50 Weight Loss Secrets Revealed in 5 Words or Less
![Woman weight loss before and after](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4//media/images/ext/442822221/woman-weight-loss-before-after-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=1)
Here at Eat This, Not That!, we spend a lot of time sorting through medical journals, nutritional databases, and the latest health and fitness research. We've learned an awful lot about science-y stuff like brown fat cells, alpha-linoleic acid, and something called fibroblast growth factor 21. (It's a liver hormone. Don't sweat it.) We also know way too much about what's inside a chicken nugget.
But our job is to boil it all down into news you can use and, more importantly, remember. And while Twitter may have thrown down the 140-character gauntlet, we've decided to go one better: to answer some of your most burning questions about fat-burning in five words or less. So now there's no need to remember whether you're rooting for the Firmicutes or the Bacteroidetes (both forms of gut bacteria; it's the latter that helps promote weight loss). All you need are five little words, and you're on your way to a littler middle. And to blast fat even faster, don't miss these essential 55 ways to boost your metabolism—fast!
I'm working out more than ever but still not losing weight. Why not?!
![man working out - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/296954856/exercise-workout-fitness.jpg)
A: You're eating too many calories.
How do I always stop wanting a dessert after lunch and dinner?
A: You've trained yourself. Untrain yourself.
I hear that fruit has sugar. How much should I eat it?
![fruit bowl - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/821591747/apple-watermelon-fruit-salad.jpg)
A: Eat plenty, don't drink any.
What's more important? The number of calories you eat or the type of calories you eat?
![woman grocery shopping - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/295211641/woman-shopping-supermarket-snack-aisle.jpg)
A: Pick quality over quantity.
I go to bed early, but I'm always too exhausted to workout. What should I do?
![tired man - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/225676962/lack-sleep-your-day-health-feb-3.jpg)
A: Get checked for sleep apnea.
DON'T MISS: 30 things to do 30 minutes before bed to lose weight
Why does kale taste so gross but everyone raves about it?
![kale - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/827987204/kale-leaves.jpg)
A: You have to "massage" it.
What's the deal with celebrities cutting dairy and losing so much weight?
A: Lactose can cause bloating.
Should I blot my pizza?
![pizza - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/366438325/pizza-friends.jpg)
A: Yes.
Are veggie chips healthy?
![crinkle cut chips - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/794472322/flavored-potato-chips.jpg)
A: No.
Should I do a cleanse?
![bottled juice - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/964659117/juice-cleanse-bottles.jpg)
A: Responsibly. Try The 7-Day Flat-Belly Tea Cleanse.
Are all fish healthy?
![grilled fish on plate - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/776412562/tilapia.jpg)
A: No. Avoid tilapia, catfish, swordfish.
Are energy bars good for me?
A: Most aren't. Energy = calories.
Is coffee good for me?
A: 1-2 cups, yes. More, no.
VIDEO: 7 crazy things coffee does to your body
True or false: Chocolate is actually healthy?
A: Only if it's 70%+ cacao.
Is wheat bread always better than white?
![wheat bread - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/493340677/whole-wheat-bread.jpg)
A: No. Only 100% whole wheat.
Soup or salad?
A: Low-sodium vegetable soup.
Do I drink too much?
A: If you ask, then yes.
Margarine or butter?
![margarine - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/380963446/grass-fed-butter.jpg)
A: Butter. Better yet, olive oil.
Is honey better for me than sugar?
![honey - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/267032006/honey.jpg)
A: Only slightly. Choose Manuka honey.
What about agave syrup?
![agave - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/309397390/agave.jpg)
A: It might be worse!
What's the first thing I should do when I wake up?
![drink water in bed - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/602116084/water-glass-bed.jpg)
A: Drink a glass of water.
What's the deal with BPA?
A: It's like dosing with estrogen.
What's the healthiest nut to eat?
![walnuts - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/312183371/heart-health-walnuts.jpg)
A: Walnuts.
Should I eat the yolk?
![eggs - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/549813756/eggs-yolk.jpg)
A: It's where the nutrients live.
Pinto, navy, kidney: Are all beans the same?
A: Darker beans have more nutrition.
What's the key to consuming protein?
![man eating - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/993968257/fit-man-eating.jpg)
A: Eat protein throughout the day.
What's the best drink for weight loss?
A: Green tea.
What's the deal with gluten?
![gluten free bread - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/982259510/gluten-free-healthy-foods-diet-experts-wont-eat.jpg)
A: Avoid it if you're sensitive.
What's healthier, chicken or turkey?
A: Turkey
Should I drink smoothies?
![Green smoothie kale spinach almond butter banana](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2019/02/green-smoothie-kale-spinach-banana-almond-butter.jpg)
A: If they're low-sugar.
What's the healthiest fruit out there?
![guava - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/698447895/vitamin-c-guava.jpg)
A: Guava: protein, fiber, vitamin C
Any tricks to get my kids to eat vegetables?
![kid with red peppers - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/828497509/how-nutritionist-get-their-kids-eat-veggies-post.jpg)
A: Buy foods with hidden veggies.
What's the best yogurt to eat?
![yogurt - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/744024859/greek-yogurt-should-you-be-eating-full-fat-yogurt.jpg)
A: Full-fat plain Greek yogurt
What can I add to my smoothies to make them healthier?
![Chia seeds](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/275218082/chia-seeds.jpg)
A: Chia seeds
MORE: Fruity. Green. Nutritionist-approved. These recipes are the 25 best-ever weight loss smoothies!
When should I buy organic produce?
A: When you're eating the skins.
Does diet soda really make you fat?
![soda - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/117447734/glasses-soda.jpg)
A: Yes, it spikes blood sugar.
What's the best way to order healthy in a restaurant?
![friends drinking coffee - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/379612755/friends-people-laughing.jpg)
A: Order first, before your friends.
How can I motivate myself to get to the gym?
A: Realize that you are awesome.
Is fresh fruit healthier than frozen?
![frozen berries - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/941191764/frozen-berries.jpg)
A: No. Frozen's usually better.
How can I cut down on mindless snacking?
![couple snacking - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/332311758/couple-snacking.jpg)
A: Ask yourself: Am I hungry?
How can I eat fewer calories each day?
A: Have soup before each meal.
What's the absolute best source of fiber?
A: Wheat bran.
What's the best way to save money in the supermarket?
A: Avoid temptation; use self-checkout.
MORE: We share the amazing research about self-checkouts in #21 of the 50 best-ever weight loss secrets from skinny people!
How can I boost my metabolism?
![woman meeting with doctor - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/579593066/doctor-health.jpg)
A: Cut booze, burn 73% hotter.
How do I know which oats or oatmeal to eat?
A: Just stay away from instant.
What's the healthiest condiment?
![mustard - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/603258460/mustard.jpg)
A: Mustard.
If there's one supplement I could take, what would it be?
![supplements - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/383696600/dietary-supplements.jpg)
A: Vitamin D.
What's the biggest threat to my figure?
A: Getting married.
BONUS: Don't blame your partner entirely. Find out the 40 habits that make you sick and fat!
What's the one food I'm probably not eating, but should?
![seaweed salad- how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/215157505/seaweed-salad.jpg)
A: Seaweed.
What's the single most important nutrition resolution I can make?
![woman journaling - how to lose weight](https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/media/images/ext/277076601/belly-fat-journal.jpg)
A: Eat less sugar.