Research has repeatedly demonstrated the benefits that regular exercise has on our health. It plays a large role in reducing the incidence and risk of lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and other age-related ailments. We often see individuals who participate in physical activity, either structured or
Dr Claire Badenhorst: Is exercise the enemy?
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Dr Claire Badenhorst
The selection of food or the motivation to eat is affected by previous eating behaviours, culture, social and family environment and this will all have an impact on whether the energy balance following exercise remains negative (equalling weight loss), staying equal (maintaining your weight) or positive (gaining weight).
If you're trying to lose weight, it's important to remember to be patient and kind to yourself - results will not happen overnight. Long-term success requires long-term solutions. Because of this I am very wary of fad diets that eliminate whole food groups. If you can barely go two days without a food group, the likelihood of you sticking to a diet that aims to eliminate something is probably not going to work!
One bad meal will not kill you, just like one good meal won't fix things either - the most effective results are those that are long term and sustainable.
Dr Claire Badenhorst is a lecturer in exercise and sport science, from Massey University's School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition.