About dieting and exercising

Dieting and exercising are key parts of maintaining good overall health and being fit.

Dieting Vs Exercising

This is a debate that has been going on for years since people became aware of the importance of a healthy diet and exercise.  Some people follow a healthy combination of a nutritious diet and regular physical exercise. Some prefer exercise, and allow themselves to indulge in their favorite foods, regardless of the nutritional value. Others would rather follow a simple fat-free diet, than devote time and energy to exercise.

If you are simply interested in losing weight, both methods can be effective. This is largely dependant on the method of diet or exercise that you choose. However, what we should really focus on are the long-term benefits.

Most experts agree that the best plan for weight loss would be one that involves both exercise and dietary methods. Not only will following such a plan guarantee weight loss, it will also ensure good health for life. This is definitely a good bargain!

Weight loss is just one benefit that you can enjoy from either dieting or exercising. Both have numerous other benefits as well. By choosing just one method of staying in shape, you will miss out on the benefits of the other.

Benefits of a healthy diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grains;

is a good source of valuable vitamins and minerals
reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases
reduces risk of strokes
reduces risk of type2 diabetes
protects against certain cancers such as mouth, stomach and colon-rectum cancers
reduces risk of developing kidney stones
keeps your skin healthy
helps you stay in good shape
is a rich source of dietary fiber which reduces blood cholesterol levels
lowers risk of heart disease
provides your body with folic acid, which helps form red blood cells
·slows down the aging process

Benefits of exercise

Regular exercise;

helps you manage your weight and stay in shape
helps build muscle mass
helps build bone density
improves your mood by causing the release of endorphins; endorphins are the “feel good” hormones in your body
helps combat even chronic illnesses
strengthens your heart and lungs
promotes better sleep
increases your energy levels
helps build your self confidence
the increased levels of energy and confidence, are sure to put back the spark in your sex life
slows down the aging process

Combining both diet and exercise methods can only give great results. With the busy lifestyles we follow today, it’s very easy to come up with excuses for not doing so. The most common excuse people keep coming up with, is that they “don’t have time” to follow a diet and exercise routine. In response to this, I would like to quote Edward Stanley who says;

Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.”

Edward Stanley’s quote can be applied to stress the importance of following a healthy diet as well. It’s only if we’re healthy that we can function properly in our day to day lives.