Calorie deficit

IMO, personalization of tactics is a key success factor. Each of us has different preferences, strengths, challenges, and lifestyles . . . those things influence what will work best.

One option is to do something like this:

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10636388/free-customized-personal-weight-loss-eating-plan-not-spam-or-mlm/p1

That won't suit everyone- no one thing does - but it's an option to consider.

I'd also observe that there will likely be an adaptation period of a couple of weeks where new habits feel awkward and uncomfortable. It can take a small amount of time like that to feel more settled in a good new routine. If it still feels super-difficult after a couple of weeks' practice, it may not be the right choice. That's not "a failure" or character fault, it's a sign we simply haven't found our personal right tactics yet. That's an opportunity to learn from it, and go on to try something else.

That said, it will take 4-6 weeks on a new routine to know whether it's working or not. (It'd be at least one whole menstrual cycle for those who have those.) Over a few days, scale weight can change by multiple pounds daily. That's mostly about water retention and food residue in transit to the toilet, not about fat loss/gain.

It's the fat loss we really care about, right? That shows up in a multi-week trend or average weight over a longer time period. Expecting to to lose weight every day is unrealistic (and extreme). Losing on average over a few weeks is IMO a more health-promoting, less anxiety-ridden way to evaluate progress.

Best wishes!

Making sure I get adequate protein has been a huge help in curbing hunger.

I’m still learning too!