Does it even make sense to go to the gym if you don't have a healthy diet?

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Replies

  • jjpptt2
    jjpptt2 Posts: 5,650 Member
    Icy_Fox wrote: »
    So why do they say you should not eat sugar lifting weights? Is it any different when trying to gain muscles with body weight?

    Dunno. If I had to guess, I'd say they were trying to sell you some low-sugar diet plan/book.
  • Icy_Fox
    Icy_Fox Posts: 90 Member
    I guess this is a big missconception then, but between my friends thaz DO go to the gym, I always hear them talking how they can't eat sugar, but they have one "cheat day" a week where they eat anything they want
  • collectingblues
    collectingblues Posts: 2,541 Member
    Icy_Fox wrote: »
    hesn92 wrote: »
    One doesn’t have to do with the other. Just because you don’t eat “healthy” doesn’t mean you have to just resign to being unhealthy in every other aspect of your life. Exercise has many benefits. And I also would think your definition of “unhealthy” may need to be re-evaluated. I eat ice cream and cookies and chips and I would consider my overall diet pretty healthy and I go to the gym.

    I didn't mean exercise in general, I meant as in lifting weights. Should have formed it differently I guess.

    What's the difference?

    You build strength and fitness in the gym, and weight loss in the kitchen. As long as you get "enough" protein, the rest doesn't matter -- and I'd argue that even "enough" varies by person to person. And even if you don't, it's not like you're lifting just for *kitten* and giggles.
  • collectingblues
    collectingblues Posts: 2,541 Member
    Icy_Fox wrote: »
    I guess this is a big missconception then, but between my friends thaz DO go to the gym, I always hear them talking how they can't eat sugar, but they have one "cheat day" a week where they eat anything they want

    Because broscience. Do your friends who go to the gym have any background in nutrition, or do they just parrot what they've heard other bros say?
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,252 Member
    These are such nebulous terms you need to be specific with the diet and goals. I'm off a cut and focusing on endurance and gaining muscle, so eating in surplus and eating what would generally be considered "unhealthy". I keep a bag of Skittles in my pocket to stay fueled on long runs. I eat a bag of chips afterwards to get loaded on carbs and sodium. I'm midseason in obstacle course races and need the energy to perform.

    If these people are anti-sugar then this is an un-related element and one not founded in objective evidence. Woo, bro-science, whatever is being peddled now.

  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    Here's the Broscience guy on meal prep. (Language is NSFW)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn-KDTxTWqI
  • kbmnurse1
    kbmnurse1 Posts: 316 Member
    Why bother? Continue on your journey. Let us know how that works for you down the road.
  • nowine4me
    nowine4me Posts: 3,985 Member
    Carmen060 wrote: »
    Definitely yes. There are health benefits to exercise that are independent of weight loss!!

    These benefits don’t only happen in a gym either. There are looks of ways to exercise in the great outdoors.
  • VUA21
    VUA21 Posts: 2,072 Member
    quiksylver296 wrote: »
    Sure. Why not?

    Exercise for health.

    "Diet" (calorie deficit) for weight loss.

    ^^^^^ This!!!!!

    I do cardio for cardiovascular health and endurance, I lift to build strength. I have also been known to "refuel" with a McDouble. Having food that is less nutritious doesn't magically erase the health benefits from exercise.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    Icy_Fox wrote: »
    I guess this is a big missconception then, but between my friends thaz DO go to the gym, I always hear them talking how they can't eat sugar, but they have one "cheat day" a week where they eat anything they want

    Your friends sound rather sad and extremely ignorant.
  • Poisonedpawn78
    Poisonedpawn78 Posts: 1,145 Member
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    it's like discussing how long a piece of string is.
    not long enough!
  • mkculs
    mkculs Posts: 316 Member
    Of course it is worth it. Exercise and poor diet is better than no exercise and poor diet. Besides, a diet with too much sugar might still be full of good nitration otherwise. Also the transition to a good diet might be easier if one already has healthy habits like regular exercise.
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    Of course it does. Everything helps.

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