SUNDAY SHUTDOWN #17 FOOD OR EXERCISE FOR FAT LOSS: I hear it quite a lot “yeah but I’ve started exercising and I’m still not losing weight.”⠀
Truth is, for fat loss what you put in your mouth is going to have the biggest impact. For most people, it’s easier to be in control of what you eat and drink and make positive changes there. Don’t get me wrong generally being more active, walking more, not sitting down for endless hours, hitting a minimum of 10,000 steps a day before you do any exercise is also going to contribute. The food is where you need to start. ⠀
So, what does the literature tell us? ⠀
In the long term exercise is more likely to help us maintain our weight. So it’s a good habit to build. And at a time when you are motivated to make changes, that could also be the right time to start finding something you love doing, movement wise.⠀
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In the short term exercise will help to improve your body composition. As a result of lifting weights consistently you will become stronger.⠀
The research also tells us that when we do complete strenuous physical exercise we are likely to consume more food because we are actually hungrier. Your body knows this. And it will want you to in essence, refuel. ⠀
Some perspective courtesy of @one.angry.chef recent book the truth about fat:⠀
Running on a treadmill for half an hour will burn circa 300-400 calories (depending on your weight and intensity) yet half an avocado on two slices of medium toast has about 450 calories. So you can see it doesn’t take much to negate that run in the first place.⠀
For health. Now that’s a different story. Exercise for health. Yes. Exercise because it reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Exercise because it allows your mind to relax. Exercise for social reasons. Exercise because it makes you feel great!
But please don’t think you can burn off all your food or because you’ve #workedout everyday this week you’ve got a licence to eat more than you physically need.
? from yesterday’s BBQ!
