Would second using long and easyish rides as a way of safely building up a bigger calorie deficit. You can also do them fasted, or at least the first couple of hours fasted before eating something if you’re going longer.
On the Pro/Elite training thread there are some posts about Sky pros incorporating this type of riding into their schedules when losing weight. E.g. They’ll have a light and low carb evening meal, start the morning ride fasted at low intensity, then start fuelling 2 hours into it.