Which is more important to help you maintain your weight: your diet or exercise?
It’s difficult to know based on the studies you read in health journals. One will tell you it’s all about food intake. Eat Keto. Reduce your carbs. Increase your protein.
Then another study comes out and says it’s about movement. The key to good health is staying active. So they’ll suggest daily routines to keep your body in motion.
Of course, logically we know it has to be a combination of both. You can exercise all you want, and if your diet is primarily sweet treats, you’re going to have trouble keeping the pounds off.
But a new study by the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center found that exercise is more effective at helping people maintain weight loss. The study looked at two groups of people who were each trying to reduce body weight by 30 pounds or more. One focused on diet while the other focused on exercise.
When people focus on their exercise levels instead of consumption, they are more likely to get out and stay active. They play instead of eating. They exercise instead of counting calories. It gives them a healthier approach to daily living.
While this study isn’t suggesting to stop watching your intake each day, it does suggest that movement is one of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Stop worrying about those 5 extra pounds. Choose a new exercise routine instead. Especially with summer approaching fast here in the US, it’s time to head outside and enjoy the day, with all of the benefits that will bring to your life.