new and need some suggestions :)

I am by no means an expert, but my understanding is to eat to a deficit. Assume the exercise is really about 200 calories less than the calculators say and eat to that. Eating several times a day is really important because your body will realize it's going to get more food in a couple of hours so it will start letting go of the weight it stores against starvation.

Then keep moving! Drink lots of water and don't fret if you go over on calories every once in a while.

I measure on Sundays and weigh on Mondays. Remember the scale is just a number and celebrate the inches that come off. You'll build muscle which is heavier than fat so don't fret if you plateau (that's 6 weeks with no weight movement) or even gain. As long as the inches keep coming off, you're golden.

My greatest tool is the food and exercise diary because I can plan everything out for the day and just follow along. You'd be surprised what some foods cost in calories!

Most of all, celebrate the little victories and find interesting ways to stay engaged in your exercise programs.

My favorite programs:
> "Zombies, RUN!" app for iPhone. This uses your playlist but adds in a "story" in between your own music about a zombie apocalypse. You can walk to your favorite music and burst out into little jogs when the zombies get close. Online mapping tools to keep track of your walks. Totally fun!
> Jillian Michaels Body Revolution
> Tai Cheng
> My Fitness Pal app for iPhone. You can check calories on the run with access to your meals and favorite foods.
> Forums. Everyone starts somewhere and I love the success stories!

Good luck on your path to a healthier you!