If you were in a deficit you were losing. Sometimes the scale does not move due to water shifts but you would still lose fat. Taking a break from dieting is not a bad idea though. You might restart with new energy. How come your maintenance is so low? Are you very small and not very active?

taking a diet break from eating 800-1200 daily for 2 weeks with no weight loss. Prior, was eating 1200 for 2 months and lost 1-2 lbs weekly. Returned to maintenance (~1500-1700) 2 weeks ago and gained 5 lbs. However, I am so much faster, stronger, and energetic. Every week breaking a new record. I have been eating the right foods, something I've never really done (~120g P, ~150g carbs, < 50g f).

My goal is to lose 10 lbs of fat.

Should I return to the deficit and have weaker workouts/less energy or create the deficit with longer/intense workouts eating at maintenance?