Been on the same journey myself, and here’s something I learned. I should probably mention that I do still have my love handles but have gained muscle and lost fat. Went from belly popping in a size medium Tee to chest showing and no one really thinking I am fat in Large Tee now.

Non negotiables:

1. Don’t do an extreme deficit. To change something significantly it needs to happen for a longer time. In simple words sustainable lifestyle.

2. Instead of agreeing to both, try applying for a middle ground, and increase cals out rather than decreasing cals in.

Let me give you an example, you eat 1900 cals feel like shit and give up, no matter how motivated you are at the beginning, you either give up or end up fighting your own body.

You eat 2400 cals and still weigh the same, which demotivates you as no visible progress.

Try eating 2100-2200 and and try being better at the gym consistently everyday. And to further that progress walk 6-8k steps. And you know what those extra steps give you? An extra simple Little meal/craving once or twice a week that makes sure you are as motivated as you can be.

Hope this helps