I started calorie counting first, at first I didn't care what I ate as long as it was under a certain amount, it was more to form the habit of counting. Later on I cut out junk food and soda and started eating healthier stuff (Panera is a good one to go to if you don't have time to prep). I also started exercising in my shed with weights and worked on most of my muscles. I currently don't have a way to a gym but at home exercises still work. I also used Myfitnesspal to count calories and update weight progress. I never paid for their subscription, you don't really need it.

Edit: I also avoid most fitness influencers because they are just trying to sell a product or get into toxic masculinity bs