Is Moderation Truly Key?

When approaching diets and lifestyle habits, it’s tempting take an easy way out by saying “everything in moderation.” After all, nobody likes going on strict diets, cutting out their favorite salty or sugary treats, or adhering to a rigorous exercise regimen. But is the moderation approach actually of any benefit?

The fact of the matter is that while tasty treats like cakes and candies may seem harmless in small quantities, most of us already get our daily recommended dose of sugar and then some from fruits, juices, and processed foods. In fact, reading the nutrition labels on many of the processed and pre-packaged foods we eat may yield some surprising revelations, and not just when it comes to sugar.

On the exercise side of the equation, moderation seems to limit the amount of physical activity we think is sufficient, leading many to think that a brisk walk or light sessions at the gym is enough to bring about health benefits. While any exercise is certainly better than none, however, the occasional walk won’t lead to significant results if the desired effects are weight loss or improved heart health.

So if not moderation, what’s the answer? Well, here’s where common sense comes into play. Science has pointed out again and again that sugar is damaging, leading to long term health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes among others. While it may be impossible to cut out sugar altogether, efforts should definitely be made to limit sugar intake to the daily recommended amounts or less. When it comes to exercise, a minimum of three times a week for an hour each day is recommended, but the real benefits become apparent when those numbers are increased.

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Is Moderation Truly Key?

When approaching diets and lifestyle habits, it’s tempting take an easy way out by saying “everything in moderation.” After all, nobody likes going on strict diets, cutting out their favorite salty or sugary treats, or adhering to a rigorous exercise regimen. But is the moderation approach actually of any benefit?

The fact of the matter is that while tasty treats like cakes and candies may seem harmless in small quantities, most of us already get our daily recommended dose of sugar and then some from fruits, juices, and processed foods. In fact, reading the nutrition labels on many of the processed and pre-packaged foods we eat may yield some surprising revelations, and not just when it comes to sugar.

On the exercise side of the equation, moderation seems to limit the amount of physical activity we think is sufficient, leading many to think that a brisk walk or light sessions at the gym is enough to bring about health benefits. While any exercise is certainly better than none, however, the occasional walk won’t lead to significant results if the desired effects are weight loss or improved heart health.

So if not moderation, what’s the answer? Well, here’s where common sense comes into play. Science has pointed out again and again that sugar is damaging, leading to long term health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes among others. While it may be impossible to cut out sugar altogether, efforts should definitely be made to limit sugar intake to the daily recommended amounts or less. When it comes to exercise, a minimum of three times a week for an hour each day is recommended, but the real benefits become apparent when those numbers are increased.

Looking for some fitness-related reads? Visit our online library at www.fittango.com for a wide variety of ebooks, audiobooks, music, and more. Accessible anytime, anywhere, and available on all your favorite devices.

Gym Habits That Are Worth Getting Into

Exercise is vital to a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and for many of us, that means hitting the gym on the regular. But life gets busy, sometimes we skip, and even when we’re there we may not give it our all. Fear not, these three simple gym habits are well worth getting into to maximize every moment you spend at the gym.

Start with cardio. Conventional gym wisdom dictates that workouts start with warm-ups then weights, with cardio saved for the end. However, this way of thinking can often lead to cardio being skipped altogether on more tiring days. Combine that warm up with cardio to ensure your heart never misses out on the exercise it needs.

Go even if you don’t do anything. We all run low on motivation once in a while, and that’s perfectly normal. While it may be tempting to skip the gym every once in a while, that exception to your routine can quickly become a habit, and may even lead to dropping your regimen altogether. Even if you don’t have the energy to do anything, head to the gym anyway. The simple act of going will at least keep the habit routine, and may even motivate you to work out just a little.

Bring a buddy. Everything's better with a friend, and working out is no exception! Having a gym buddy will not only motivate you to push your hardest, but it will also keep you accountable for days you may be tempted to skip.

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