Several brief questions regarding my weight loss journey

Male --- 29 years old --- 5'7"

SW (7/23/18): 195 lbs --- CW (9/12/18): 175 lbs --- GW (by year end): 160 lbs

1. I'm eating at a deficit ranging from about 200 to 800 calories per day depending on how much I'm exercising with very few days where I eat more than I burn. The weight is coming off steadily and I'm happy. However, I'm getting a little bored with my diet. The same old stuff (chicken, fish, veggies, etc.) gets old after awhile. What are some low-ish calorie options that are both filling and tasty that I should be exploring?

2. I've been doing my best to avoid super high sodium foods (hot sauce, mustard, pickles, etc). I've been limiting my sodium intake to less than 3,500 mg per day. Does this actually matter as much as I think? If I eat high sodium foods but drink tons of water will it help or hinder my weight loss?

3. I seem to be losing weight in the wrong places. I've always had a bigger butt and chest/back, and that seems to be where a lot of the weight is coming off instead of my gut which is definitely smaller but is still noticeable. Is this typical? Will I start losing the gut eventually? Should I be focusing on working out my core instead of doing cardio or lifting for exercise?

4. Does lifting even make sense right now when I'm eating at a deficit? I know I won't be able to put on tons of muscle while eating at a deficit so if I lift should I be focusing on toning (more reps, less weight) as opposed to bulking (less reps, more weight)?

5. I enjoy beer but I've been really careful about choosing the right kinds and logging the calories as part of my daily intake. If I cut out beer altogether and simply ate my calories instead of drinking them would I see better/quicker results?

Thanks!

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