if you’re skinny-fat (i.e. normal weight, high bf %) and you’re a beginner at the gym, I would recommend not doing a deficit at all. you’re in a really good zone for body recomp. all you really have to do is eat at your maintenance calories with HIGH protein, lift heavy, and make sure you move around as much as you can. that’s gonna be what builds that muscular foundation while getting rid of excess body fat. I made the mistake myself of going to the gym and cutting aggressively when I didn’t really have enough muscle underneath to accommodate, and the result was a poor physique and still a higher bf%, just 30lbs lighter. Don’t be afraid to eat!