Shore Fit
By Bonnie Dodd-Miller
Fitness is important because it helps to build muscle and burn fat. A good balanced diet is just as important or even more so because it provides the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “You can’t outrun the fork,” or “You can’t out-train a bad diet.” I can totally and completely attest to these statements.
There was a time in my 30s that I would teach eight to 10 spin classes a week and still gain weight. Why is that?
Well for one, I’ve never been someone with a fast metabolism and I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism some 25 years ago. If my diet isn’t spot on for the most part, the scale will automatically go up.
This is why coaches, trainers and fitness professionals will tell you that it’s a 80/20 ratio: 80 percent diet and 20 percent exercise. I’ve even heard some say a 90/10 ratio. Regardless, you can see how important it is to eat right and cut out the processed foods. They contain no nutritional value and even contribute to disease.
It’s unfortunate that processed foods are so readily available and fairly inexpensive whereas a healthy, clean diet costs more and takes more of your time in the kitchen. Being healthy is an important part of living a long, productive life. Combining both a healthy diet alongside exercise can help reduce heart disease risk, build muscle, and improve your mental health. That’s definitely a goal for so many.
I was recently contacted by an 86-year-old gentleman who hired me for personal training and when I asked him the first question that I always ask: “What benefits do you want to see from us working together?”
His response was: “I want to keep living an active life, playing golf and keeping up with my grown children.” I thought to myself how fantastic that was and how I wish everyone had the same outlook on life.
He’s 86 and has the mentality to run circles around people half his age. He is no couch potato and I admire that. I know a lot of older adults with that same outlook. I teach a lot of water aerobics classes and they love a vigorous workout (at least most do) and I happily oblige.
Think of it like this: The food you eat is the fuel your body runs on. Imagine your body is a car. You can put the best engine in the world into a car, but if the gas is no good, the car isn’t going to run very well or get very far. The same goes for your body. You can do all the crunches or push-ups you want, but if you’re not eating healthy foods, you will not see the same results or see them as quickly.
Fortunately, there are plenty of tools available to help you improve your eating habits. Apps like My Fitness Pal are excellent in guiding people who aren’t quite sure how to go about it.
It does the calculations for you, telling when you’ve hit your protein goal, and if you need to watch your fats and sodium. Every time you log, it will remind you whether you made a good choice or what to watch. Then you know where you stand regarding your macro-nutrients and if you’ve hit your individual goals. I absolutely love this app and it’s free.
I actually make a game of it. For instance, my goal is 90 grams plus of protein per day. I’m trying to put on lean muscle mass. Every time I log my food, I think of what can I have next that will get me to 90 or better. It makes my food choices dependent on that protein goal or not, so I love it when I hit 120 grams or higher.
You can have the most rigorous workout routine in the world, but if you’re not eating healthy foods, you’re not going to get quite the same results. Similarly, you can eat all the healthy foods you want, but if you’re not exercising, you will not see results as quickly. When you combine diet and exercise, you can supercharge your results and reach your goals faster.
Bad eating can also affect the way you think about fitness. Have you ever thought, “I ate that bag of chips or donuts, so why even bother exercising?” Those types of foods make you feel terrible in multiple ways. Clean eating makes you feel great, physically and mentally.
A healthy diet and fitness go hand in hand in terms of motivation. Seeing results from your diet will motivate you to keep going, and seeing results from your workouts will motivate you to eat healthy. It’s a win-win for sure.
Next time you’re thinking about skipping a workout or reaching for that unhealthy snack, remember that diet is just as important as fitness. They work together and are essential if you want to see results.
Bonnie Miller is certified fitness instructor at the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center and Atilis Gym in Galloway. She is a mom of three and resides Somers Point.
