Exercise or
Exercise or Diet?
(Part One)
Which is more important? I get this question a lot.
The truth is:
They both offer profound health benefits and decrease risks of chronic disease such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and depression. They both can help with weight control. Therefore, in my opinion, they are BOTH important.
What you eat is a choice you make multiple times a day, 365 days a year. Physical activity is a choice you can choose to make 150-300 minutes a week for health benefits.
My thoughts are:
*balance– a balance of enough but not too much food and exercise
*moderation of everything- exercise and all foods… especially indulgences- most foods can fit
*variety– of diet and activity so you don’t get flavor fatigue and to prevent boredom and setbacks
How much activity is enough?
Anything is good!
Physical activity guidelines for Americans (Adults) recommend 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75-150 minutes of aerobic activity each week and at least days 2 a week of strength training with most major muscle groups for health benefits.
- To learn about what is considered moderate, aerobic or strengthening activity visit:
http://health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/chapter4.aspx
And don’t forget about the littles! They are learning healthy habits and patterns now. Encourage 60 minutes of physical activity a day, including muscle and strengthening activities at least 3 days a week.
- To learn more about physical activity recommendations for youth visit: http://health.gov/pagui/guideliht//health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/chapter3.aspx
Stay tuned for more tips on nutrition, healthy diet and self care!