There is an interesting article in Time magazine (read full article here) entitled “Why exercise won’t make you thin”. This is certainly a “hot” topic and ongoing issue for many runners, judging by the forum threads on Runners World. A common theme for many is that they train, run marathons etc and don’t lose weight. Been there – done that – bought the t-shirt!

We are served up so many conflicting “research” findings these days with regards to healthy eating and exercise that there comes a stage where we nearly switch off from these messages as we go into information overload. It can all seem so complicated and sometimes we can’t see the wood for the trees.

You could read this article and take various messages from it. If you want an excuse to stop exercising then you could maybe find it here. 

The question is – why do we exercise – what do we want to get out of it – is it simply a means to an end?

My brain is becoming so numbed by so many conflicting “health” messages that I need to simplify it down for myself or I’m in danger of going mad! For me the bottom line is still – moderation – cutting out food types completely, banning certain foods only leads to unhealthy obsessions. BUT if you eat more than you need you will not lose weight.  It’s as simple as that. And we need to move more as I think we often grossly over estimate how much movement we do in a day and how many calories we actually burn. Also using food as a reward is always a dangerous and slippery slope.

For me running is about so much more than weight loss (and a good job too!).  Running is about freedom, empowerment, relaxation, de-stressing, challenges, pushing limits, exploring new places…..

And yes I still want to lose weight – to do that I think I need to take my own simple advice – move more and eat less.

Posted under diary, topics