[BrodieHudson]

If you'd like to lose body fat, I'd recommend a small deficit. I don't think a modest increase or decrease in Calorie intake is likely to affect your "energy levels" at all. Rather, I think if you're feeling very tired, I'd be looking at sleep quality and duration, RPE ratings of training and training sessions, outside the gym stress, etc.

Simultaneous muscle gain and fat loss is definitely a thing, especially for those new to training, individuals with obesity, and/or those with favorable genetics. I think if your primary goal is to be leaner, you should lose weight.