if you try to play games with modifying your metabolism (like intermittant fasting or exercising in the ideal "fat burning zone") without really modifying your diet, you will fail. This is assuming the goal is weight loss. If not, nevermind.

Sure, your body does process different types of food differently and there are some small gains to be had by eating (or not eating) certain types of food or controlling when you eat. But those gains will be very minor compared to the basic concept that you need to eat fewer calories than you burn.

Plus, real weight loss needs to come from a lifestyle change of smaller portions, reasonable snacks, and overall just training your body to expect fewer calories in a day than it was used to. If you lose weight by eliminating foods you love or adopting an unsustainable lifestyle, it will all come back as soon as your old habits return.

I'm down about 55# from good, old-fashioned calorie counting and portion control. Been at a stable weight for about 5 months now and so far it is looking very sustainable. I look at the portions I used to eat as nothing short of gluttonous and disgusting now.