Calorie counting is the only way to lose weight period. Take your TDEE, -500 and thats your net intake for the day, and you will lose ≈ 1lbs a week, providing you count right. Many people underestimate their intake and overestimate their output, so ensure you weigh foods instead of guessing.

I would say low calorie, but not ignoring hunger cues. When your body is hungry, it actually stores fat because it thinks you're low on food. What I've found is that finding what foods are anti-inflammatory helps with reducing bloating. I also have mild food allergies, so avoiding those helps with bloating, too.

Caloric deficit is really the only way– putting in less calories than you’re using. And ofc exercise, which can look different for everyone. Doesn’t have to be anything crazy, even light stretching can help

Well it depends on the reason for losing weight and if you know the reason for gaining weight