What about calorie in take? I know bodybuilders need alot to gain muscle...but what about little ol' me that just wants to lose weight?
2,000 calories in a day is sufficient I would say.
For a girl trying to lose weight and tone up I would do light weights, more repetition and 25 mins of cardio 3 days a week to start and then progress to 45 mins of cardio once you build up your heart rate and conditioning. I would also increase your workouts from 3 days a week to 5, since you don't want to take your body from zero-to-60 over night. Ease er' in. I would start off slow and light workload for the first 3 months, then add minutes to your cardio, and the amount of days you go.
Also, hire a trainer. If you can spend hundreds on collectibles like a lot of us on here, then make the appropriate investment into your body. After all, your body is even more valuable. Consult a professional and make certain they are legit. As much as we're knowledgable on here, we're not pros. Be and think smart!
The harder you workout and keep your heart rate up the faster and more effective the results will be. Also, keeping a good clean diet, knowing when to eat, how to space meals out, and not to eat is important. Eat 5-6 smaller meals a day throughout the day, no later than 2 and a half hours apart. Remember breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Clean carbs is essential, and good fatty acids, or foods like your unsaturated variety (mono and polyunsaturated) are important to take in. Take in lots of lean protein from fish, chicken, and turkey. Stay away from the red meats. White meats break down much quicker in the body vs. red meat and is much easier on your system. If you need to eat breads, take in multi-grains, preferably whole grain. However, I would try to stay away as it spikes your insulin levels. White breads are the worst for that. Try to consume as much water to cleanse your system. Take in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Flax seed oils are great for your joints. Vitamins from fruits, lots of greens (veggies)... No adding sodium to your foods. If you buy frozen meats wash off first like a frozen chicken breast. They load it with salt (sodium) to keep it going longer. Sodium retains water and pushes out fat giving the illusion you're fatter than you are.
Water is good to consume in large amounts over a day because it cleans your system, and flushes toxins from your body. So yes, alcohol should be consumed on the lowest and most moderate level possible, as it does bring in toxins vs. expelling it. Wine is the best way to go, as it has antioxidants and is basically fermented fruit. Even then, I would only have a glass every now and then.
Edit: I want to note salmon is very good anti-aging food. Great for the skin complexion, nails, and hair... and salmon is high in protein and very delicious. Be careful where it comes from, if it's from the Taiwan area it's no good because of the pollutants in the waters and how they process the crap out of the stuff in their plants. I'll find out where my father gets his, because they usually capture a week ago, sometimes days, cut it up, and ship it air fare to the city grocers over night. Usually more expensive, but much more healthier, and fresher.