Surviving on the 1000 calorie diet

Counting calories is a surefire way to lose weight. The question is, can you do so safely and indefinitely? The answer there is that it largely depends on the person, their body-type and their goals.

A 1000 calorie diet is suitable only for a small person who does not engage in strenuous physical activity. If a larger person, or a very active person, tried to survive on a 1000 calorie diet they would soon begin to do damage to their bodies rather than helping themselves become healthier and fitter.

So the first step is gaugeing how active you are. You don't have to be a work-out freak need more than 1000 calories a day. If you ride your bike to work, or always take the stairs instead of the elevator, or do any kind of physical labor, the 1000 calorie diet isn't for you. If you're more housebound, or tied to a computer in your cubicle, then it may be something to look into.

Once you've determined if the 1000 calorie diet is right for you, it's time to figure out what to eat. First off, you have to eliminate dairy products from your menu. Not only are these high in fat, but they're extremely high in calories as well. A single piece of light cheddar cheese is 250 calories - or roughly 2/3s of what you'll be taking in during a typical meal. So scratch that off the list.

Also out are fattier meats like beef, pork and dark-meat chicken. Yes, these also tend to be the tastier meats, but so it goes. You should also avoid shellfish, which provide higher calories but less nutrition than scaled-fish.

And it goes without saying that you're avoiding all fried foods.

The key, then, will be to spread your 1000 calorie diet throughout three meals and a snack. Start in the morning with two hard-boiled eggs and an apple. Yes, it's boring, but wouldn't you expect it to be?

For lunch you'll want to have a lean protein, like fish (salmon is a good one) or white-meat chicken, and some greens. Avoid salad with heavy dressings; something like green beans or edamamme better fits your dietary needs.

Have a snack in the mid-afternoon. A handful of almonds and a fresh piece of fruit should do it - a banana, a peach, whatever you feel like as long as it's fresh and un-processed. Make sure that tides you over til dinner, when you'll again want to have some lean protein similar to your lunchtime meal. This is also when you can take in some carbs - preferably whole wheat pasta or some such. Make sure to measure out exact amounts, and you'll be well on your way to making the 1000 calorie diet a part of your road to healthiness!