I find this to be true, in that I need to exercise 5-6 days a week. I might not do an hour on a couple of those days, but what I do on those days is intense, i.e. 40 minutes of riding, which includes 2 hills with +10% grades. I do an hour boot camp 2 days a week, ride 4 days a week during the season. Right now I am riding outside 2 days a week, doing some hiking and/or fitness walking in addition to boot camp. When the snow comes I replace the outdoor riding with snow shoeing, x country skiing, spin class or the trainer. I usually do some running, too. However, I need to take one full day off and do one day of easy stuff; a light walk or yoga.
I know I can never stop exercising. I've been working out 5-7 days a week since I was 25 years old and it's paid off, because at 59, I weigh about the same as I did in high school. When I did less, I gained weight. But, I do eat very clean compared to a lot of people. As the years go by, I can eat less and less carbs. While I do go out a lot, I generally try to stay somewhat healthy with the eating, even in restaurants.
There's no magic pill. It's hard work.