A study published through the American College of Sports Medicine explores the relationship between improved nutrition, weight loss and exercise. In brief, the researchers prescribed the following interventions between two groups (and a 3rd control group):
1. Group 1: improved nutrition
2. Group 2: improved nutrition plus regular exercise
When outcomes were measured 6 months later, both groups had lost weight and body fat. However, the group that included regular exercise saw significant improvements in metabolic factors such as blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and insulin sensitivity. In other words, a healthy diet alone is good. Diet plus exercise is so much better. A real shocker, huh?
It's the season of New Year's resolutions and throngs of people are flocking to gyms across the United States. I have a lot of admiration for individuals who are committed to building strength and fitness. But while this study seems to suggest that exercise MUST accompany good nutrition, I'd like to say it the other way around as well.... Good Nutrition Must Accompany Exercise.
Please don't fool yourself by treating yourself to a cheesecake "since you just had a great workout." Exercise doesn't give you permission to eat poorly. It gives you opportunity to experience compounding returns on your investment of time and energy. As we start the new year and you finish your workouts, eat well.
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