I mix anaerobic and aerobic efforts when cycling for body fat reduction...which is the real measure of fitness. Anaerobic efforts (cadence at 80 or below) build muscle mass which in turn raises your caloric needs to maintain your body weight. Aerobic efforts (cadence at 90 plus) go straight to burning fat, if you keep your heart rate at 80% of your max. Eating and drinking reasonably are, of course, a common sense compliment to maximize your gains. I also do some anaerobic upper body training for increased muscle mass, nothing too heavy. If you build a calorie burning machine (muscle mass) the rest kind of takes care of itself. YMMV.