People who slimmed down through cardio alone or a combo of cardio and cal cutting lost the same amount (about 7 percent of their body weight over four months) as those who shed weight solely through dietary restrictions.

The big "but" here? The first two groups lost more fat weight and kept more lean mass—the stuff that helps you burn more calories at rest, gives you more energy, and can prevent injury.

Try adding a moderate amount of walking, running, or cycling to your plan (the combo group in the study we mentioned did about four hours a week).

This article originally appeared in the June 2017 issue of Women's Health. For more great advice, pick up a copy of the issue on newsstands now!