You probably know world renowned fitness expert Jillian Michaels from her time on The Biggest Loser, but there is so much more to this badass woman’s story. We sat down to talk about the latest diet fads (and what really works), her new book The 6 Keys: Unlock Your Genetic Potential for Ageless Strength, Health and Beauty, and being a fitness guru. Here are some highlights from our conversation, listen to the full interview with Jillian Michaels here.

On her new app…

The app, My Fitness, allows me to be your personal trainer. You basically show up and you can pick from 50 programs we’ve created. You can run a 5K, do yoga, lose five pounds or lose 100 pounds. Or you can say, I have 10 minutes, I need a total body workout and I’m a beginner, and I’ll create one for you. We even have meal plans. We can customize everything about your diet.

On why she celebrates the underdog...

I look back on my background, I was overweight, bad skin, braces, huge nose, gay and didn’t know it, half-Jewish and half-Arab. And even now, it made me very empathetic. I appreciate the underdog. That has become a huge part of who I am.

On beauty...

Beauty is relative. Beauty isn’t about looking like somebody else. Beauty isn't about not accepting how we age. In my opinion, it’s about being the best version of yourself. And wanting to be and having that be OK.

On why it’s important to look at the source of a diet study…

We do talk about why there is so much conflicting information. Whether it’s keto or it’s coffee, half the time they'll say its good for you, half the time they’ll say its bad for you. First, you have to question the study. Who’s funding the study and why? If it doesn’t pass the gut check, you should wipe that away from go. Who funded it, what’s their agenda and why - have they been hired by a big food or big pharma prove a point? You really need to question that.

On what you should drink when you drink…

Drinking 6-8 drinks a week. We’re trying to mitigate the stuff that’s not good and maximize the good stuff. No more to 2-3 drinks at a time. Vodka and tequila are fine, but to get the best benefit you want dark alcohols like red wine, whiskey, and dark beer. It’s the antioxidants and the polyphenols. With that said, what alcohol does do is help keeps your liver primed. It’s like a car that doesn’t get driven — if you drink a little bit, it keeps this enzyme going in your liver and your liver functions better.

On the one thing that could change your life…

I would say trust your gut and use your common sense.