Diet Or Exercise? Which Is More Important?

Diet vs. Exercise

I am sure you have probably heard there are 2 main ways to achieve this goal; you either Eat Less, or Move More. So which one of these is the most effective way to lose weight and get healthy? I present the contenders for your weight-loss attention…

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You want the same thing millions of other people do—to be lean, fit and healthy. Whether you want to trim off those extra pounds so you feel better, look better, or are better prepared to tackle whatever demands come your way, you probably want to find the most efficient way to do it.
I am sure you have probably heard there are 2 main ways to achieve this goal; you either Eat Less, or Move More. So which one of these is the most effective way to lose weight and get healthy? I present the contenders for your weight-loss attention…

In the Left Corner: Diet
While fad diets have tried their best to distract you and malign the fine name of good overall nutrition, proper eating habits continues to be a vital way to lose weight. In fact, research has shown that if you’re only going to do one thing in your journey to weight loss, it should be proper nutrition.
What does proper nutrition mean exactly? It's a very broad term (and complex), but it means being aware of what you are putting into your mouth at all times. And more than being aware, you have to make sure you are fueling your body the right way! You need to find a balance of lean proteins, vegetables, and complex carbs for your meals. You'll want to avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and empty calories that provide no nutritional value. You'll also need to make sure you're not consuming too many calories.
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In the Right Corner: Exercise
Like diet, there have been all sorts of fad exercise programs that have spanned from dangerous to ridiculously funny. But exercise hasn’t lost its place in the race for weight loss. Why? Because savvy people realize you’ve got to hit the gym if you’re going to maximize your weight loss. The best technique for weight loss is to burn more calories than you take in, and fortunately, exercise is your golden ticket for shedding those extra calories.
One of the best ways to keep your metabolism high in order to burn more calories is to keep your lean muscle packed on. When you exercise, your lean muscle tones up and grows stronger, which increase your metabolism, and your body’s ability to shave off calories, even when you’re doing nothing at all. Diet can’t do that!
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Who Wins the Battle?
More than likely, you read this hoping that exercise alone would help you lose weight because you hate the idea of watching what you eat. Or maybe you’re just the opposite, and you prefer to watch your diet but absolutely loathe exercise. Well, there’s bad news for you either way. 
If you are only looking to lose weight, then a proper diet is the way to go. But...if you want to be healthy, feel good, and move well into old age (which I hope we all want), then you are going to need both. While proper nutrition can help you lose some weight, you have to use (and keep) your muscles in order to keep your body feeling young and moving well. 

HOWEVER!! Being healthy is not quite as simple as just eat less, move more.  There are a lot of variables that play integral roles in your overall success:

• ​Eating nutritious calories (not empty calories)
• Eating to just full instead of stuffed
• Sleep
• Hydration
• Proper ratios of Carbs/Protein/Fat
• Fiber
• Exercise plans for YOU
• Being active all day long every day, not only during workouts.
• Avoiding stress (or cutting back)
• Eating slowly
• Etc...

As you can see its not quite as simple as the generic, "Eat Less Move More" mantra we have all heard. If you really want to be healthy, it takes a lot of work. But don't get overwhelmed by all of these and think you have to start doing them all today to be healthy. In fact, think of it as having many options on ways to get better. 

Choose the easiest sounding habit to you, and start working on that one healthy habit.  In 2 weeks or so, after that has become a habit, add the next easiest for 2 weeks.  And continue adding these habits one by one, slowly over time as the last one gets easier. 

It's a little slower to do it this way, but you will keep these habits much longer by doing so. Your good health and leaner self await!
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If you have any questions about how to get started, or the best way to achieve any of these habits, I am only a call or email away!
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Dedicated To Making Healthy Your Habit,
Mychael

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