Uncertain which TDEE calculator to use?

jlcarcajc4

I started MFP Feb. 1st this year. I started out doing what MFP set up for me which I believe was 1390 calories plus most times my exercise calories. ( provided by MFP) I don't believe my HRM watch from Walmart is accurate either. I worked out 5 days a week doing 30-45 min DVDs (various ones). Lost 1/2 inch and 2 pds in 2 weeks. Was a little discouraged so I waited till the end of the month to weigh in again. This time I gained 5 pds and lost no inches! So I read several forums provided here and decided to calculate my BMR and TDEE and do a 20% cut. I've been doing it now for 3 weeks and exercise 6 days a week (dvds, The Firm, Ripped in 30). I did lose a total of .4pds in 2 weeks. I don't remember which one I got my calculations from but today I cannot find the same answer as before. I did horrible over Easter holiday and the weekend as my sister was here from out of town and we just hung out eating junk I shouldn't have. Also had a wedding on Sunday as well. So I have no one to blame but myself for my 4 pd weight gain but ME. She was here from Friday last week till Tuesday so i did not exercise either. Anyway, I went to both sites today (scoobys & fat2fitradio) to make sure TDEE is where it needs to be and I'm not getting what I got the first time?! There is quite a difference.

Scoobysworkshop-
BMR 1522
TDEE to maintain 2092
TDEE w/cut 1674

Fit2fatradio
BMR 1711
TDEE to maintain 2353
TDEE w/cut 1882

Right now I am set at 1856 for daily calorie goal. Like I said, I did lose .4 pds in two weeks with that, but with my slip up I gained 4pds this week. I am 5'6, now 207 pds, bf% 45.8

I appreciate anyone's input in advance!

Griffin220x

TDEE Is a great starting point, but I would not really on it too much. The mirror, clothes, how you feel, and the scale are the best tools to determine how many calories you need daily.

I would weigh yourself in the morning, and and adjust your calories daily or weekly depending on if the scale moves (take measurements too). Seem like a lot of work but in the long run that's what is going to be the most accurate. After all, food labels and calorie counters are just a rough estimate anyway.