Diet Vs. Exercise for Long-Term Health
A healthy diet and an adequate amount of exercise each day are two lifestyle habits that are vitally important to good overall health. Eating right and exercising help keep your weight under control, which offers protection from many health conditions. Many people wonder if one is more important than the other, but most experts recommend a combination of the two for maximum benefits, according to "Time" magazine.
Eating a healthy diet is a good way to ensure that you get adequate amounts of nutrients that protect your health and boost immunity. Include a variety of foods from each of the food groups, including grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and low-fat dairy. This provides your body with enough vitamins A and C, important for immune system function, calcium for strong bones and teeth and potassium for regulating blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, you'll get plenty of antioxidants, which protect you from a wide range of diseases, including cancer, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Women, regardless of weight or body size, are more likely to suffer health problems, including heart disease, if they are inactive, according to research reported by the "Journal of the American Medical Association" in 2004. This may hold true for men as well. Exercising each day keeps your body healthy and helps reduce the risk of many health problems, including diabetes, depression, high cholesterol and cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic website, which recommends getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Walking, swimming, cycling, skating and yoga are good choices for beginners.
Being at a healthy weight protects your health, making both exercise and a nutritious diet important. If you need to lose weight, cutting calories and increasing exercise is beneficial. Sticking to healthy habits helps maintain your weight. Dietary changes tend to produce more weight loss than exercise, according to Karen Collins, R.D. However, combining the two offers weight loss benefits in addition to disease protection. If you are at risk of certain health complications, such as diabetes or heart disease, losing weight through diet and exercise might reduce the risk.
Talk to your doctor before beginning a new diet or exercise program, particularly if you have or are at risk of health conditions. Your doctor is a good resource for determining a healthy weight and making diet and exercise choices that align with your health goals.
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