You can't eat a few baby carrots and call it lunch! Make sure you eat enough to keep your body and brain functioning properly, explained ACSM-certified personal trainer and registered dietitian Jim White. White, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, said severely restricting calories can actually slow down your metabolism.
Never dip below 1,200 calories, especially if you're also working out. For reference, the USDA dietary guidelines recommend adult women consume 1,600 to 2,400 calories a day, but that number will vary based on your age, height, weight, and activity level.