Eight Fun Facts About Diet & Exercise

by Angie Miller

Did you know?

Eight Fun Facts About Diet & Exercise

1. Did you know that 3,500 calories equals approximately 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) of fat? That means you need to burn 3,500 calories more than you take in to lose 1 pound. If you cut 500 calories from your typical diet each day you'd lose about 1 pound a week (500 calories x 7 days = 3,500 calories).
2. Did you know that only doing crunches will not get rid of belly fat? Unfortunately we can’t spot reduce. The best way to target abdominal fat is to reduce your overall body fat, which means plenty of cardio, combined with strength training. Stick to it, because oftentimes the first place you gain weight is the last place you lose it. 
3. Did you know that eating after 8 doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll gain weight? The fact is: what you eat, how much you eat, and how much physical activity you do determines whether you gain or lose weight. Morning noon or night, when you eat too much your body stores excess calories as fat.
4. Did you know that exercise could help reduce anxiety? Exercise provides distraction, reduces muscle tension, improves resilience, builds brain resources, and sets you free from disabling thoughts and emotions. Exercise frees your mind and helps you take action. 
5. Did you know that effective goal setting is still one of the most proven methods for losing weight and breaking exercise plateaus? Exercise alleviates the ambiguity of “doing your best” or “trying your hardest.” Specific, challenging goals lead to better performance and more commitment. 
6. Did you know that boosting your calorie IQ is one of the most effective ways to control your weight? Tracking your food and drink consumption, using pen and paper or one of the many online tools, is one of the most successful, proven methods for keeping weight off. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll learn and how easy it is.  Before long you’ll be a calorie connoisseur. 
7. Did you know that if you’re trying to lose weight, the three most helpful sections of the food label are right at the top: Serving size, servings per container, and calories per serving? Read the label and be careful. If there are two servings and you eat both, unfortunately you double the calories, double the fat, and double the trouble.
8. Did you know that we are all motivated to exercise and stay healthy for different reasons? It’s also important to recognize that our motivations may change over time. Being clear about your motivations and embracing the types of exercise that you enjoy and make you feel successful are key factors toward adherence.

- Angie

Angie Miller, M.S., is a fitness educator, university instructor, and Licensed Professional Counselor who blends her skills and expertise to empower individuals, mentally and physically, and provide them the tools they need to succeed. A veteran group exercise instructor and personal trainer, Angie is the star of acclaimed exercise DVD’s, including the Bedroom Body™ workout. Her passion for progressive education brought her to Northern Illinois University, where she teaches in the Dept. of Kinesiology & Physical Education. Outside of the university, she presents at fitness conventions worldwide and leads industry trainings as an AFAA Certification Specialist and Kettlebell Concepts Master Instructor. Angie writes for fitness journals and digital communities, and blogs for Collage Video. Connect with Angie at: http://www.angiemillerfitness.com