When it comes to staying in shape, the age-old debate of diet versus exercise is one that many of us grapple with. So is it more of a strict diet control or just sweat it out at the gym. Oh well, according to my own experiences I would have to say that it is somewhere in between that, but I guess I am more of a believer in the diet control.
Oh well, the truth is diet and exercise are the two most important things (besides genes probably) to a healthy body and mind. They sort of complement each other, two sides of the same coin. However, if I had to choose one as more important, I'd say it's what we put into our bodies that makes the biggest difference.
As the saying goes, "You can't outrun a bad diet.". And I've found this to be absolutely true in my own life. No matter how much I worked out, I could not lose those 10 lbs. Or even actually feel really healthy while I was still eating junk food and large quantities. It wasn't until I started paying attention to what I ate that I began to see real changes in my body and overall well-being.
Controlling my eating has made all the difference for me. I'm not saying crash diets or anything extreme like that because those are usually not sustainable and can even be dangerous. Naw, I just make a concious effort about what I shovel into my mouth. Well not that I don't try to eat natural foods, fruits, and vegtables into my meals. I do pay attention to my portion sizes and I don't eat many processed foods or sweets. Its not really an issue of denying myself, but rather supplying my body with the correct fuel to run best, and most efficiently.
What's so great about focusing on diet is that it is something that I can constantly be working on, all day everyday. I don't need special equipment or a gym membership. When I am home, at work, when I travel, where ever I can still make healthy choices. And it makes a difference right away, when I eat good I feel better, I have more energy, I sleep better.
But on the other hand, I can fully see how exercise is such a big deal, but I guess it's just not my thing. It's not just weight control, exercise is good for a lot of other things too. It strengthens our heart, builds muscle, makes us flexible, puts us in a better disposition, and can even make us more intelligent. Working out is a very important aspect in most people's lives and not just because of the physical gains, but because it relieves stress and gives a sense of achievement.
The best way to get in shape and be healthy is a combination of diet and exercise. They complement each other very well, nutrition provides the energy for the workouts, and the workouts can speed up the metabolism and make the body more likely to use the nutrients that we eat. Its a potent combination for sustained, lifetime health.
But then again so can diet and exercise, it's like an obsession, addiction, poison. Calorie counting taken to an obsessive level, eliminating entire food groups (without a medical reason), or exercising to the point of collapse, injury, or even just plain old exhaustion are all sure signs that a healthy habit has turned unhealthy. It's important to listen to our bodies and maintain a balanced approach.
With me, I know exercise is good, but I've decided to mainly try and just control what I eat. It's what works best for my lifestyle and temperament. I find it easier to make consistent, healthy food choices than to stick to a rigorous exercise routine. Well, I can tell a change for the better and I feel better and have more energy and I can better tell what my body needs.
But at the same time I know that just because something is good for me doesn't mean that it's good for everyone. Others live for the strenuous exercise and enjoy exerting themselves to the fullest. Some would argue that others should take the more moderate approach of exercising moderately and watching what one eats. Its about what works best for you, something that you can keep up in the long run and that makes you feel good about yourself, inside and out.
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