Quote Originally Posted by Bikingmomof3
Amanda,
Most women's bodies need a minimum of at least 1200 just to function. Add in exercise and you fall below 1,000 calories. Yes, you will lose weight, but eventually you will lose muscle mass and your metabolism may stop. Please, please talk with a doctor about this. Do some research. Be careful. Listen to your body.
A moderate weight lifting program will help insure that you are not burning metabolically active muscle.

You won't need a huge fuel increase, since you are trying to lose weight. You will need to eat a clean diet, e.g., complex carbs, low fat protein sources, etc.

Eating before you ride is very individual. I can barely gag down a protein drink. I would never be able to eat a full breakfast & ride. I prefer to get my carbs on the bike with energy gels, cytomax & whey protein in one water bottle and Luna bars.