Crazy to see people still like this old post of mine as it's been over 2 years ago now. While it is unrefined and actually rough to read, it is simple yet effective method to get leaner. I still use very similar approach (a bit fine tuned for details) when I need to cut some slack of fat and bloat, it works faster than expected.
At the end of the day what's important is to stay consistent and don't cheat too much, you're only gonna lie to yourself.
For best results stay consistent no matter if you fail sometimes. Don't do extreme diets and make it more sustainable. Also don't set unrealistic goals and remember even legit 16% body fat looks good and is quite leanish and looks much better than many think. At 12% physique looks amazing and probably no need to go less than that for most people.