1200 Calorie Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan: Your Healthy Mediterranean Journey

Are you trying to do a 1200 Calorie Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan? In this article, I will look into the Mediterranean diet and its potential for weight management with a useful 1200 Calorie Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan. Many people looking for a balanced and nutritious diet have fallen in love with the Mediterranean diet because of its many health advantages and mouthwatering flavors.

A Simplified Description of the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean lifestyle is firmly established in the culinary traditions of the nations that border the Mediterranean Sea and is more than just a diet. It places a strong emphasis on complete, unprocessed foods that are packed with vitamins and tastes. This diet’s mainstays include:

The Mediterranean diet has a wide variety of nutritious elements that all play a part in its well-known health advantages. The foundational monounsaturated fats found in olive oil serve as a healthy substitute for the trans and saturated fats found in many other culinary traditions. This diet, which includes a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, not only revels in their beautiful colors and flavors but also supplies a richness of necessary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Even if meat is consumed in moderation, lean proteins—whether derived from fish, poultry, lentils, or nuts—play a crucial role in this nutritional regimen.

The Mediterranean diet, which is supported by whole grains including whole wheat, brown rice, and quinoa, offers steady energy and a substantial serving of dietary fiber. Although this diet fosters a healthy way of life, it should be noted that to preserve its general balance and healthfulness, it also encourages a moderate intake of dairy and, for those who like to indulge, red wine.

The Value of Calorie Management in Weight Management

The management of calories is crucial to maintaining a healthy weight. Understanding and controlling your calorie consumption is essential, regardless of whether your objective is to lose, maintain, or gain weight. Your weight is ultimately determined by the balance between the calories you take in and the calories you burn off through exercise and metabolism.

The 1200 Calorie Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan’s Goal

This blog’s 1200 calorie Mediterranean meal plan is created to support your weight loss efforts while allowing you to take advantage of the diet’s beneficial health effects and mouthwatering flavors. It offers a well-structured framework for sensible portion control and nutritious eating, making it a great option for people wishing to:

• Lose Weight: A meal plan of 1200 calories results in a calorie deficit, which can cause steady, long-lasting weight loss.
• Maintain Weight: For those who have reached their ideal weight, this diet plan can aid in maintaining it while supplying vital nutrients and limiting overeating.
• Learn Healthy Eating Habits: It promotes long-term health and well-being by encouraging the consumption of nutrient-dense foods and teaching portion control.

We’ll discuss the Mediterranean diet in more detail, provide an example of a 1200 calorie Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan, some delectable dishes, and implementation advice in the following sections. Join me as we set out on this tasty and healthy journey!

Creating a 1200 Calorie Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan

Now that we are familiar with the fundamentals of the Mediterranean diet and the need for calorie restriction, let’s get started on developing a workable 1200-calorie meal plan that supports this heart-healthy way of living.

Calculating Personal Calorie Needs

It’s crucial to determine your unique calorie requirements before starting any food plan. These requirements differ from person to person depending on elements including age, gender, amount of exercise, and weight objectives. While a popular starting point for weight loss is 1200 calories, it’s crucial to speak with a healthcare professional or a qualified dietitian to find the ideal calorie target for you. They can offer you individualized advice to make sure your eating plan is secure and efficient.

Spreading Out Calories During the Day

Maintaining energy levels, controlling hunger, and maintaining an active metabolism can all be aided by balancing your caloric intake throughout the day. Consider breaking up your 1200 calories into three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and, if necessary, adding brief, nutrient-rich snacks. Don’t miss meals because doing so can cause you to overeat later in the day.

Portion control’s significance

One of the core components of calorie management is portion control. If portion sizes aren’t monitored, it’s still easy to consume too many calories when eating a healthful diet, like the Mediterranean diet. To help with portion control:

To regulate your calorie consumption and keep a balanced diet, portion control is essential. To help you accomplish this, there are various techniques. As a starting point, think about precisely measuring and portioning your meals using kitchen scales and measuring cups. Second, pay attention to the portion amounts listed on food labels, since this information can help you make decisions.

Visual control is another useful strategy, where you pay attention to how much food you put on your plate and think about using smaller plates to visually manage quantities. Finally, pay attention to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness. By taking your time and enjoying each bite, you can learn to recognize when you’ve had enough, which can help you with portion control and your general health.

A sample daily meal schedule

Here is a sample Mediterranean meal plan with 1,200 calories to get you started. Just keep in mind that you can modify it to suit your preferences, dietary limitations, and calorie needs.

1. Morning meal

• Served with whole-grain toast or a slice of whole-grain bread, scrambled eggs with spinach, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
• a small bowl of fresh fruit salad, such as orange segments, kiwis, and mixed berries.
• a cup of black tea or coffee with herbs; avoid or use sparingly additional sugar and milk.

2. Lunch

• Mediterranean chickpea salad with cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber dice, Kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Tofu (for a vegetarian option) or grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs and spices from the Mediterranean.
• a portion of whole-grain quinoa or couscous.

3. Snacks

• a handful of mixed nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, and walnuts.
• Greek yogurt with a honey drizzle.
• Hummus raw carrot and cucumber sticks.

4. Dinner

• Salmon that has been grilled or baked and is served with a Mediterranean salsa that includes diced tomatoes, red onion, garlic, olives, capers, and fresh herbs.
• broccoli or green beans steam-cooked.
• brown rice pilaf or quinoa.

This sample meal plan includes a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, fiber, and healthy fats—all components of the Mediterranean diet. To keep your meals interesting and filling, feel free to switch around the ingredients or dishes. Just remember to adjust it to your calorie needs.

To make your journey even more enjoyable, we’ll cover grocery shopping, meal preparation advice, and tasty Mediterranean diet recipes in the sections that follow.

Grocery Shopping and Meal Prep for 1200 Calorie Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan

It’s time to tackle the practical side of things: grocery shopping and meal preparation, now that we have a better grasp of the Mediterranean diet and have created a sample meal plan. To properly follow a 1200 calorie Mediterranean diet, these two factors are essential.

Making a grocery list for the Mediterranean diet

Create a thoughtful grocery list before starting your Mediterranean diet journey. The following are the crucial categories to think about:

1. Fresh Food:

• A vibrant selection of fruits and vegetables, including lemons, oranges, berries, spinach, kale, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more.
• Use fresh herbs to flavor your food, such as basil, oregano, rosemary, and parsley.

2. Whole Grains:

• mainstays made of whole grains, such as bulgur, quinoa, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread.
• snacks made of whole grains, like pita bread or whole grain crackers.

3. Lean Proteins: 

• fatty fish, such as trout, salmon, or mackerel.
• poultry without skin, such as chicken or turkey breast.
• sources of plant-based protein, such as tofu, tempeh, lentils, and chickpeas.
• Eggs are a flexible source of protein that can be used in salads or for breakfast.

4. Nutritious Fats

• Extra virgin olive oil is used for salad dressing and cooking.
• a range of nuts and seeds, including flaxseeds, chia seeds, almonds, and walnuts.
• avocados used in spreads and salads.

Convenience Tips for Meal Preparation

Meal preparation can make cooking more convenient and assist you in maintaining a Mediterranean diet. Here are some suggestions to streamline the procedure:

Batch Cooking

Prepare larger quantities of necessary ingredients like wholesome grains, lean meats, and roasted vegetables to start your week off right. This time-saving tactic will help you get things done. By doing this, you prepare yourself for easy and quick food preparation throughout the week. To keep them fresh and ready for use, separate containers should be used to store these prepared ingredients. This method not only saves you time but also promotes healthier eating practices because you will have wholesome ingredients on hand for well-balanced and delectable Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Portion Management Containers

To avoid overeating and maintain a balanced diet, investing in portion control containers can be beneficial. When you’re on the go or at work, these containers are useful tools for portioning out your meals. You can guarantee that you’re eating reasonable portions and make it easier to stick to your nutritional objectives by utilizing them to prepare healthy lunches and snacks. These containers can support your general efforts for health and wellness by assisting you in maintaining awareness of your caloric intake.

Stocking Up on Essentials

The secret to effectively incorporating Mediterranean tastes into your meals is having a well-stocked pantry. You should always have a place in your kitchen for necessities like canned tomatoes, tuna or salmon in a can, dried herbs and spices, olives, capers, and dried or canned beans. These adaptable ingredients not only give your dishes depth and personality, but they can save the day on busy days when you’re short on time. Even with the busiest of schedules, cooking Mediterranean-inspired meals becomes simple and enjoyable when you have these essentials on hand.

You’ll be better able to adhere to your 1200 Calorie Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan if you prepare ahead for your grocery shopping and meal preparation. Making nutritious meal choices during the week is made more convenient by these procedures, which also save time.

We’ll go into some delectable Mediterranean diet dishes in the part after this to help you get started and stay motivated on your quest for better health.

Delicious 1200 Calorie Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan Recipes

The chance to enjoy a variety of mouthwatering and healthful dishes is one of the benefits of following the Mediterranean diet. Here are some delicious recipes with a Mediterranean flair to help you enjoy every meal while following your 1200 calorie meal plan.

Breakfast Ideas

1. Mediterranean Omelet

• Ingredients:
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
  • 2 tablespoons chopped spinach
  • 1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add tomatoes, bell peppers, and spinach to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes until softened.
  4. Pour the whisked eggs over the vegetables.
  5. Sprinkle feta cheese on top.
  6. Cook until the omelet is set, then fold it in half and serve.

2. Greek Yogurt with Berries and Honey

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup mixed berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Optional: a sprinkle of crushed nuts for extra crunch
• Instructions:
  1. Place Greek yogurt in a bowl.
  2. Top with mixed berries and drizzle honey over the fruit.
  3. Add crushed nuts if desired for added texture and flavor.

Lunch Options

1. Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Cucumber, diced
  • Red onion, finely chopped
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Feta cheese (optional)
  • Lemon vinaigrette dressing (olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper)
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley.
  2. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette dressing and toss to combine.
  3. If desired, top with crumbled feta cheese.

2. Grilled Vegetable and Hummus Wrap

• Ingredients:
  • Whole-grain tortilla wraps
  • Assorted grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant)
  • Hummus
  • Fresh greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
• Instructions:
  1. Lay out a whole-grain tortilla wrap.
  2. Spread a generous layer of hummus onto the wrap.
  3. Add grilled vegetables and fresh greens.
  4. Roll up the wrap, secure the contents, and cut in half.

Snacks for Energy

Mixed Nuts and Dried Fruits: For a filling and nutrient-rich snack, combine almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and dried fruits like apricots or figs.

Sliced Cucumber with Tzatziki: An energizing and crunchy snack is sliced fresh cucumber dipped in homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce.

Satisfying Dinners

1. Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs

• Ingredients:
  • Salmon fillet
  • Fresh lemon slices
  • Fresh dill or rosemary
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and top with lemon slices and fresh herbs.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

2. Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Ingredients:
  • Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • Ground lean turkey or a plant-based alternative
  • Cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped spinach
  • Feta cheese (optional)
  • Mediterranean spices (oregano, basil, garlic)
• Instructions:
  1. Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground turkey (or a plant-based alternative) with Mediterranean spices until browned.
  3. Mix cooked quinoa or brown rice, diced tomatoes, chopped spinach, and feta cheese (if desired) with the cooked turkey.
  4. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes or until the peppers are tender.

Dessert (In Moderation)

1. Fresh Fruit Salad

• Use a variety of fresh fruits, such as berries, melon, citrus segments, and grapes, to make a vibrant fruit salad. Add some fresh mint sprigs to the dish for taste.

2. Greek Yogurt with a Drizzle of Honey

• Add a dab of honey to a dollop of Greek yogurt for a sweet and satiating dessert that is also packed in protein.

These recipes highlight the variety and mouthwatering possibilities offered by a Mediterranean diet. You are welcome to modify them to fit your taste preferences while considering portion control. You may anticipate having wholesome, delectable meals each day by including these dishes in your meal plan.

Monitoring Progress and Making Adjustments

Maintaining a 1200 calorie Mediterranean diet can aid in weight loss and health improvement, but for long-term success, it’s crucial to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments along the way. Here are some crucial strategies to help you stay on track:

Keeping a Food Journal

Maintaining a thorough food journal can be a useful tool for monitoring your nutritional routine and development. Here’s an efficient way to go about it:

Record Everything:  Including portion quantities and preparation details, note everything you consume during the day.

Include Details: Take note of your mood, the time of day you ate, and any physical activity. You can use this to find eating habits and triggers.

Be Honest:  Even if you occasionally indulge in a pleasure, don’t miss entries. Honesty is necessary for a reliable evaluation.

Use Apps:  Use websites or smartphone applications that allow you to track your food intake. These technologies help streamline the procedure and offer nutritional data.

Review Regularly:  Review your meal journal sometimes to spot any trends or problem areas that might be impeding your development.

Regular Check-Ins with a Healthcare Provider

For direction, accountability, and making sure your Mediterranean diet is suitable for your particular health needs, regular check-ins with a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian or primary care physician, are essential. What these check-ins may involve is as follows:

Assessment:  Your healthcare practitioner can review any changes in your health state, discuss your weight control objectives, and evaluate your progress.

Nutritional Guidance:  A trained dietician can provide individualized nutritional advice and address any issues or difficulties you may be experiencing.

Health Monitoring:  Your healthcare practitioner may keep tabs on important health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar with regular check-ins to make sure your diet is improving your overall health.

Adjustments:  Your healthcare practitioner can modify your meal plan as needed or suggest changes to address particular concerns based on your progress and any new health issues.

Adjusting the Meal Plan for Individual Needs

Long-term success with the Mediterranean diet depends on customizing your meal plan to meet your specific requirements. Considerations for making individualized changes are listed below:

Calorie Needs:  Your calorie requirements could fluctuate as you advance. If you need to reduce your calorie consumption, speak with a trained nutritionist or healthcare professional.

Food Preferences: Change the meal plan to fit your dietary choices while still adhering to the principles of the Mediterranean diet. To keep meals exciting, try out various recipes and ingredients.

Food Allergies or Sensitivities: Make sure to select substitute ingredients that are safe for you if you have food allergies or sensitivities. Mediterranean food has a wide variety of replacements.

Physical Activity: Based on your degree of exercise, modify your calorie intake. More active people need more calories to fuel their workouts.

Medical Conditions: With the help of your healthcare professional, you can modify the Mediterranean diet to suit your health requirements if you have any specific medical issues, such as diabetes or hypertension.

By monitoring your success, consulting with medical professionals frequently, and making the necessary adjustments, you can ensure that your 1200 calorie Mediterranean diet is effective, long-lasting, and consistent with your wellness goals. Remember that switching to a Mediterranean diet is a lifelong journey toward better health and well-being, not just a temporary solution.

Eating Out and Special Occasions

The Mediterranean diet is a way of life, not just a diet. Making wise decisions even when dining out or on special occasions is a part of living this lifestyle. Here are some tips for maintaining a Mediterranean diet in these circumstances:

Making Considerate Decisions at Restaurants

While eating out might be convenient and pleasurable, the enticing menu options may not be in line with your Mediterranean diet objectives. Here are some pointers for choosing healthful options:

Take advantage of the many restaurants that now offer their menus online when dining out. You can plan your order and choose healthier options by looking over the menu in advance. Instead of choosing fried foods, think about choosing grilled or baked options, which can be equally delicious and more in keeping with the Mediterranean diet. A vinaigrette dressing, lean proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, and a variety of vibrant veggies are all good additions to salads. Remember that restaurant portions are frequently larger than necessary, so think about splitting an entrée or asking for a to-go box right away to divide your meal in half before you begin to eat.

Additionally, even though the Mediterranean diet advises having a glass of red wine with meals in moderation, it’s crucial to keep alcohol intake to a minimum and stay away from sugary beverages if you do decide to indulge. Last but not least, don’t be afraid to ask for adjustments to suit your dietary choices, including requesting for sauces and dressings to be served separately or for your dish to be cooked with less salt or oil. Even when dining out, you can maintain your Mediterranean diet by using these straightforward ways to make wise decisions.

Celebrating While Maintaining Focus

Not partaking in festivals and noteworthy events while adhering to a Mediterranean diet is not necessary. You may take part in holiday festivities while staying on track with your diet with a little preparation.

Suitable Party Food

Consider bringing or making delicious Mediterranean-inspired appetizers that are guaranteed to be a hit with your guests when you attend parties or social gatherings. Start by providing a colorful assortment of fresh veggies, such as luscious cherry tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, snappy carrots, and crisp cucumbers. Give these vegetables a hearty portion of homemade or store-bought hummus that is elegantly displayed on a dish. Consider stuffing grape leaves with a tasty mixture of rice, aromatic herbs, and, occasionally, minced meat for a bite-sized treat that’s a Mediterranean party staple.

Add some green and black olives and a variety of mixed nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, to go with these savory choices. A homemade Mediterranean salsa made from minced tomatoes, red onion, garlic, olives, capers, and a variety of fresh herbs will elevate the experience. Serve this tangy salsa with whole-grain pita chips to give the gathering a pleasant crunch and to make sure your Mediterranean-inspired appetizers are nutritious and richly tasty.

Holiday dishes inspired by the Mediterranean

You can enjoy festive meals with a Mediterranean flavor that also supports your dietary goals even on special occasions. Take a look at these great choices:

Thanksgiving Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted veggies, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes, can elevate your party. For a flavorful and nutritious side dish, toss them with olive oil and Mediterranean herbs.

Protein in the Mediterranean Style: Put some Mediterranean flavors in your holiday protein, whether it’s tender lamb or tasty turkey. For a Mediterranean flavor boost, season with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Serve a cool tomato and cucumber salad or a dollop of tzatziki sauce to go with your main entrée.

Using Quinoa or Couscous as Stuffing: By using couscous or quinoa in place of conventional bread, you can give your filling a Mediterranean flair. To make a stuffing that is both distinctive and healthy, incorporate dried fruit, nuts, and a variety of fresh herbs.

Fruit salad drizzled with honey: Make a colorful fruit salad with in-season fruits for an enticing but healthy dessert. Adding a little honey to the salad will naturally sweeten the occasion.

You may incorporate Mediterranean flavors into special occasions while adhering to your dietary objectives with the help of these dishes.

You can enjoy the delights of food and celebration while adhering to the principles of the Mediterranean diet by making wise decisions while dining out and introducing Mediterranean-inspired foods into special events. It all comes down to striking a balance and making decisions that advance both happiness and well-being.

Conclusion of 1200 Calorie Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan

In conclusion, the meal plan for 1200 calorie Mediterranean diet Meal Plan provides a method for better health and well-being. Those who adopt the tenets of this tried-and-true nutritional regimen can profit in a variety of ways. In addition to aiding in weight management, the diet’s focus on whole, unprocessed foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, and a variety of fruits and vegetables also supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and improves cognitive function. You may take charge of your calorie consumption while enjoying the mouthwatering flavors of the Mediterranean by following the well-balanced and savory meals suggested in this plan.

Support for Permanent Lifestyle Changes

While the 1200-calorie Mediterranean diet meal plan offers a systematic approach to accomplishing your health and weight management objectives, it’s critical to understand that true success comes from making long-term lifestyle adjustments. Consider this strategy the beginning of a lifelong journey towards improved eating habits rather than seeing it as a quick fix. Be kind to yourself, remain dedicated to feeding your body healthful foods, and revel in the pleasure of creating and consuming meals that support your overall well-being. Remember that living a healthy lifestyle and enjoying the journey there are just as important as what you consume.

Resources for Additional Information and Assistance

Numerous resources are accessible for people willing to learn more about the Mediterranean diet or who want more assistance and direction. For individualized guidance, think about speaking with a certified dietitian with expertise in the Mediterranean diet. For recipe ideas and advice on meal planning, browse cookbooks and websites that specialize in Mediterranean cuisine. Keep in touch with like-minded people by participating in online communities and forums dedicated to healthy living. These tools can be extremely helpful in helping you stick with your Mediterranean diet journey, whether you’re seeking recipes, meal plans, or a supportive community. Never forget that every little step you take in the direction of a better lifestyle is an important accomplishment on the road to long-term well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the fastest way to lose weight on the Mediterranean diet?

• Maintaining a calorie deficit while following the Mediterranean diet’s recommendations for portion control, choosing foods with low-calorie density like vegetables and lean proteins, and engaging in regular physical activity will help you lose weight more quickly. While the Mediterranean diet encourages moderate, long-term weight loss, using these techniques to create a calorie deficit can quicken the process. However, it’s crucial to put long-term health ahead of short-term success and seek out individualized advice from a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

• The amount of calories you should consume while following a Mediterranean diet can change depending on your age, gender, degree of exercise, and weight objectives. However, a general recommendation is for most adults to aim for 1500 to 2,000 calories per day. A Mediterranean diet meal plan with 1200 calories is normally created for weight management, but it may also be appropriate for people who want to lose weight. To get the ideal calorie target for your unique requirements and goals, speak with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

What is the best diet to lose weight fast?

• The ideal diet to lose weight quickly varies from person to person, but many achieve success with a balanced strategy that combines calorie reduction, portion management, and routine exercise. The Mediterranean diet, low-carb diets like the keto diet, and intermittent fasting are popular choices. Before beginning any diet program, you must, nonetheless, speak with a healthcare professional or trained dietitian to make sure it’s secure and appropriate for your particular requirements and objectives. To reduce health concerns, rapid weight reduction programs should be used with caution and ideally under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

• Similar to any diet, restricting or eliminating particular food groups can be detrimental to your health. The Mediterranean diet has been linked, in some situations, to eating too much fat (such as that found in nuts and olive oil) causes weight gain and Low iron levels brought on by a lack of meat consumption.

Is exercise required for a Mediterranean diet?

• If you want to satisfy your sweet taste instead, consider consuming some fresh, dried, or baked fruit. Remain active. Keep in mind that exercise enhances the benefits of a Mediterranean diet. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week.