Fitness = Exercise and Nutrition (Start Here)

• If Calories In and Calories Out match, it doesn’t mean you’re healthy
• Bodies respond to different foods in different manners
• Exercise without proper nutrition is not healthy
• Ask a physician before beginning any new exercise or diet program

Description:

I’d like to start this first, most important, article with one common misconception.

Calories In vs. Calories Out.

I know you’ve heard it before, and I know there are those of you who struggle with this concept, it’s not a surprise.  If we were simple machines who took gas to power, we would probably abide by this rule.  It’s prudent to remember that we aren’t simple machines, and that we, as humans, respond to things in a much different manner than simply looking at food as gasoline to power our engines.  If there is one thing I want you to take away from reading through these sections, it’s that health and fitness involve listening to yourself, taking note of the changes, and asking yourself how you feel.  Fitness comes from working out and proper nutrition, not just one, and not just the other.

Our bodies constantly test, absorb, react, manufacture, and change, in response to the things outside (outward stimuli).  There’s a tube that goes from your mouth to your anus, it’s your little sample of the outside world that your body particularly responds to.  Some bodies are better at responding than others are, but nearly all of our bodies are capable of responding in positive ways to proper nutrition and exercise.  Best of luck as you move forward toward your goals, we’re rooting for you always.

As a medical student, I would always make the disclaimer that you should consult a physician before you begin any dietary or exercise changes.