First of all, let me say Thank You to John for this great website and all of the members that provide the wonderful information in these forums. I have spent the past 2 weeks poking around and gathering information and wanted some feedback to keep me honest.

Stats:
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 169 lbs
Body Fat %: ~ 18 %
Activity Level : 1.5 based on BMR charts

I have calculated my BMR using the following:
BMR= 66+(13.7 * 77.5) + (5* 172.2) - (6.8 * 31) = 1777.95

then Multiplied by my activity level:
BMR * 1.55 = 2755.82 (to maintain current weight)

So bottom line is I wanted feedback on whether or not that sounded correct. I have been looking at Johns Food logs (even during bulking) and for the most part it seems that he is using a much lower number of calories a day.

Also I was looking for the same advise that many others have asked before me. I seem to be right in the middle where I can either bulk or cut. I have some fat but only in the midsection. I have very little fat anywhere else and am not sure which direction to go first.

My plan is to use 2755 as my calorie intake for at least the next 3 weeks as I am just getting back into my routine after an ugly winter break and figure anything I do initially will give me some results...

Then im thinking to switch to a lower calorie intake to shed some of this fat. I have calculated (thanks to the great info on this site) that to lose 1 pound in 1 week I should drop 500 calories a day but again this is all dependent on that my initial number of 2755 is accurate...

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all the great info in here..

FG