@patrick226 Ok for hunger cues: You've probably heard this in a thousand different variations, but I'll reiterate here just in case, but proteins and healthy fats are your friends when it comes to keeping you full/satisfied. And then slow acting carbs. So it's important to make sure that you incorporate a protein source and or healthy fat source in your meals to keep you from getting hungry which will trigger cravings. So if you have an apple for a snack try adding cottage cheese or greek yogurt to dip them in, etc.
For cravings: This one is more difficult(at least for me). I find that cravings are largely drivin by emotion instead of hunger. So generally I don't deny myself my cravings, but I only allow myself to eat my cravings if I'm actually hungry. A good way to figure that out is, am I hungry enough to eat a plate of broccolli? If the answer is yes, then I'm hungry and can have the craving. If the answer is no, then I'm not really hungry and I'm just emotionally eating at that point. If I have a stressful day or if I'm bored the cravings come on hard. And this is the hard part, you have to ride out the cravings or do something that will distract you from them. You will find that the cravings last at most 15minutes, unless you hyperfocus on your stress or boredom. Sometimes I'll go online to window shop or scroll through reddit to distract form the stress/boredom. Not that those are particularly healthy coping mechanisms, but you get the idea. Mediation or going for a walk are like the golden healthy alternatives, but it sometimes takes time to work up to the healthy alternatives.
When you do have your cravings, try adding something to them to make you full so the craving goes away quicker(because you get full). Like if I have cookies, I dip them in greek yogurt. If I have chips I make sure to have them with veggies too (like a vegetable tray). That way you get your nutrition in and you aren't denying yourself cravings which can lead to binging.
Also don't indulge in cravings while doing a mindless task like watching tv or social media. You will not notice how much you eat and you won't satisfy the craving because you aren't paying attention to it.
Lastly, to the heart of your post/question, it's hard to say if your goal of seeing abs is realistic, because everyone shows abs at different body fat percentages. You might be one of the unlucky ones that will only see them at an unhealthy/unrealistic body fat percentage. That being said I believe you can realistically get pretty dang close if you manage your nutrition. And possibly adjust your fitness routine, but from the sounds of it, the nutrition is where you can make the most impact.
I'd say maybe try on your workout days eat at maintenance to keep fueling your workouts. And on your rest days try eating at your goal deficit. Progress might be slower but I think it will help you keep your sanity that way.
