I experienced some on and off brown spotting the day my period was due. the next day i started with pink spotting but the flow got somewhat heavier. my period has now been going on for 4 days. would i consider the on and off brown spotting as day 1?

Yes, you could. What it the reason you feel the need to be so concerned about the day you started your period. A day or two this way or that way is within normal limits of menstrual cycle. For healthy diet: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/., exercise 30 minutes/day, drink enough water daily so your urine is mostly colorless, have safe sex, no tobacco alcohol weed or street drugs.

Yes, it should be day 1.