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April Newsletter - Diet 123

Diet Bites Newsletter Edition #4

As spring gets underway, we thought it might be helpful to encourage activity for weight loss. Oh yes - a dreaded spectrum of the Weight Loss Equation BUT the great news is that exercise generates more weight loss than dieting alone.

The Positive Impact of Exercise

The central positive impact of exercise might appear to be superior weight loss results when paired with a healthy daily diet - but that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Exercise creates a stronger level of health; our body becomes more immune to infection, illness and disease. We may live much longer if we embrace activity than if we spent equal time resting in our easy chairs or sofas. The keyword is 'may'.

This isn't to say that couch potatoes are doomed to a short life and a fatter body. And who knows whether exercise would lengthen the life of a dedicated couch potato - it's chiefly speculation. Health studies indicate that it is highly probable that the individual who exercises will live a longer life - but there is no way to verify that data 100% as life is so unpredictable. The couch potato may have met an earlier demise when hiking by falling down a hill - or they may have foolishly walked the park at night and the ill-decision ended badly.

Much of what we are, as well as what we weigh - our shape, size and distribution of fat as well as our body's basic construction is due to our gene pool. Sure, we can control things to a certain level. If we were born with a bad heart there are things that we can do to protect and strengthen it so that we have a potentially longer, fuller life. With this said, the avid couch potato can benefit greatly in the area of exercise. While there are no guarantees as to longevity - there are in regards to the quality of life.

With a fitter body, the post-couch potato will more likely feel better, have more energy and a clearer mind. They will be less prone to illness and disease - and if they lose those extra pounds, they may even avoid certain mild-to-serious diseases. This much - we do know to be fact.

But there are also downsides to exercise; let's review those.

The Negative Impact of Exercise

Over-Calculating the Caloric Burn

All too often the individual who exercise over-calculates the number of calories they have burned amid their activity session. For example, dieter Andy just walked one mile at a brisk rate. He weighs about 200 pounds; if he walked for an hour at 3.5 mph he would have burned 345 calories. So for that one mile, he burned about 115 calories. And even if he had not walked, he would have still burned x-amount of calories that his body uses to keep his vital organs in check.

Once home, Andy grabs a Cheese Danish which contains 450 calories - and he is feeling very confident that his one-mile brisk walk burned off those 450 calories - that he can eat the Danish without guilt.

Underestimating the Power of the Sun, Climate & Changing Weather Conditions

Dieter Betty walks every day after lunch to get in her exercise for the day. She has done such since early spring - and now it's mid-summer. She sets out in her pair of running shorts and short-sleeved shirt. By and by, she starts to sweat profusely amid the 100 degree temperatures. If only she had worn a protective hat - as well as sunglasses - as well as sunscreen. If only she hadn't decided to brave the blazing sun.

By the time that Betty reaches her home, she is feeling sick to her stomach. She is dizzy. She is producing zero sweat and feels faint. After a visit to the emergency room, she discovers that she experienced heat exhausting; over the next few weeks she is at risk for experiencing sunstroke.

Simply put, prepare for your activity adventure being mindful of the weather, the power of the sun as well as storms, icy weather and exercising after the sun sets in the darkness.

Over-Estimating Endurance

Dieter George decides that he needs to lose weight. He is anxious to get started, so he decides to take a long, brisk run. But after a minute he starts to feel horrible - sick to his stomach, out of breath and his chest isn't feeling so hot either.

George didn't know his personal limitations where physical endurance was concerned. He over-estimated and if what he is feeling in his chest is related to his heart, this might very well be his final run. Given such, don't be foolish if you haven't exercised in quite some time. Take things slow; ask your doctor for advice based on your personal health readings.

In Summary

We hope that you'll get out 'n about. Choose a favorite activity OR adopt a new hobby or activity that will have those extra pounds melting off quicker than a wink. Whether it's a game of beach ball or a walk in the park, every step matters and the results will be reflected on the scales.

Be sure to take all the a-typical precautions when enjoying the great outdoors, from smattering on the sunscreen to strapping on those sunglasses. Wow - don't you look cool.