Weight Loss: The FAQs You Ask Me Most

You’ve got questions—I’ve got answers. After decades of working with real people on their health and wellness goals, these are the top weight loss questions I hear again and again.

1. What’s the best way to lose weight?

There’s no magic bullet. It comes down to a simple (not easy) formula: a clean, calorie-controlled diet, exercise 3-4x a week, consistency, and time. The Fitness App is built around that.

2. Can I just do cardio?

Not if you want to see lasting results. Cardio burns calories, but strength training changes your metabolism and helps you keep the weight off.

3. How many calories should I eat to lose weight?

It depends on your age, weight, height, activity level, and goals—but the basic rule is: eat fewer calories than you burn. Use a TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) calculator or track with a tool like The Fitness App to get personalized numbers.

4. Do I have to cut carbs?

Nope. Carbs aren’t the enemy—processed junk is. It’s about balance, timing, and choosing whole foods.

5. Should I eat before or after I work out?

That depends on your goals. If you’re training hard or building muscle, fuel up with a small pre-workout snack. If your goal is fat loss and the workout isn’t too intense, fasted training can be okay. But what matters most is your total nutrition throughout the day—not just the timing.

6. Why isn’t the scale moving?

Weight isn’t the only measure of progress. Hormones, water retention, muscle gain—it’s all part of the picture. Trust the process.

7. Is intermittent fasting the key to weight loss?

Nope—it’s a tool, not the key. Intermittent fasting can help some people eat fewer calories or manage insulin levels, but at the end of the day, weight loss still comes down to creating a consistent calorie deficit. If fasting helps you do that, great. If it doesn’t fit your lifestyle, skip it. There's no magic in the clock—it's what and how much you’re eating that really matters.

8. How do I stay motivated?

You don’t. You stay disciplined. Motivation is fleeting—results come from showing up even when it’s hard.

9. Can I drink alcohol and still lose weight?

Yes—but it’ll slow you down. Alcohol adds empty calories, messes with your metabolism, and can trigger cravings or poor food choices. If you’re drinking regularly, it’s likely affecting your results. Enjoy it occasionally and plan around it—just don’t pretend it doesn’t count.

10. What’s more important: diet or exercise?

Both matter—but if you had to pick one for weight loss, it’s diet. You can’t out-train a poor eating plan. That said, exercise is what transforms your body: it builds muscle, boosts metabolism, improves mental health, and helps keep the weight off long-term. So the real answer? Diet gets the weight off. Exercise keeps it off—and makes you stronger, fitter, and healthier overall.