A: This is absolutely no doubt that dieting is the best thing for weight loss. Many people fall into an exercise0based weight loss plan. The math on exercise and weight loss just doesn't work. Weight loss is all about reducing the number of calories you consume. If you are trying to lose weight, eating fewer calories is the fastest (and possibly only) way to weight loss. Here's why: to lose a pound, you need to burn 3500 calories. Intense exercise for one hour burns, say, 400 calories. That means that it takes almost 9 intense exercise sessions to burn one pound (or three weeks, if you exercise three times a week). If you can cut 1000 calories from your daily diet, you'll "burn" a pound every 3 and a half days.Q: Which is better for weight loss:
dieting or exercise?
Tuesday February 10, 2009
That said, exercise has a role in weight loss, just maybe not the one you think.
Exercise to Feel Good:
Exercise improves your mood. If you exercise, your body releases chemicals that make you feel good. This is great. Let's face it, dieting is no fun, so work some exercise in to lift up your mood.
Exercise for Energy:
Exercise improves sleep. If you can sleep better each night, you'll feel great throughout the day.
Exercise for Muscle:
It is true that muscles burn morecalories. If you can increase the amount of muscle on your body, you burn more calories everyday just sitting still. The bad news is that, for weight loss, it takes pretty significant muscle growth to shed some pounds. Building muscle is a good weight maintenance strategy and can be a focus when those last few pounds are in site.
Avoid "Exercise Math":
When you are dieting, don't get trapped by "exercise math." Many people think "Oh, I can have this cookie because I exercised today." Banish that thought from your mind. Exercise never justifies food. If you let it, you'll slow your weight loss down to a creep. Stick to your diet and don't reward yourself with food.
The above article was copied from the Longevity website at about.com.
