I'm happy you got the results that you wanted, but these sentences conflict. "low-calorie snacks" adding "excesseive sugar" does not make sense to me.

Also, you say you stopped counting calories because "that was not my issue" but somehow you know your glucose levels, insulin levels and cortisol levels. Were you taking blood samples?

I also won't let you off the hook that "hunger and stress were forcing me to eat more carbs and sugary foods." Your reaction to hunger and stress was to eat more carbs and sugary foods. You were not forced.

I certainly agree that lots of cardio is not the best way to lose weight.

Finally, your title is misleading at best. Fat loss of course has to do with calories. You cannot be in a massive caloric surplus and lose fat. If you are really, really in balance with your sleep, activities and nutrition you can be in a minor caloric surplus and lose fat, but it STILL has to do with calories.