What’s better? Eat less or exercise more?

My client called me and said that he gained 10 pounds over the holidays. Wow! He asked me if he should reduce calories or start exercising. I told him to do both for best results. I also told him to measure out pasta and rice portions since those contain a lot of calories. In addition, I told him to eat small portions every three hours instead of large meals three times a day.

If your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight and/or to exercise more, these suggestions will help you too. You don’t have to run a marathon or swim the English Channel; a walk is great exercise too. Case in point: fat burning is “maximized at activities of low to moderate intensity” (1). To make my walk more interesting I go to different locations. My favorite walks are by or on the beach and in beautiful neighborhoods. See the attached photo of a stone-paved path I found in Del Mar, California. Can you find me? I’m waiving hello.

1. Source: Sport Nutrition for Health and Performance, 2nd Ed. By Manore, Meyer, Thompson. pg 185