Food or Exercise: Which is More Important When Losing Weight?

When you want to lose or maintain your weight, you may wonder if food or exercise is more important. Many people believe that if they work out hard, they can eat whatever they want and keep their weight the same. Then, there are others who believe that you can't outrun a bad diet. Which is the truth? Let's find out.

Help with The Mental Aspects of Losing Weighted

If you are suffering from severe depression, anxiety, or another mental health problem, it can be difficult for you to even go outside and work out. Online counseling can help, providing you with healthcare on your own terms. Sites such as ReGain.us can help you. Get counseling and get a good workout in. You're guaranteed to love it.

Dieting is More Important

In the long run, eating less food is going to be more important than working out more. People will throw around ratios, such as saying that 80 percent of your life should be dieting and 20 should be exercise, but let's put it in simple terms: if you are burning more calories than you consume, you will lose weight.

This isn't to say that working out isn't important. Working out can make you buffer, more energetic, it helps fight off depression, and it's just fun to do. However, if you believe that you can eat cake every night because you go to the gym, think again. Working out doesn't burn as much as you would think, and if you work out too much, you're just going to get hungry again! It's definitely a problem.

How Many Calories Do You Need?

We don't have an answer to that, as everyone is different. On average, it's 2000, but you may need more or less depending on lifestyle, weight, and various other factors. In a situation like this, it's important that you speak to a dietitian and see how much you need. Chances are, the amount may be a little more than you think, but less than what you’re eating right now.

Slow Change is the Key

When it comes to changing diets, many people fail because of the fact that they believe dieting means instant change. They may try to switch from fast food to salads, or try cutting out carbs altogether. This is rarely a good thing. Instant change will just turn you off from diets quickly. Instead, slow change.

First, you can begin with eating less of what you're already eating. Do you eat a bag of chips every night? Eat three fourths instead. Then half. Then a quarter. Then replace the chips with something healthier.

Even if you eat like garbage, cutting out the garbage by a bit will make you see results.

Make Sure Your Lifestyle Passes to Your Children

If you start to change your diet, make sure your kids, if you have them, are eating as well as you are. This isn't to say they can't enjoy the occasional Happy Meal, but make sure that they are eating well and not eating too much. For good recipe ideas, you can click here or go here for more information.

Remember, It's Slow and Steady

By slowly working out more and dieting, you will see results. Be sure to talk to a doctor about any questions or concerns you may have, and make sure that you’re continuing with your diet.

Overall, diet is more important, but working out helps too. Have a nice balance of both worlds, and you can be on your way to being trim and slim. Good look, and don't be afraid to ask for help.