Which matters more, diet or exercise? (Part 2)

The answer to this question (which matters more, diet or exercise) depends on the context of the question.

If you are asking about which is best for your overall health, the scientific evidence thus far comes down on the side of the importance of exercise. Moving our butts on a regular basis -- even if it's doing everyday activities such as taking stairs instead of elevators, walking between offices instead of emailing, doing yardwork and housework, parking farther away from the door of the store than you have to -- protects against heart disease, some kinds of cancer, diabetes, makes us sleep better, and a whole lot of other great benefits.

But if you are asking about weight control, I am convinced that diet trumps exercise for keeping the pounds off. A recent visit to my doctor reinforced that belief.

He said: Your exercise habits are terrific, keep it up. But if you want to lose weight, you have to watch what you eat very carefully. And eating healthy foods is not the whole story; you also have to watch portion size. If you eat too much (too many calories) you will gain weight, or at least you'll be unable to lose pounds.

Words to the wise!

Another important stay (or get) slim secret

I've never been the world's best sleeper -- genetic, probably, as my dad's side of the family includes a bunch of restless night owls. And I used to think that there was a weight-control upside to sleeping less -- that is, burning more calories. (You burn more calories awake than asleep, right?)
Turns out I was wrong about that.
The scientific evidence now suggests a clear correlation between OBESITY and lack of sleep. In other words, the better your sleep habits the more likely you are to be able to keep a normal, healthy weight.
Why this is true isn't completely well understood, but in any case we should all strive to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. I can do this fairly well at home, but on the road (as we are now) it's just not possible for me.
Click here for info about the relationship between sleep and weight control.
And here for suggestions about how to get a good night's sleep -- routinely.