@typingsound I am nearly the same height as you 5’ 9 and 34 year old. I’m going to share my experience from this year that was like an epiphany. You might like it too 
About belly fat - I was on a similar boat as you earlier this year for about first 4-5 months. I went down from 73 kg to almost 63 kg (I had a cholesterol-related issue, I was seeing a doctor about it, I’m good now). I was running consistently and eating controlled portions of good quality food (protein, fiber, veggies).
While I was dealing with my cholesterol issue, I thought why not double down on good nutrition and consistent running and try to get rid of all the belly fat. At 63 Kg, I came pretty close to it, but not quite it. I could still see the fat around my belly.
And then one day, I accidentally hit a camera angle where I looked pretty flat stomach and some of my abs were visible too! I was extremely happy about those shots, I showed those pictures to my wife, sent it to some of my other fitness enthusiast friends etc. Even posted on social media. This was one of the biggest milestone for a 34 year old.
And then I looked at the mirror again, only to realize that none of that was real. I was dehydrated at the time, and the camera angle/lights had done the trick. It made me realize that all the pictures we see (not even talking about the steroids usage right now) are extremely fabricated in terms of light, angles, touch ups. None of that is true.
It is good to have some aesthetic goals, but at the same time, the standards are nearly unachievable these days. Especially from a visual point of view.
I have found that endurance and strength are better goals for my happiness, and that’s what I like to focus on now. I’m almost back to 72. Might cut back till 69.
About belly fat - I was on a similar boat as you earlier this year for about first 4-5 months. I went down from 73 kg to almost 63 kg (I had a cholesterol-related issue, I was seeing a doctor about it, I’m good now). I was running consistently and eating controlled portions of good quality food (protein, fiber, veggies).
While I was dealing with my cholesterol issue, I thought why not double down on good nutrition and consistent running and try to get rid of all the belly fat. At 63 Kg, I came pretty close to it, but not quite it. I could still see the fat around my belly.
And then one day, I accidentally hit a camera angle where I looked pretty flat stomach and some of my abs were visible too! I was extremely happy about those shots, I showed those pictures to my wife, sent it to some of my other fitness enthusiast friends etc. Even posted on social media. This was one of the biggest milestone for a 34 year old.
And then I looked at the mirror again, only to realize that none of that was real. I was dehydrated at the time, and the camera angle/lights had done the trick. It made me realize that all the pictures we see (not even talking about the steroids usage right now) are extremely fabricated in terms of light, angles, touch ups. None of that is true.
It is good to have some aesthetic goals, but at the same time, the standards are nearly unachievable these days. Especially from a visual point of view.
I have found that endurance and strength are better goals for my happiness, and that’s what I like to focus on now. I’m almost back to 72. Might cut back till 69.