Diet vs. Exercise

 

Typically I don’t watch morning talk shows because I’m not home at that time, but on New Year’s Day, Rachael Ray was on in the background. She had a guest nutritionist/trainer and something he said stuck in my head. I don’t remember his words verbatim, but he basically said that maintaining a healthy weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise.

I can personally attest that this is true, IF your only goal is maintaining a certain weight. For a very long time, I did not exercise regularly, but I have been very much into nutrition since college. I eat very little sugar, drink a lot of water, drink no sodas or juices, eat small meals throughout the day and choose whole foods most of the time. This worked for years and years when my only goal was not gaining weight.

As life became more hectic and stressful, I realized that I needed exercise for so much more than maintaining weight. I needed exercise to give me energy, to battle low moods and as a way to get some “me” time. A little over a year ago, I started exercising 4-5 times a week. I do a lot of interval training classes. I run. I bike. I weight lift. I do Pilates.

My exercise regimen achieved my initial goals, but then also brought me several surprises. My body has completely toned up, and I feel stronger. More muscle means higher metabolism. When I wasn’t exercising, I wouldn’t eat anything bad for me, now I can splurge here and there because my metabolism can battle those few extra calories.

Exercise gives me energy. If I don’t exercise for three days, my energy level starts to wane, and I make sure I get back to the gym or start hitting the pavement. One would think that exercise would lead to more tiredness, but it’s actually the opposite. I am completely energized when I finish working out, yet I sleep more soundly at night as my body repairs.

You may think this sounds crazy, but exercise gives me a sense of euphoria. I love pushing my body to the limit. If you don’t exercise, it will take time to get your body in shape, so don’t push it too quickly, but it will get there. A year ago, I could only two three push-ups and run 1/2 a mile, now I can do at least 30 push-ups and run 6 miles. I have no control over many things in my life, but I feel powerful when I exercise.

This is my body and I have control of how I take care of it. That feels amazing.

Physiologically, the 80/20 rule may be true in maintaining weight, but exercise offers so many physical, mental, emotional and social benefits that I will never go back to only using diet to maintain a healthy weight.

I’ve learned that diet and exercise are equally important in maintaining the whole person.

Fad diets and pills do not work long-term.  People will argue that Weight Watchers works and that they’ve used it for decades. I agree. The reason Weight Watchers works long-term is because the program isn’t a fad diet. It actually teaches people about proper nutrition and portion control. Nutritional education is not a fad. I never have and never will use Weight Watchers, but I do think it’s a good program for folks who need a systematic approach.

It’s the new year, and a lot of us are trying to be healthier. If your goal is maintaining a healthy weight long-term, it takes a healthy diet and exercise. It’s not diet vs. exercise, it’s diet and exercise.

So, throw out all that white sugar, grab your water bottle and head to the gym. I’ll see you there!