Diet vs Exercise: The Lowdown on Weight Loss

With 2020 drawing nearer, it is safe to say that there are thousands of people who make weight loss their new year’s resolution and fail to stick to it by the end of the first quarter of the year because they overcomplicate the process. In fact, many people will spend hours upon hours running on a treadmill when exercise makes up just 20% of every weight loss journey. Read on as the team here at The Healthy Living and Fitness go over everything there is to know about losing weight…

What is a balanced diet?

For a diet to be considered balanced, it should include the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables, at least two litres of water per day and a sweet treat every now and then. In fact, tracking the consumption of macronutrients is the most effective way to ensure that a diet is balanced because protein is required to preserve muscle mass and encourage fat loss, carbohydrates provide our body with energy and dietary fats support cell growth and help our body make vital hormones.

Is cardio necessary to lose weight?

Cardiovascular exercise is the name given to any type of workout that gets the heart beating faster than usual such as running, cycling, swimming, boxing, dancing, and even hiking. It is important because it allows our muscles to adapt and ensures that blood is transported around the body effectively. With this said, exercise makes up just 20% of a person’s weight loss regime because it is impossible to out-train a bad diet. As a result, it is entirely possible to lose weight without exercising and following a healthy diet plan, but this is not recommended.

Is weight training just for body builders?

Many people incorrectly presume that lifting weights will leave them looking like a body builder, however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, weightlifting is a popular form of exercise that can actually assist weight loss when coupled with the right diet because the weights help the body preserve muscle and encourage it to burn fat instead. After all, muscle is much easier to burn for energy than fat so the body will use it first unless a diet and exercise regime actively prevents it.

In order to lose weight at a sustainable rate, it is important that people track their calorie intake and ensure that the food they put in their mouth is nutritious and beneficial. After all, chocolate and cake may increase our energy levels but the result is short-lived. With this said, exercise is also important for our cardiovascular health and should never be neglected! To find the best workout shoes for all your weight loss needs, check out Laced’s online trainers‘ range today!