Question: Calculating Caloric Needs, BMR vs TDEE

Hello,

I know many people have already asked this but I’m wondering how to calculate an approximate number in terms of my calories, especially to lose weight.

I’m 5’6~5’7, 160lbs, and my goal weight is 120lbs. Right now, I’m taking up a ton of cardio, 5x a week (running and walking) and I plan to burn at least 1500 calories a week. However, I worry about my caloric intake. I had a history of restricting to only intake 900-1000 calories + working out, which resulted me in binge eating after a few months of this. It was a tough place to be in, and I don’t want to be there again.

However, it’s harder for me to accept I’m borderline overweight now, and I want to be able to maintain a balanced and healthy life. I’ve seen people talk about BMR and TDEE, and other variables. So I take my BMR or TDEE, minus the calories I burn and that would be my recommended caloric intake from the food I eat? I’m not sure how to go about this.

TLDR; Overall goal is to lose 40lbs, preferably before next year, and my activity level burns about 500 calories/day so 2500 calories a week going to the gym/running 5x a week. What should my caloric intake be in regards to eating? Im 5’6-5’7/23/F.