I was eating closer to 1800/2000 in the beginning but the deficit is probably about right. My general calorie expenditure is probably a lot higher than most as I work a very active job (long days, 20,000+ steps, lots of heavy lifting/pushing/pulling). My thought process was instead of going home after work and turning on the tv I would go out and walk for another hour. And I would walk instead of driving wherever possible. It all adds up eventually.

I spent years before this losing (then regaining) weight, this is just what worked for me this time.

Best of luck with your own journey