Hi Alla, I don't know if you know this but since you cook a lot, maybe that makes a difference for you. Basically every time you eat something (even tasting food while you cook) your body releases insulin.

While your body is flooded with insulin it can't possibly burn any fat. You're basically only in fat burning mode in between meals. And if you go too long without protein, you start burning muscles. So that's why you should have some protein every 2,5-3 hours. This is a good read with loads of info https://www.t-nation.com/diet-fat-loss/insulin-advantage - good luck with reaching your eight loss goals. Xx