what do you think?

so i aim to eat around 1400-1600 a day, however find myself going as high as 2300.

however, i excercise an hour a day burning about 500 calories. do you think that its better to exercise more or stick to a moderate exercise/moderately eat (1500)

depends on how much restraint you have. if you find it difficult to eat less then exercise more...really it doesn't make much difference as long as you're getting your deficit each day. some people hate exercise so they'd rather diet. other people would rather eat more and just work it off. your choice, but it sounds like you probably would want a balance since you find it difficult to meet your calorie goals. :)

I like the idea of moderate exercise and moderate eating. But is 1500 cal moderate for you? We'd need to know your height and weight (and age) to make a guess at that.

I agree, we need to know your height and weight and your goals. 

Keep in mind, too, that what you eat counts as much as how much you eat.  Are you eating 2300 calories of hamburgers and fries?

You may find that high volume, low calorie foods help you stay within your calorie goals.  For instance, three cups of green salad has far fewer calories than three medium cookies!

Increased exercise may also increase the appetite...

"I agree, we need to know your height and weight and your goals. 

Keep in mind, too, that what you eat counts as much as how much you eat.  Are you eating 2300 calories of hamburgers and fries?

You may find that high volume, low calorie foods help you stay within your calorie goals.  For instance, three cups of green salad has far fewer calories than three medium cookies!"

I'm Female, 5'7, 160 21yrs old.

I don't eat fried foods/red meat and rarely have chicken. i get my protein from beans/tofu/greek yogurt/egg whites. i usually allow myself one treat a day--usually a cookie because they're my weakness :)