When trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or simply become healthier, a common question that occurs is what is more effective? Will exercising or dieting help you to better be able to reach your goals?
The answer may come as a surprise to some people. Both are equally important! Nutrition and Exercise positively respond to each other and you need both aspects to reach your goals and optimal health.
Harvard Health explains, "When you decide it's time to live a healthier lifestyle, you're likely to get better long-term results if you start improving your diet and increasing physical activity at the same time." Many people think they can eat whatever they want as long as they exercise while other people assume they don't need to exercise if they are eating healthy. However, a combination of exercise and dieting will give you the best results and help you work towards becoming healthier.
WebMD confirms, "The Verdict: All the exercise in the world won't help you lose weight if your nutrition is out of whack." In today's world, many people live in a hurry. They are rushing from meeting to meeting with little time to take care of themselves. Fast food is a big part of many American's diets. This combination of living a sedentary lifestyle (not working out) and a poor diet can really take a toll on your body and your health.
Exercise
There are numerous benefits that can come from exercise. Making it a part of your lifestyle will make a major difference in not only your health but your attitude and appearance as well. Healthline states that benefits can include:
- Increased happiness
- Weight Loss
- Stronger muscles and bones
- Increased energy
- Reduced risk of some diseases
- Better skin health
- Brain health and memory
- Better ability to relax and sleep
- Reduced pain
- Better personal life
Diet
What you eat is important. We've talked about how food can be medicine and how consuming fruits, vegetables, prebiotics, and probiotics can boost your health. We've recommended nuts and beans, but you definitely need a more balanced diet than just those!
It almost seems like when you are trying to be healthy, you have even more unhealthy cravings. However, eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated can actually reduce these cravings. Some other benefits of eating healthy according to Medical News Today include:
- Weight loss
- Reduced risk of cancer
- Better manage diabetes
- Prevent heart problems and stroke
- Better health for future kids
- Strengthened bones and teeth
- Better mood
- Improved mood
- Healthy gut
- Better sleep
A great way to get more nutrients in your diet is to take a whole food supplement. Whole food supplements are typically made from fruits and vegetables. There are lots of whole food supplement options but the qualities can vary, so choose wisely.
There are endless amounts of good that come from a combination of exercise and nutrition. Allina Health perfectly states, "The benefits of good nutrition are the same as exercise, making the two together a powerful recipe for good health!" Never forget that exercise and nutrition are equally important.