When you’re trying to lose weight what is more important DIET or EXERCISE? Well before we dive into that, here are some facts. It takes 3500 calories to burn 1 pound of FAT and YES, exercise DOES burn calories but if burning FAT is what you want, then you need both a healthy diet and exercise program. Just remember, at the end of the day, you CANNOT out-exercise a poor diet. Eating food in the right combinations at the right time is really what helps nurture your metabolism and optimize fat loss.