New Year’s Resolutions: Why Exercise Doesn’t Outweigh an Unhealthy Diet

Getting regular exercise is important for our cardiovascular health. Medical studies have shown the many health benefits to fitness, including improved mental health, sleep patterns, and energy levels. 

However, exercise and nutrition are a tag team. And unfortunately, just exercising isn’t enough to lose weight. This can be frustrating for those attempting to shed some extra pounds, as they begin to incorporate exercise into their routines, but don’t seem to see results. 

There’s no way to out-exercise a poor diet. And here’s why:

• Your body gets used to exercise. Your body adapts – meaning, it learns how much energy is needed during a workout. Over time, less calories are burned than when you began the process. 
• You think that working out means you can eat more. It’s important to nourish your body with nutritionally dense food, both before and after exercising. People get themselves in trouble when they use exercise as an excuse not to make healthy eating choices.
• It’s usually about 30% of your daily energy usage. Not as much as you thought, right? In fact, most of our energy is used up as we complete daily activities. For this reason, it’s important to remain moderately active for the majority of the day, and not reverse your exercise regimen by kicking your feet up. 

Exercise vs. Diet: Which Wins Out?

Both! In order to lead a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to make physical fitness and well-balanced meals equal parts of your routine. Understanding how exercise supports a healthy diet, and vice versa, is critical to achieving your personal goals. 

Exercise

Keep your body on its toes by constantly challenging yourself when it comes to a workout. This way, your body won’t be able to adjust its expectations for energy required – meaning, you’ll maximize the number of calories burned.

Diet

Fueling your body properly will give you the energy to stay committed to your exercise goals, while better positioning you for success if you choose to step on the scale. Talk to your primary care doctor or a registered dietitian about vital nutrients before and after you exercise – including sources of protein, calcium, and carbohydrates. 

Learn How to Find Balance

Before you make any drastic changes to your diet and exercise routine, consider consulting your primary doctor or contact our metabolic specialists. They can review your health history and determine the best fitness and nutrition plans to meet your goals.