Do you know what pairs nicely with our weight loss program? Light activity! One simple and easy form of this is walking. That's because walking is a safe and an effective way to get in regular activity. Plus, it offers many health benefits. For example, in the Journal of the American Heart Association they found that the benefits of walking in regards to longevity was equivalent whether people got in their steps in one long walk, or fewer shorter walks. What mattered most was that the walking was regular. Also, walking helps with mobility - especially with older adults. Specifically, one study in 2014 found that a "regular program of physical activity can preserve independence among older men and women."
It is helpful to eat a healthy diet, but regular exercise enhances the health benefits you receive. It's best to have a combination of exercise and nutrition. A healthy diet consisting of quality foods like fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins ensures that you are meeting your nutrient needs, as well as fueling your body for an active lifestyle. Activity helps maintain our muscles and respiratory capacity. We should never think that one is better than the other, rather that a healthy diet and regular exercise complement one another. They both help achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, and reduce our risk for chronic diseases.
So, if you aren't already put on a pair of comfortable shoes and go for a walk!
Reference: Health & Nutrition Letter, Tufts University, Walking: Key To Staying Active and Independent (p.4).
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