Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and can lead to a number of health benefits, including weight loss and weight maintenance. But for people with limited mobility or specific movement restrictions, it may be difficult to achieve weight loss through exercise. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy, effective and sustainable ways to reach your weight loss goals without breaking a sweat—many of which involve making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle.
Diet and nutrition can have a significant effect on the amount of weight you lose. “The foods we consume on a daily basis can either contribute to or detract from our total caloric intake, which is what ultimately affects our body weight,” says Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz, M.D., a board-certified bariatric surgeon at VIDA Wellness and Beauty in Tijuana, Mexico.
“Foods high in calories and unhealthy fats, such as processed snacks, fried foods and sugary drinks, add extra pounds to our waistlines while balanced meals rich in lean proteins and complex carbohydrates help keep us at a healthy weight,” she adds.
The body relies on essential macronutrients, including proteins, fats and carbohydrates, for fuel. Eating a balanced diet of these macronutrients helps the body sustain energy for proper functioning. Even slight dietary modifications like incorporating more nutritious options in place of processed foods can affect your weight when practiced consistently and help develop healthy habits over time.
Exercise is encouraged for overall health and wellness, however studies show that diet is a significant factor in losing weight. Eating a balanced diet that includes high-quality protein sources, whole grain foods and plenty of vegetables is an effective way to reach your weight loss goals and help improve the way your body feels and functions.
While exercise is an important part of a balanced lifestyle and can lead to benefits like weight loss, it’s not a primary determinant of weight loss, meaning people who exercise may not necessarily lose significantly more weight than people who don’t. What’s more, not everyone can engage in physical activity safely.
