Food vs. Exercise success storie

stayathomezookeepa

Hi everyone I have a quick question for those who have lost they weight they wanted. Which do you think is more important watching what you eat or exercising. I am asking this because I had 2 weeks of no work outs and in those 2 weeks I lost 4.8 lbs which is the most I have lost on MFP in 2 weeks. Now on the weeks that I work out everyday I lose a pound or a little more. So now this has me wondering which do you think was more important with your weight loss.

kallico

they say diet is 80-90% of it... its hard to out - exercise a diet. BUT if you want your body to get toned, to see inches melt off, feel great, and realize the amazing benefits of endorphin highs ... then working out is a great thing to keep

PennyNickel14

For me the definite answer is food intake.

But without the exercise my body will not look and react the way i want.

I not only want to be thin - but also fit and with endurance to spare!

They go hand in hand for me.

lanatheohsobannana

I lost 26 pounds and trust me i didn't step foot in the gym that often at all. So dieting totally worked for me. I agree with the other comment tho exercising is great to tone and loose weight quicker.

Pebble321

For numbers on the scale - food
For fitting into a smaller dress size - exercise.

I couldn't have done it without both.

meerkat70

I have several medical problems that produce a sluggish metabolism. If I don't exercise, I don't lose. I eat healthily the vast majority of the time. But for me exercise is key. Also, the exercise and diet form a virtuous circle with each other, for me. They act as mutual reinforcers. When I exercise, I want my food intake to be healthier, and when my food intake is healthier, I want to exercise.

Elleinnz

The way I look at it - I eat right to lose weight - and exercise to be healthy and toned (and feel better about myself)......in the end you can do all the exercise you want - if you dont change the way you eat you will not be successfull in losing and maintaining your weight.....

BUT - you after a while you will most probably be "skinny fat" without a decent exercise programme - so for me so far the exercise bit has been in moderation (3 hrs a week in the gym, and another 2 hrs of walking / cycling) - but I hardly took my eye off the eating bit....

[edit] AND I get to eat more if I exercise - win / win :-)

rudegyal_b

eating is number one

the reason you lost more is cause exercise causes you to retain water

deathstarclock

eating is number one

the reason you lost more is cause exercise causes you to retain water

Surely you can't be serious.

nursemom27

Diet is highly effective for lowering the number on the scale, but exercise is what keeps your insides healthy. Therefore, you live a longer, healthier life. And you look better doing it, cuz that muscle may weigh more, but it looks better than someone thin and without much muscle mass. For the best results, you really need both.

meerkat70

eating is number one

the reason you lost more is cause exercise causes you to retain water

For a couple of days. And then it's gone.

deathstarclock

Exercise does not cause you to retain water.... What do you think sweating is?

camille97

Exercise does not cause you to retain water.... What do you think sweating is?

Actually, when you exercise you are working your muscles, and in order to grow, your muscles actually tear and then rebuild. That is what the pain is after a hard workout. In order to recover, your muscles need that water, and so yes, you DO retain water weight after exercise if significant muscle if being built.

Please do your research before criticizing someones advice, the forums are for positive reinforcement and encouragement (:

coatsie79

Eating is number 1 for me, I just couldn't control (or chose not to) my portion sizes. However, I'm making sure that I'm exercising and doing strength training because I want my body to be strong and look strong, instead of just looking thinner through watching what I'm eating. The truth is I have nightmares about bingo wings, so I'm doing all I can to avoid that.

zeeeb

totally the food!

GreenLifeGirl

Nutrition has to come first, but you exercise is what really tones and shapes your body. Like others have said, muscles do retain a bit of water during recovery from exercise, but it will drop off...don't let if impact what you are doing. Make sure to drink plenty of water. I would also be watching your food intake, make sure you are getting enough "net calories" when you exercise, make sure you are fueling your body!

From my own experience, I really have to work to make sure I eat enough calories on days that I work out hard...if I don't make sure to eat enough, I won't lose weight nearly as quickly. Also, 5 pounds lost without working out, doesn't look nearly as good as 5 pounds lost while exercising and toning (huge difference in actual inches lost).

Keep it up!

ctalimenti

Definitely have to cut the calories and learn to eat in a reduced way. My friend is losing weight under a doctor's supervison. The doc said not to exercise any more now than she will for the rest of her life. It's all about adopting a new way of life and being able to stick to it.

I've lost my weight through diet alone but now must start exercising to be fit. I figured I'd conquer one demon at a time, you know?