I agree, the most knowledgeable people I've found are on this section. But please keep it AAS related.
Yes. It's easier to run a calorie deficit diet by simply cutting out 500 calories from your diet over empty stomach morning jobs to burn 500 calories (although you get health benefits from this).
However I'm also a firm believer that cardio will result in a more slender appearance not to the fact of burnt calories, but the exercise specifics of how the legs are used, arms, stomach etc.
I would do the cardio because it's always good. But don't be too strict with it. If you miss a day of cardio, simply cut 500 calories from your diet that day
If it's a 500 deficit you're after...