text: anyone know about calories? if i were going to restrict my calorie intake so i could lose weight, how low can i limit my calories without starving myself? start by reducing the amount you eat by 10%. this way, you'll be taking in fewer calories, but your body won't go into shock and start hoarding everything you eat. lower it another 10% every couple of weeks. don't go lower than 1200 calories unless you're under direct supervision by a doctor!!   you're not going to get instant results, but they'll be lasting ones.