Diet vs exercise – the ultimate guide to understanding which of the two works best. When it comes to weight loss, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people may find that dieting alone is enough to shed extra pounds, while others may need to add exercise to see results.
But what is the best way to lose weight? Is it better to focus on diet or exercise? The answer is a bit complicated.
Dieting alone will help you lose weight, but it’s usually a slow and challenging process. Exercise alone can also help you lose weight, but it’s generally harder to stick with a workout plan than a diet. Most personal trainers in Pakistan recommend a weight loss plan that consists of both. This way, you’ll see results more quickly and be more likely to stick with your goal in the long term.
But what if you don’t want to add both to your weight loss plan? Which of the two is better for weight loss – diet or exercise?
Diet Vs Exercise – Which Is More Acceptable?
Diet and exercise work hand-in-hand to create a calorie deficit, which is necessary for weight loss. Dieting causes a calorie deficit by helping you consume fewer calories. Exercise creates a calorie deficit by burning more calories than you consume.
When we talk about weight loss, there are three ways to go about it. You can lose weight by sticking to either or combining them for a more efficient and sustainable weight loss plan. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of both diet and exercise and how they can work together to help you reach your weight loss goals.
Diet – A Closer Look
What you eat is just as important as how much you eat. Studies show that people who successfully lose weight and keep it off are those who make healthy food choices and eat in moderation.
There are many different approaches to dieting. For example, the Mediterranean diet is considered a very effective way to shed extra Kgs. This way of eating emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Any diet that focuses on whole foods is effective.
Benefits of Dieting
Dieting (making healthier food choices) often has many benefits beyond helping you lose weight. Some of the top ones, according to Pakistani nutritionists and personal trainers, are below –
- Eating healthy foods helps to reduce calorie consumption and promote satiety (feeling full after eating)
- Healthy eating can also help reduce the risk of obesity-related chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes
- You can lose weight without exercising
- You have more control over what you eat
- You can cut out unhealthy foods
- You can tailor your diet to your specific goals
Drawbacks of Dieting
Choosing healthier stuff to eat has many benefits to your well-being. However, many people follow crash diets, leading to health complications. Here are some drawbacks of dieting.
- It can be hard to stick to a diet
- You may miss out on essential nutrients, especially when you crash diet
- You may end up eating more processed foods
- You will hit a weight loss plateau after a few months
- Starving can lead to diet-related mental health problems and mood swings
Exercise – Is It Needed?
While diet is essential for weight loss, exercise is also critical to a sustainable weight loss plan. One study found people who exercised regularly and made healthy food choices lost more weight than those who only followed a diet plan.
You need to be in a calorie deficit to lose weight, and you also need to make sure you’re burning enough calories. And the best way to do that is through exercise. Physical activity not only burns calories but also helps you build muscle. Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, even at rest, so the more muscle mass you have, the more calories you’ll burn throughout the day.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercise has many benefits beyond weight loss. It can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also boost your mood and improve your mental health. Here are a few more –
- Regular physical activity helps to burn calories and promote weight loss.
- Exercise also helps to build muscle, which in turn helps to boost metabolism
- and burn more calories even at rest.
- You see results quickly
- You get a natural energy boost
- It makes you strong and physically attractive
Drawbacks of Exercise
As you read above, working out has many benefits, but there are a few drawbacks of exercise that you need to know before starting a plan.
- It can be challenging to find time to exercise
- A good gym in Pakistan is costly
- Lifting weights improperly can cause permanent injuries
- The weather in Pakistan is humid, which makes it difficult to exercise in the open air
Diet Vs Exercise – The Bottom Line
You need to eat fewer calories than you consume, and the best way to do that is by combining a healthy diet with some sort of physical activity. So, if you plan to lose weight and keep it off, ensure you do both at any cost.
Moreover, to maximize results, try incorporating healthy eating habits into your daily routine and adding some form of physical activity to your weekly routine. Remember, sustainable weight loss takes time and consistency – but it is possible with some effort!
Healthy Eating Habits To Follow
Now that you know diet and exercise are equally crucial for a sustainable weight loss plan, here are a few healthy eating habits to start from today. Try incorporating some of these into your routine –
- Eat breakfast every day
- Make time for healthy snacks throughout the day
- Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables
- Choose lean protein sources, such as grilled chicken or fish, Daals, and eggs
- Limit soft drinks and foods high in saturated and trans fats
- Be active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week
- Find an activity you enjoy and stick with it!
With diet and exercise working together, you can reach your weight loss goals and improve your overall health!