I've been going for roughly 3 years, and have only been serious about it since this year, I've dropped 35 pounds and i'm toning up. I have been serious and have not taken an off day in 2 months. There are many ways to tone up and lose weight, be at a caloric deficit, lift weights, be aware you won't be very strong if you eat less calories than you burn. You can also use a method of carb cycling. Your heavier lifts(back, chest, legs) you eat more carbs and less fats, as for your less strenuous(arms, shoulders, etc) eat more fats less carbs. Or you can have a push, press, legs, rest cycle. Many forms of things to help you lose and tone!!!!!