This is a prompt I really love because it is one that involves everybody. Some want to gain weight and others want to lose weight. Reading through different articles on this topic will be necessary to find the answer to any of the categories one belongs to. So many people want to stay in shape. It’s a hustle that both the slim and the overweight are striving to achieve these days. The question is, which approach is best—diet or exercise? I’m not sure if I should say different countries have different ways of achieving these goals.
When we talk about keeping fit, dieting plays a significant role. When we commit to dieting, we have to overlook a lot of food. It’s funny how many people say, "I’m watching my weight," while still eating heavy food. For instance, many of us who like to eat garri or fufu need to stay away from these foods if we want to stay fit, as what one eats greatly affects weight.
Picture of Myself .
Let’s break it down. When it comes to dieting and fitness, you have to manage your calories because this directly impacts your weight. When the calories you consume are more than what you burn, weight gain becomes the outcome, but when you burn more calories, fitness becomes a priority. Losing weight also depends on how you eat. That’s why I mentioned that different countries have different ways of staying fit. Imagine a Nigerian trying to stay fit while eating plates of fufu and soup, and all our local delicious dishes.
We have all seen an overweight person eating the amount of food that two people should consume, and that same person will still say, "I’m watching my weight." Now, switching to exercise, it involves burning calories through physical activities, which helps in toning and building muscles while keeping one’s shape in order.
Going to the gym is one way to achieve this. However, with the current economic conditions, affording going to gym or buying all the equipment might seem difficult for many people. But there are other ways to stay active and still achieve your goals. Walking is one way to burn calories, as well as jogging or any physical activity that involves movement.
Which is better?
Diet and exercise are both essential. Since you don’t have to go to the gym to keep fit, engaging in other physical activities is important, and eating a balanced diet while avoiding foods that contribute to weight gain is crucial. Maintaining balance is key. Over doing the both can have negative effects on our health too, so balancing both is necessary for effective results.
Personally, I prefer a balanced approach. I don’t over-exercise, and I don’t take my diet lightly. I love eating good food and always blend my meals with veggies. For exercise, I stick to simple routines like a 40-minute walk to work, running, jogging occasionally, and other activities that get my blood pumping.
So, staying fit isn’t about choosing one over the other; it’s about finding balance and maintaining both. Just know what your body needs, understand what works for you, and stick to it.
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