How to Live on 1,000 Calories Per Day

Losing weight is a primary concern for many; however, you do not want to lose weight too quickly. Rapid weight loss can result in loss of muscle mass. Also, it slows down metabolism, which can make it even more difficult to shed those unwanted pounds. If you choose to live on 1,000 calories per day, make sure the foods you eat are high in nutrition and provide a source of energy to keep your metabolism and energy levels high.

Things You'll Need

• Journal
• Calorie counter online site

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Instructions

• 1

  Replace high-fat meats with leaner ones.

  Clean up your diet. Minimize starches, added sugar and animal fat from meat and dairy products. Instead, substitute with low-calorie healthier foods that give you more energy, such as green beans and spinach. Replace high-fat beef with leaner meats, like fish and chicken. Try to consume three, 300-calorie meals per day. Use the remaining 100 calories for high-fiber snacks.

• 2

  Eat a high-fiber vegetable on the side.

  Distribute the protein intake evenly throughout your meals. Doing this will minimize muscle loss while increasing fat loss. Eat a high-fiber vegetable, like broccoli, on the side. Skip the salt and the butter.

• 3

  Replace fruit juices with water and teas.

  Eliminate all fruit juices. Most contain added sugar -- this increases your caloric intake without providing any nutrition. Drink at least eight 4-oz. glasses of water instead. Consume tea or coffee with no added cream or sugar. Use a low- or no-calorie sugar substitute in your coffee or tea for a sweetened taste.

• 4

  Record your daily food intake in a journal.

  Write down your daily food intake in a journal. Look up the calories of every food and beverage consumed, using an online calorie counter website. (see Resources) Add these numbers in your journal to ensure you are not taking in more---or less---than the 1,000 calories per day.

• 5

  Continue working out.

  Continue your workout. Exercises, such as walking or jogging, will keep your energy levels high and help maintain muscle tone. Work out at least 20 minutes per day, or for 40 minutes three times a week.