Just Starting - Looking for Advice

I just started with calories. I find it super easy to log everything at the beginning of the week and if I change what I eat I just make those adjustments. I am now looking out for my sugar, because my diet has always been high in protein and thats never been an issue for me. next I'll be sorting out carbs then fats

To start, yes try to focus on calories but also making sure you're eating healthy foods. Try to incorporate vegetables and fruits into each meal and work your way up to making them 1/2 of each meal. Don't worry about macros until later. Pre-logging and preparing your meals in advance really does set you up to succeed. That is how I lost 35lbs.

I did just calories for a LONG time. And I lost 30lbs or so w/o trackin macros.
Macros are: fat/protein/carb...stuff like tht.

I started by logging everything, that I ate.
Saw where I was on a normal day, adjusted to reach my calorie level.
Then I started exercising. I've lost weight but I have to work on my fat & sugar intake.
I've plateaued a few times but continue to lose weight slowly.

Right from the start I tried to stay within all the numbers set up for me (cal/fat/prot/carb/fib/sug). To take my head out of the equation (since that is a big part of what got me in trouble to begin with) I ate the same menu for the first week (meaning only 1 breakfast/snack/lunch/snack/dinner/snack plan that I followed Mon-Sun), made a new meal plan for the second week, same for the third & forth...by the end of the first month I had figured alot of stuff out & making the right choices (versus following my cravings all over the place) started to come naturally. After that I started to eat a different menu plan most days, always planned out the night before with any adjustments made as they came up. I found that being so involved with my health was good for me, it made me feel in charge & I got obsessed with searching online for all sorts of new recipes to try...there's nothing more exciting than trying out a new healthy recipe or finding a new healthy ingredient and finding out that it's totally and completely delicious
Good luck with your journey!!!

I would start first by focusing mostly on the calorie goal. People will argue on what percentage of your calories should be protein, fat, and carbs. I find it difficult to always eat a specific ratio unless I eat the same foods every day. That works for some people, but I get really bored.

I do not stress over carbs. I grew up with a mom who I watched yo-yo on the Atkins diet for years. If you're diabetic or have other health conditions, obviously it's different. I also know a lot of people who if they start their day off with a sugary doughnut, then they end up craving empty carbs all day long. Choose carbs that come along with fiber or are whole grain.

I seek protein heavy foods if I'm having a day where my appetite is uncontrollably strong. I've seen a lot of advice on the forums to shoot for 100g protein a day, and I do feel the most satisfied when I'm able to do that. The default protein goal on MFP is very low. Please do not be alarmed to go over your goal.

You'll see this argument on the forums too. People are shouting a calorie is a calorie whether it comes from spinach or a twinkie, and then the other side says that your body needs a specific balance between protein, fats, and carbs in order to function properly.
I just kind of stick with a middle ground philosophy and make reasonable choices. It's worked for me so far.

I only looked at and still only look at calories. Although now I look at cholestrol and fat as well. Don't drive yourself mad over following all the guidelines. Going over a bit on sugar or fat never hurt anyone.