I'm not a "fitness person, I've just lost quite a bit of weight over the past 16 months)
The harris benedict formula is the most accurate for getting a calorie range for your intake - though every body is different so it is a little trial and error
http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-ca...dict-equation/
You don't want to go too low because that hurts your progress in the long run...
Diet is as important as what causes weight loss is a calorie deficit... so if you are using more than you take in 0 you will lose weight...
Using a food journal, like one of the online free ones at
www.sparkpeople.com or
www.fitday.com are great for helping keep track of your calories.