HEALTH

To Diet or to Exercise?

Diet and exercise are the two cornerstones of an effective weight loss plan. Without them, shedding fat can only be a distant dream. But out of the two which one do you think will have more advantages when it comes to losing weight? What you eat has more impact on your body as compared to your fitness regime. According to experts, when it comes to weight loss it is 80% diet, and 20% excercise. This does not in anyway undermine the importance of exercise, it just shows that while physical exercise is one of the best options to keeping healthy and fit, it is not the ultimate.

1. Exercise alone cannot drive significant weight loss
   Studies have proven that exercise alone cannot drive significant weight loss, primarily because the majority of us unknowingly compensate for the calories that we burn by being more physically active. Whether this is in the form of excess snacking or grab-and-go food choices, our subconscious eating habits can easily counteract the benefits of even the most strenuous daily exercise regime.
2. Exercise increases your appetite
   We have already touched on how regular exercise can trigger subconscious eating habits and this is based on research which suggests that physical exertion actively increases your appetite and metabolism. Such studies have confirmed that those who adhere to rigid exercise regimes also tend to increase their calorie intake simultaneously, gradually negating the impact of their workouts over time.
3. Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
   Obesity and a history of less healthy eating habits are two major risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Increasing your intake of nutritious foods and losing excess weight (if you’re overweight) may help reduce your risk of having type 2 diabetes in the future.
4. Improved Heart Health
   A diet rich in fish, nuts, fruits, grains, and veggies, such a Mediterranean-style diet, provides your body with omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats that are good for your heart. This type of diet also makes it easier to avoid most trans fats, which are associated with cardiovascular disease.
5. Reduced Risk of Cancer
   Eating an unhealthy diet, gaining too much weight, and heavy consumption of red and processed meats are all associated with a higher risk of some forms of cancer. Although, it’s difficult to say with certainty that any particular food prevents cancer, eating a healthy diet overall may decrease your cancer risk.
6. More Energy
   Eating a well-rounded diet provides you with the carbohydrates you need for energy, along with enough B-complex vitamins to help the process all along. Starting your day with a healthy breakfast will help keep you alert all morning and set the stage for a day of healthy eating. While exercise is important, eating right is the most important thing you can do for your overall fitness and energy levels.
7. Healthier Skin and Hair
   Eating a nutrient-dense diet helps you look your best by supplying the nutrients your skin needs to stay supple and smooth. It may even stave off wrinkles. Also, your hair needs good nutrition, including plenty of protein, to be soft, shiny and healthy.
8. Food is the fuel source that drives exercise
   Many people misunderstand the relationship that exists between food and exercise, but the fact remains that the former is an underlying fuel source that drives the latter. Without the right caloric intake, energy, and nutrients in your body, it is impossible to exercise effectively and achieve the weight loss that you desire.
   You can benefit from these dynamics by ensuring that you fuel your body with the right foods to optimize your energy levels. Bananas and lean white meats are both excellent sources of natural energy. For instance, their consumption can help you to achieve your fitness goals and lose weight consistently.