You'll get lots of advice from people, I'm sure, but here are my $.02.
- I think it's always better to start at a higher calorie range, because you can always adjust down if needed. Starting too low tends to get people in a very strict "on diet" mentality that can backfire (leading to diet fatigue, binges, wailing, and gnashing of teeth
). Remember, this is your entire life, so taking your time is fine. Many people find that they lose weight fine at a higher calorie count.
Check into a few different online calorie calculators: Livestrong, freedieting, WebMD - you can google and find a bunch. This will give you a range to start, but in the end we're all an experiment of one. Choose something you think is sustainable indefinitely and then try it for at least a couple of weeks (not days!) and then evaluate.
For reference, I'm shorter than you and lost fine at 1400-1500 initially. IMO, you could probably lose fine at 1500-1700 for a while before having to lower your cals.
- Tracking is great! I use an online tracker, Livestong.com/myplate, but others use FitDay or LoseIt or myfitnesspal or whatever. Different people like different things. Maybe check a few of them out and see what interface you like best. A handwritten notebook is fine (although I'm permanently attached to my computer, so that's easier for me) but if you have to look up calorie counts that might not save you any time.
Good luck! Feel free to ask questions, that's what we're hear for!