Exercise may be the secret

REGULAR EXERCISE MAY BE THE SECRET INGREDIENT TO YOUR SUCCESS AT CONTROLLING YOUR WEIGHT.  

While it is true that exercise alone is usually not enough to manage weight without changing to healthier eating, so for many of us struggling with compulsive eating, daily exercise, especially with other people, often gives us the additional momentum needed to succeed. 

It is possible to lose weight without exercising much.  I had to lose some weight before I could do most kinds of exercise because of back and joint problems.  Still, if you are struggling with compulsive eating and bad habits, here is another mighty weapon, which might just get you sailing along.  Healthy diet, exercise, and overall successful weight management usually go together. 

Exercise and diet changes combined can create enough endorphins and rhythm to get many people over the hump and out of their negative thinking patterns and ruts.  We can never be completely on top of our game emotionally until we get out and get exercising.

Some good suggestions:

1.        Set exercise goals such as running in a pre-determined 5-K race, four-nights-a-week of Zumba, or      taking an exciting cycling trip.

2.       Start where you are.  If all you can do is 10 minutes of stairs, walking, or exercise bike two times a day, start there.  Even that much exercise will make a huge difference over time.

3.       Be sure and have a physical exam before starting if you have been sedentary for a long time, or if you are significantly over weight or over 40.

4.       Partner up or form a group.  This will keep you going and make it more fun.

5.       Don’t over-do or over-expect, especially in the beginning.  Setting your expectations too high, especially if you are comparing yourself with others, could push you back into an, “I’m a failure” thinking rut.  Be realistic about what you can do, but do it, and find a way to make it fun.

If you have struggled with weight loss before, you need to use all the weapons at your disposal.  This one, especially, may be the difference.

***By the way, when I exercise 200 minutes per week consistently, I have found that my body uses 100-150 calories more per day, which I can choose to use however I want-eating more or losing weight faster.