Exercise Alone Does Not Guarantee Weight Loss

There have been a number of studies lately about the effect exercise has on weight loss. In fact, some studies have concluded that not only does exercise not help you lose weight it actually causes you to gain weight. These studies argue that after an intense workout people are more inclined to eat a big meal. They say that exercise makes you hungry and that shear will power is not enough to resist high calorie foods.

Indeed your body does get hungry after you exercise. During a fitness exercise, your body burns calories so eventually you need to refuel. The critical issue behind exercise and weight loss is after a workout, what do you replace the calories with? Some people feel justified in eating a cheeseburger and fries. During a 60- to 90-minute workout you might burn 500 or 600 calories. Turning around and consuming a high calorie meal essentially renders the time and energy you spent working out useless. By consuming foods that are high in fat and sodium and beverages that are high in sugar, you are replacing the calories you burn with calories that convert to fat. However, if you stick with foods that contain complex carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains) then you will be consuming foods that won't cause you to undo what you have accomplished.

The studies about exercise and weight loss further concluded that losing weight is better achieved through effective diet and nutrition and not physical activity. While this is probably true, exercise does have its place in your wellness effort. Following a healthy diet combined with a regular exercise routine can help you lose the kind of weight you want.

Sometimes when you focus on other reasons for pursuing a diet and exercise program, the weight loss outcome takes care of itself. Some time ago, I went on a pretty strict diet in order to avoid having to take medicine for cholesterol and high blood pressure. My doctor also added exercise as part of the program. Exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, helps lower cholesterol, and promotes a healthy lifestyle. I followed the diet and fitness program, which included both cardio and strength training workouts, to improve my overall health. As a result, I no longer needed the medication and I lost a considerable amount of weight. Losing weight wasn't the main objective of this program, but I believe that the diet and exercise program collectively helped me lose the weight.

It does take some dedication and will power to stick with an effective diet and fitness program. When you start to see and feel the results of your efforts you develop a new mindset toward how you look and feel. A common characteristic of this mindset is that every day you are mindful of the foods you consume and the amount of exercise you get in order to bring the desired results. This is a big issue to occupy your thoughts with, but it's necessary in order to remain successful with your weight loss and fitness endeavors. If losing weight and inches is your objective then this type of routine works.

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