There are so many different diets out there right now. Over the years, there have been plenty of fad diets that I’ve never paid any attention to. More and more diets are now being tied in with exercise programs. This is a good idea because diet alone rarely achieves success very much. Exercise is a pretty vague term, though, and can be a little intimidating for those who aren’t keen on the gym. I’ve busted a few myths to see what’s really trending in weight loss for this season:
Activity Not Exercise
A concept that is creating a little hype right now is the idea that activity rather than exercise is key to weight loss. The word exercise certainly does conjure up the thought of a sweaty gym, or a cross country run. This picture doesn’t appeal to everyone, so many programs don’t even get off the ground. Instead, the term activity is becoming a happier alternative.
The source of this image is Flickr
The term activity is becoming popular thanks in part to the fitness trackers and smartwatches that are flooding the market. They measure how you move as activity instead of exercise. Even the term ‘workout’ seems to be losing favor! So now we can all enjoy active lifestyles, by standing when the Apple Watch buzzes us, and recording every step we make.
It seems most of us actually get around to a couple of thousand steps just wandering around the office. Seeing that we are active without working out or exercising, can be a great motivator to do even more. You can add something vigorous like a Jive dance class, or something relaxing like Yoga to the list of activities. Even better, that little walk to the grocery store could be all you need for your exercise today.
Portions not Restrictions
The US Government has been working away in the background for some time now to tackle the obesity epidemic. They may have come up with something that is more useful than you might think. Portion control rather than food control may be a good way to help us get to grips with a normal diet.
Most diets restrict our calories. All diets will ban certain foods from our plates. Portion control simply suggests moderation. Yes, you can have dairy, and yes you can eat meat. But stick to guideline amounts. And for those of us who have lost sight of what a portion looks like, there is a great guideline to help us get it back in check.
Weight Loss Trends
The source of this image is Flickr
Portions can be tricky to measure. If you can get to grips with the idea of it, then you can balance your meals to include all the food groups you need. This ensures your meal is healthy and provides all the nutrition you need. I like the idea on paper. But it may be tricky to find meal plans that suit everybody under this concept.
When it comes to weight loss, I think everybody is different. We all enjoy different foods and different activities. And we’re all made of different things too. So how can one diet fit all? I don’t think it can. But I do think there is an answer out there for everybody. Finding it is part of the journey toward good health. Whether it’s about a healthy lifestyle or just a few temporary changes, it is possible for all of us to make the most of the bodies we’re in.
