Welcome to the 5:2 forums, MrsP. This is a great place for support on your weight loss journey, so feel free to jump in on any of the threads.

I use my TDEE as just a rough idea if I’m eating too much on NFDs and not losing. I very rarely count calories on NFD. I always count calories on my 2 FDs per week. (500 calories). I lost a couple pounds per week the first couple weeks and then averaged about a pound per week after that. It took about 7-1/2 months to lose about 18 pounds. There were a few plateaus along the way, a least one that lasted 2 weeks or more. But that all worked fine for me. I eat what I want on NFD but try to be mindful. I don’t drink alcohol very often, maybe a glass of wine ar two at a dinner out or at a party.

I’ve been maintaining now for about 7 months doing the 5:2 for maintenance. (6:1 for a month or so because of some health issues.) I’m used to the FDs so they’re almost automatic now.

I’ve been on every diet that came my way over the years, but was never able to maintain the weight loss. And I hated counting calories every day. 5:2 is sustainable, because it’s easy. Eating 500 calories 2 days a week is doable because I always know I can eat what I want the next day. I don’t usually binge but certainly eat over my TDEE many days. But I’ve also learned that it’s not going to kill me to miss a meal or to feel hungry sometimes when I’m busy. The feeling passes. I rarely eat breakfast but was never much of a breakfast eater anyway.

Also, your TDEE goes down as it’s based on your weight. Many of us here figure out our goal weight TDEE and use that as the guideline right from the start. You’ll be gaining lots of new habits and your body will adapt over time. Good luck on your journey. It will feel so good to be thin again!

Youre TDEE seems about right. Id focus more on what you are eating. If you generally choose healthy foods then the task of losing weight becomes easier. Personally I do not consider any processed grain based foods healthy. Lots of veggie, some fruit, meat, nuts seeds, dairy, cheese. No grains. About a pound per week loss is about average and sustainable. Ask yourself this. Is the eating habit Im about to undertake sustainable for the rest of my life? If its not then chances are that once you reach your goal and stop eating the way you do, it will all come back again. You need to develop an eating pattern that you can do ALL the time.