Ok so I've read through the threads, filled out the spreadsheet that heybales put together (this is so great, thank you!), but I still feel like I want a little up front handholding/advice, if you all will oblige me

Here are my details from the spreadsheet:
BMR - 1323
TDEE - 1907
TDEG - 1477

The TDEG caculated at 22% deficit from the TDEE, but I thought I read it wasn't recommended to go below 15% of TDEE? I was planning on doing 1400 calories and moving up to 1600, but I can stick to 1400-1500 if that is better. It said I had a 54% heavy cardio to lifting ratio. Should I cut down on the cardio? I follow a prescribed lifting program that is 30 minutes, 3x per week (I wouldn't necessarily call it heavy lifting though). Or is this still ok?

Oh, and the other thing, my fitness center calculated my BMR at a much higher # - 1660. It's based on my historical workout information + their scale thingy. If that were true, I'd be eating way too low if I only ate the TDEG #. I'm not sure which number to go with.

Also, the reset? Do I need to do this? I just started logging calories and exercising again in January. But I will say I've followed MFP in the past and done the whole 1200 calorie thing so I have been part of a VLCD. Of course I'd prefer just to move along with things and not do the (scary) reset, but if it's best, I will do it. I want what's best for me in the long run.

I'm mostly just confused at what calorie level to start.

Sorry this was so long. Thanks in advance for any guidance provided!

Welcome first of all.

How much weight do you still need to lose? With that answer it will be easier to say what your deficit might be. But that is getting the cart before the horse. If you have been on a VLCD it is recommended to reset at TDEE for 8-12 weeks. It sounds like an eternity but in the scheme of things that is a short time.
I would trust Heybales' spreadsheet calculations to be honest. Your TDEE 1900 is a good estimate but until you test that level you won't know for sure. I would suggest you gradually increase your calorie level 200 calories per day per week until you get to 1900. Once at 1900 if you gain weight early in the reset it is most likely water retention. By the second or third week if you gain 1/2 pound per week then you might be 250 calories per day above your TDEE, but you won't know that until you spend several more weeks at reset. If you don't gain at all you may need to further increase your calories until you see a slight gain. Again, if you gain 1/2 pound per week then you are eating 250 calories above your TDEE. I would weigh weekly to monitor. But 8-12 weeks would sound about right for you and yes I would recommend a reset.
Cardio should probably be reduced some during the reset and increase your strength training. Why? Because you want to maintain your LBM, lean body mass, and eventually lose fat. Cardio will burn calories, but without adequate protein and lifting you stand a change of losing some of your muscle. Also, from lifting heavy you will be increasing your LBM and will not see much of a weight loss, but you should start to see a body composition change. Take photos and measurements because the scales during this time will not tell the true story. Your macros typically shoudl be set at 40% carb 30% protein, and 30% fat.

The goal of the reset is to allow your body's metabolism to reboot much like you do with a computer. Once your body is comfortable at that calorie level it will allow you to begin losing fat again and with strength training you will be retaining your LBM along the way. You will become more toned and not get that skinny fat feeling that comes from improper weight loss.

Your new deficit should not take you below your BMR level and probably should be in the 15% range +/- depending upon how close you are to your goal. The closer to your goal then less the deficit. Once you are in deficit for 4-6 weeks then go back and eat at TDEE for a week. This is to let your body know that your new deficit level is not your new TDEE. Rinse and repeat.

Good luck.

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