Exercise and Diet

I've struggled with consistent exercise as much as I've fought the battle to eat healthy. Add poor eating habits and lack of exercise and it equals unwanted body fat. Even when I eat right, if I don't exercise, weight loss is slow enough that I get discouraged and...well you know. I turn to food. So why exactly does exercise make the difference? Here are a few reasons you may not have realized:

Exercise Improves Your Mood

Exercising for 30 minutes a day can help reduce stress. In the past I shot for a goal of exercising an hour--which I'd like to do, but isn't always realistic. For now I'm walking 30 minutes and have been consistent for 3 days in a row. I know, I know...big whoop, but for me that's big and it's making a difference. You see, exercise stimulates a variety of chemicals in your brain that make you feel happier and more relaxed. Now if there was a pill for happy and relaxed wouldn't you take it? Why not try a 30 minute walk instead? It can even help to eliminate depression and anxiety! And if you make a habit of it you'll enjoy a boost in confidence and better self-esteem.

Exercise Helps Control Your Weight

This one is obvious, but I have to include it. To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you take in. Exercise not only helps to burn calories, but regular exercise creates lean muscle. Lean muscle burns more calories. It's a win-win situation. Exercise also helps to maintain weight once you reach your goal.

Exercise Helps You Sleep Better

Insomnia is epidemic in the U.S. People toss and turn and climb out of bed tired. Exercise has been proven to help people sleep better because you not only fall asleep faster but also deepen your sleep which makes it less likely that you will wake up in the middle of the night.

I'm still not addicted to exercise. It's a conscious choice I have to make, but you know what? I'm feeling better. When I stepped on the scale today I expected to gain because my tendency is to fluctuate, especially when I've had a big drop of a pound in one day. But I was in for a surprise. I lost again. This exercise thing really does make a difference and I just had to share it with you.

Today's Weight: 131.4