Not only doesn't it work that way, but your body really needs fat. In fact, the reason HDL is considered "healthy" cholesterol is that it's essential to remove LDL and VLDL
(bad cholesterol
). Fat is required for cardiac and brain function, hormonal control, assimilation of many vitamins and minerals, etc...get the picture? NEVER cut your fat below the recommended intake--just stick to healthy fats and cut your intake of anything that's solid at room temperature, as a rule of thumb.
As for burning fat, triathlon training is a great place to start :-
) From a biochemical/physiological standpoint, there is some truth to the fact that you'll burn more fat by doing cardio early in the morning and without eating first. Unless you're the type who normally does this, I wouldn't. I usually have a banana or something small to fuel a tough morning workout, then eat a good breakfast after that.
The best advice is pretty standard stuff--ramp up your cardio and watch your calories. Adding intervals to any of your workouts will up your calorie burn, improve your performance, and
(evidence suggests
) burn more fat. Don't cut calories drastically. Just use an online calorie calculator to determine exactly how many calories you need to maintain your current weight, factoring in exercise, then subtract 500/day to lose one pound per week. Try to "eat clean," making most of your meals lean proteins, complex carbs, fruits & veggies. Splurge on pizza or burgers or whatever you like once or twice a week, but keep it reasonable--two slices, not half a meat lovers pie!
Besides cardio and diet, don't forget weight training. Endurance training and calorie counting alone will help you lose weight, but that includes muscle mass. Many thin people
(including endurance athletes who ignore this
) actually have a high body fat percentage, even if they're not fat. Again, interval training and weight training will help you build muscle and lose fat overall.