The nutritional and diet plan guidelines for a 1500 calorie diet are basically the same as in other diets except for the portions. Portion size and the fat content is what separate the 400 calorie diet, 1200 calorie diet and the low calorie diet plans. Your body likes small changes so a diet with slow weight loss of one to two pounds a week will please your body. Any one of these 2000 or under calories diet plans works well with an exercise program. Programs can include working out at a gym or walking the dog and anything in between.

Any diet plan has the basic guidelines for the dieter to follow. From the start a commitment to eat four to six meals and snacks everyday has to be made. Plan ahead in preparing meals, a good alternative to cutting and package meals yourself is to buy ones at the grocery store that has already been prepared. In the beginning, just count calories and do not get hung up on the diet’s specifics because it will get too confusing. Eat a total of vegetables, fruits, grains, beans and low fat meats and no fat dairy products. Avoid sugary food items as well as high fat and high calories. One rule that is hard to follow in our busy lifestyles is to eat your food slower.

Samples of foods that are good in most diet plans are oatmeal for breakfast with no more than twelve ounces. Mid morning snack of fruit and cottage cheese and lunch a sandwich of turkey, cheddar cheese, a small amount of mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato and whole wheat bread. A small afternoon snack of low sodium crackers and low fat cheese with broiled halibut fish, steamed white rise and vegetables round out the day’s menu. Good fats of avocado, low sodium nuts and natural peanut better help make you feel fuller for longer periods in the day. Eat at your snack time or with a meal help keep you from feeling hungry.

The internet has a wealth of information for suggested diet plans and helpful tips for exercise. Check out message boards for other dieters that may have helpful information and tips to make your weight loss a success. Before any diet is implemented a visit to your doctor is recommended. Diets under 1500 calories require special attention by your doctor. Remember slow and steady helps your body adjust with the new changes of the diet and exercise. 1500 calorie diets are a good diet plan to start with as it will allow you to make small changes to your diet a little at a time and along with exercise you are on your way to starting your weight loss program.