Myth Busting: Don't Mistake Fat Burning For Fat Loss
Welcome to the Myth Busting series, exclusive to paying subscribers of my publication. To gain access, you can subscribe for as little as $5 per month. Proceeds go towards the creation of learning materials, which, in 2026, include books and online courses.
Substrate Usage (Which ‘Fuel’ Are You Using?)
OK, let’s jump straight into the science which has been misunderstood by so many, for so long. At the end of this chapter, I’ll include an image which makes the whole process easier to understand.
Energy for exercise and physical activity comes from the generation of ATP molecules. These molecules can ultimately come from the breakdown and usage of certain ‘fuels’ within the body. Generally, there are 3 fuels used:

