Oct 10
12
Is the problem exercise or diet related?
It’s both.
There is no question that as fast food becomes more accessible with the addition of a new fast food joint in your area (even in our schools), obesity in that area climbs; all you have to do is look at a map to see that the trend follows these restaurants. However, the latest studies are showing that even with the addition of Big Macs and Big Gulps, caloric consumption is not going up as much as exercise levels are coming down.
Let me say that again, even for those kids who aren’t necessarily eating more food during the day, they are still exercising far less than they used to.
Recent studies by British medical journal The Lancet, the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition have all consistently shown that exercise is the central reason of whether children are overweight. The figures show that kids are consuming approximately 3 percent more calories than they did in the 1970s but getting a whopping average of 20 percent less exercise. And obese kids are 70 percent more likely to become obese adults.
Again, I want that last sentence to just sink into the depths of your brain. Obese kids become obese adults and we all know that obese adults are not happy, not healthy, living less, and even those few years of life are not quality because they are full of doctor appointments, surgeries, pills, and poison. As an adult reading this post are you happy with your physical appearance? Are you overweight or obese? Now, think about how that makes you feel to not look and feel as happy or healthy as you want to be.
Focus on that for just a few more seconds….
Now ask yourself, “Do I want my child to feel that pain?”
We all know the answer is an emphatic, “Hell No!”
Ok then, let’s fix the problem.
But first we need to step back talk nutrition. Even though lack of exercise takes the brunt of the responsibility, it doesn’t mean that dietary habits should be ignored.
The increase in the number of calories eaten doesn’t reflect the type of calories that are consumed. For example, various studies estimate that soda makes up around 15 percent of the caloric intake of teenagers and around 10 percent for adults in America. What this information means in regards to our health is NOT good, as this habit makes it nearly impossible for a person’s diet to be balanced—and that’s before we even consider how much calorie-free soda is being added to the mix.
What I’m saying is that even if you busted your butt working out day after day you still could not overcome the huge dent that soda is putting in your goals. Remember, you cannot out train a bad diet. I share this with my clients over and over again because it’s the absolute truth. You just cannot do it. I don’t care how many times you go for a run, or how many hours you spend lifting weights, or how many games of basketball you play…
…you CANNOT out train a bad diet!
People have come to us looking for personal training and during that initial consultation we’ll talk about how we not only address your workouts, but also your nutrition because they go hand in hand. Can I tell you how many times I’ve had that person sitting across from me tell me that we don’t need to worry about their nutrition because they have that under control? Most of them!
Here’s the kicker, if someone is eating intelligently…that is they are not eating a bunch of junk and they aren’t over-eating by taking in far too many calories than what their body needs…well, they probably wouldn’t be 20lbs or 50lbs overweight. They’d be looking and feeling pretty darn good. Sure, they might want to take one of my classes because it’s fun, it’s challenging, and it’s something new. But, they probably wouldn’t need personal training for weight loss.
Remember, I’m coming at you with truth and facts and leaving the “nicey, nice” attitude at the door.
So, when people come to me looking for answers to weight loss they have to open their minds and realize their nutrition is playing a major factor in their poor health situation. The GREAT news, once they accept this and allow change to take place they see AMAZING results and the weight falls off like magic!
Here’s another quick study to share with you. It relates back to our kids and how simple modifications to any given day can play a significant role in bettering their lives.
The following study exemplifies the solution, which requires changing both our exercise and dietary habits. In Colac, Australia, 1,800 children, aged 2 to 12, followed a program that included a restricted diet (no carbonated drinks or sweets) and increased exercise. Results included a 68 percent increase in after-school activity program participation, a 21 percent reduction in television viewing, and an average 1 kilogram (just over 2lbs) weight reduction compared to the control group.
Ok, next time we’ll talk about obesity as it relates to how much money you make. Wait till you see this!
In the meantime, if you want to get yourself and your family back on track looking and feeling great then call me up and let’s sit down and talk about what you can do to “Be A Better You”.
Committed To Your Family’s Health,
Chuck Walker
chuck@imaginefitness.net
www.ImagineFitness.net
(608) 215-3205
