Exercise Truths
Exercise Myths and Truths
You have to work out a lot more than you think. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise on most if not all, days of the week. Significant health benefits can be obtained through this lifestyle. However, greater benefits can be achieved with more than 30 minutes and more than 30 a day is required for weight loss.
You have time to exercise. If you have time to watch TV, surf the internet, and meet friends for coffee or a drink throughout the day, then you have time to work out! Exercise needs to be a priority. Priorities sometimes require sacrifices. Sacrifices lead to results.
Calories in = Calories out. There is a lot of truth to this. However, 400 calories from a mocha latte at Starbucks does not equal 400 calories from a sandwich with lean protein, lettuce and tomato, and whole grain bread. Empty calories from refined sugars coupled with caffeine do not have the same metabolic effect that comes from eating blood sugar-controlling fiber with lean protein, chock full of vitamins and minerals.
You don’t have bad genetics. Yes some of us may be genetically predisposed to weight gain or hormone imbalances, but it’s not an excuse to throw in the towel. Our metabolisms have evolved from a nomadic lifestyle when food was scarce and we had to constantly relocate to another source to get it. Consequently, we adapted an ability to store food in the form of fat for later use as energy. Today, food is abundant, especially calorie-dense foods. Start making wiser food choices like your ancestors were forced to, and realize, this is not your last meal!
Change your lifestyle, not your diet. Dieting is not a temporary eating regimen used to fit into a dress or a pair of jeans. The way we eat is a lifestyle choice that may need to be redirected, but it’s here for the long run. Moderation, rather than an all-or-nothing attitude, is the key. Despite what the diet industry will lead you to believe, there are no quick fixes.