The truth about eating and fitness

We know that physical activity is really good for us. But why we still can’t shed those pounds?

Research review on calories and body weight

The Women’s Health Study in US observed over 34,000 women for about 13 years. The researchers analyzed three indicators such as weight, diet and exercise. They found – ‘87% gained weight over the course of the study and no amount of exercise was found to help women in that study lose weight’.

On the other hand, the media are constantly reminding us that one reason many Canadians or Americans are overweight or obese is due to their sedentary lifestyle. This is confusing, right?

Another study reported that American women are burning about 120 less calories a day at their current jobs than women doing exactly the same job in the 1960s.

Another study reported that the amount of energy North Americans were burning overall did not change between the 1980s and the 2000s. This is a period when obesity rates increased dramatically.

Another study found Americans were consuming 500 more calories per day in the 2000s than in the 1970s. The same us, Canadians, we increased our caloric intake by 18% between 1976 and 2003!

What is happening? We are eating more!

Why food reduction is so difficult?

Two studies confirm: ‘Eating too much or more is easy to do and decreasing the portion sizes is hard’. The study also added: ‘Adopting a new exercise regimen can be difficult too, but at least it has social aspect’.

I have read once about the common usage of Facebook. I thought this was a perfect fit in this postage. Here it is. Recently we use Facebook to impress others or announce something important. For example many of us post on Facebook completing first 5K or 10K run and we usually receive supportive responses from friends. How many people would post: ‘My eating habits improved! For lunch I ate lean chicken breast with no sauce, broccoli and sweet potato? Completing a sweaty workout is an achievement of physical ability; eating fewer calories is seen as sacrifice. By the way i rear this every day!

My view

Although research is giving us many confusing results on fitness versus eating habits, it is crucial to exercise daily and eat metabolically balanced food. In fact food has much higher impact on our body composition than exercise alone. Yes, this is proved! You can't workout a bad eating habits!!

If you’re looking to improve your health or lose weight, then it’s absolutely imperative to support your eating habits with some intensity and dedication. Remember, it only takes an hour on the weekend to prepare your weekly meals, or alternatively, a few minutes each evening or morning. The time is well spent, and guess what – you can keep off those pounds you always wanted. Be proud of this achievement and post if you need to!

To your health and stay lean! Remember I am hear to help you!

Maria Pawlicka, CNP