I have to continue this here, as I reached the max. character count lol. Anyways...
Now let me just warn you here: You will gain weight on the scale. The key factor is ON THE SCALE, not actually body fat. This really is a thing where you have to trust the process, and it might be scary and uncomfortable to think about it, but while your body slowly gets used to the changes, the number on the scale will go up a few pounds or stay the same. It is preferred that it goes up though because that would mean that you are successfully building muscle mass. But that wouldn't be a bad thing, in this case, you see? Also, once again, if you are in fact a woman, then please know that I understand you. A few years back I wouldn't even dare to touch weights heavier than 1lbs, and purposely bulking to "increase muscle" seemed bonkers to me, because I thought that's just what all the buff dudes would do, and I would just end up either even more fat than before or bulky and manly looking like all the guys. But I've been through this process now, going strong, and although this is only my personal experience, I can tell you that this is the most sustainable, long-term way to go. I can eat everything that I want now, I don't feel hungry at all, my hormones improved, I look the fittest and most beautiful I have ever looked in my entire life, and I am now at a point where I lose weight doing nothing besides the routine of weight lifting three times a week and eating enough, mainly protein and good foods. The key point is I FEEL GOOD. I thought we women were bound to diet their whole lives if we wanted to look slim and attractive. But that's so far from the truth. I don't look "bulky" at all, if it wasn't for my height I'd easily be a model now :D I sometimes indulge, having big meals with friends eating takeout, but unlike in the past, it doesn't stick to my body anymore.
My body's not deprived, I feel completely fine after eating out, and my weight changes only for a few days because of the bloating, after that I'm still the same on the scale and in the mirror. There's another component I think may miss in your regime, again, correct me if I'm wrong but I'm just going off what you've written, just trying to cover the possible circumstances that may apply to you.
Keeping consistent.
You will not see results two weeks in. I would advise you to make it a habit (the new fitness routine as well as the protein rich diet that isn't restrictive anymore), one by one if it feels more comfortable for you, and then stick with it for 3-4 months. You can track your progress weekly by taking measurements, but I would recommend you not to go on the scale too often. As long as you don't go crazy with your diet all of a sudden and binge every day, then you won't have to be worried about the number on the scale, anyway. Your physique and your measurements, as well as your daily energy to wake up and get on with life, will give you a lot more feedback. If you feel good doing this, meaning energized and stronger, you are on the right track. Nothing great is achieved overnight. But still, if I was able to do it, and I was a literal potato, then so can you!
Minimizing cardio. (at least for a while)
Assuming you've probably done cardio as your main exercise if you worked out at all, you probably have overdone it to an extent. If not, ignore this, but if you did, then I would say to decrease the amount of cardio you do, and if you really need to do some form of cardiovascular activity, I would suggest walking, gentle bike riding or doing gentle yoga. Only do biking or yoga on two days of the week, preferrably rest days, if you really feel like it. The walking, however, feel free to take a walk everyday. Not only is it healthy, it's also super easy on your joints and muscles. Once again, the goal is building muscle so you can burn off fat without having to sweat off your body doing cardio an hour a day. The cardio would only cause more stress on the body, which it doesn't need right now when you are just in the process of giving it what it needs to re-energize and get fit. Yes, it can be gruesome to stop cardio if you did it so often already, as it kept the weight off until now. But trust the process, and stick with it. Exchange your journey with a friend if it makes you feel easier. Just believe in yourself.
I tried to explain my points as much as possible, and I hope this makes sense to you. I will link a podcast that talks about women bulking, it got recommended to me and it explains everything I've written about in better words. If you are a woman, even if you are a male reading this, I think listening to this would give you a lot more information that you didn't have before.
Like I said, all I've written is based on actual facts, as well as my own experience. I did CICO for the longest time, and found that weight lifting properly with a good amount of protein really brought me past my plateau and tipping point. I'm still going strong with this as well, but hell, I feel great I tell you. I never feel exhausted or like I'm starving at all. I can now carry my own grocery bags, and can for the first time ever in my life, easily pick up my little sister! I've never been prouder, and I'm hoping that this helps you as much as it did help me. Once again, I may have been off with a few points (given if you aren't, in fact, a woman, or a newbie to weight lifting), but if you have questions, let me know. If you decide not to take my advice, I still root for you that you get to the best physique of your life! Please stay healthy. All the best to you.