! You got this if you want to see what it feels like to be 105. I’ll add too, I found it easier to stay at 105 with more food. It’s just hard to GET there!
      Amy
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If I start eating at noon. Do I have to eat the 3 meals and a snack within my eating window. What if I’m not hungry?
Is it possible I’m not reaching my goals because I’m not eating enough calories? I maintain my weight, but only loose weight when I fast.
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1. YEs, if you start eating at noon, I would still fit in 4 meals in your eating window, spaced out throughout the window.
  It’s rare that you wouldn’t reach your goal by undereating. But I would take a look at the quality of foods you are eating. It might be your current diet is inflammatory and causing water retention.
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is this good for diabetics?
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1. Thanks for reaching out! It would definitely depend on the recommendations from your physician or personal dietitian. I’m not legally licensed or qualified to give advice on chronic diseases.
  But, I personally believe low calorie inherently IS helpful for diabetes. This plan is also low in sugar and most days are under 100 grams of carbs and over 125 grams of protein!
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Sugar (Including natural sugar from fruit) with protein, is a one way trip to a fatty liver.
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1. That’s definitely not true.
  https://fattyliverdisease.com/can-fruit-make-you-fat/
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Hello!
Please advise the total amount of fiber that is contained in the 30 day plan. Thanks.
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1. I’m sorry Sha-ree. I did not track fiber while creating this plan. I do plan on tracking fiber for future plans!
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  1. Thank you! I appreciate the nutritional help. You have saved me a lot of time, which is paramount considering my extremely busy schedule.
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    1. I’m so glad!! Thanks so much Sha-ree!!
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    2. Hi! I am new to macros and thinking about trying your meal plan. How do you feel about fasting? I tend to fast until around 1-2pm due to my work schedule. I also love tea or coffee and mct oil as my start after a lot of water. How do you feel about skipping breakfast?
      Also, i don’t eat meat often and am wondering if you have a vegetarian plan? I also have a hard time eating eggs and abs am wondering what type of breakfast swap out I could do. Thanks!!!
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      1. I don’t have a vegetarian plan yet. I’ve tried a few times to make one, but I have never finished it!
        BUT, I’m a HUGE fan of fasting! If you can delay breakfast till 1 or 2, I’m all on board with that. I think it makes it easier to stick withyour calories and macros when you have a shorter eating window.
Please make a vegetarian/ vegan plan!! It is a struggle to get 110 grams of protein on a 1200 calorie daily intake.
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1. I would love to make one!! Stay tuned.
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Is this a one time payment or an ongoing thing?
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1. Just one time payment Amy!
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Do you need to exercise to see effects with this plan? Changing my eating habits and adding vigorous exercise to my day may be too much at once.
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1. You can definitely take it one step at a time! The majority of your success will be changing your diet for sure!
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  1. Can I use this meal plan if I practice Intermittent fasting with OMAD?
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    1. I think it would be hard to eat all the food in one meal.
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Hi, I’m not here to criticize or anything. But will this help me lose weight because I noticed a lot of sweets. I don’t know better. I just need assurance.
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1. The sweets don’t contain sugar, and I lost weight on this meal plan!
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Is your meal plan carb cycling?
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1. It is not. Every day has the same calories and macros within a range.
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I don’t eat meat or tuna , fish .
What would you use as a substitute for those in your meal plan ?
I want to be sure I can use it before I purchase.
Thanks much .
Tlc
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1. Hi! thanks for your question. this would be a struggle to follow without meat. I do use it a lot to get the protein. I am however trying to build a vegetarian plan, but it’s not ready yet. Sorry!!
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  1. Thanks so much !
    I’ll wait & watch for your vegetarian plan .
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I bought the plan but can’t find where to print it?
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1. Did you find it April?
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2. Hi!
  I’m considering trying your program. However I am Canadian. Will it be a problem recieving this plan?
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  1. Not at all! Unless you buy the paperback on Amazon, the one through my site is just a digital product.
    thanksfor considering it!
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I am allergic to seafood, replacement ideas?
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1. Hi Dawn,
  I don’t use a lot of seafood, but I would replace it with chicken in any meal.
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Why do I have my home address into your site to get your meal plan? I do not see any correlation between the two.
Thank you,
Debbie
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1. Hi Debbie,
  the payment processor requires it for approving your credit card by matching your billing address with the address the credit card has on file.
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Do you offer substitution suggestions? Example, I’m not a big fan of avocado, feta, or sweet potatoes, in my search for a healthy meal plan these items are used often.
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1. Hi Kim, I don’t have subs for those things in the meal plan. But for the cheese, I would use any cheese. For avocado, I would leave it out, and then add a tablespoon of fat somewhere else, like a salad dressing for dinner.
  Do you like regular potatoes?
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I thought I just bought the 30 day, 1200 calories meal plan. But I can’t find it to print. Can you help?
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1. Thanks for buying it Nancy! Just sent it to you.
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  1. Is the 30 day meal plan, The same as the free seven day meal plan as far as calories, protein, carbs, fats? I really like the protein/carb/fat ratio on the seven day meal plan
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    1. It’s extremely close asestimtes, but it isn’t as exact as the 7 day plan!
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