Why Diet is Probably More Important Than Exercise
By Genevieve Cunningham
When we're thinking about getting fit or losing weight, we often put a lot of thought into exercise. For some reason, we think that joining a gym or spending some time on a treadmill will solve all our problems. And while these things will certainly help you on your journey, they may not be the most important pieces of the puzzle. If you’re ready to make a healthy change in your life, take a look at these reasons why diet should be your first concern.
You Are What You Eat
This is an old saying that is as true as they come. The food that you put into your body becomes a part of who you are. If you’re filling it with junk -- sugar, caffeine, fat -- then your body will respond accordingly. If you fill your body with vegetables and water and healthy fats, then your body will run more efficiently and feel better as a whole. If you are what you eat, make sure that you’re eating healthy foods that are nutritionally dense and delicious.
You Can’t Outwork a Bad Diet
Even if you’re working out as hard as you can every day, you just can’t outwork a bad diet. Losing fat and showing muscle is done through eating the right foods. If you’re eating all the wrong foods, the fat is not going to budge. While exercise might help, it will never be enough to sculpt in the manner in which you’re hoping. Real fitness is shown only after the diet is under control day in and day out.
Calories In, Calories Out
The bottom line about losing weight is that you have to burn more calories than you consume. But when you eat unhealthy foods, it becomes nearly impossible to make this happen. You won’t be able to burn enough calories through your exercise routine to make up for the high calorie foods that make up your diet. If you want to lose weight, you have to lower your caloric consumption. Eat good foods, exercise often, and the weight will come off with time.
If you really want to get serious about losing weight, turn to your diet first. If you don’t fix your diet, you’ll be making the journey more difficult than it has to be. Food first, movement second, and watch the weight melt off and your health improve for good.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Thornton, Colo.
