photo credit: digiyesica via photopin cc
I recently saw the documentary “Fed Up,” a film about the growing incidence of obesity in this country. The film challenges what we believe about diet and exercise and the premise of a calorie in vs. a calorie out being the ticket to weight management.
The film is a must see for everyone. Contrary to our traditional belief that the body treats all calories the same, this film highlights research suggesting that, depending on food type, the body views calories differently. Too much dietary sugar disables the molecules responsible for insulin uptake, which in turn, results in too much insulin circulating in the body. Elevated insulin levels trigger fat storage, especially belly fat. Also, too much insulin blocks the activity of leptin, the brain hormone that signals we are full. So in effect, the more sugar we eat, the more our cells can’t absorb it, the fatter we get, and we keep eating because eating sugar makes us want more sugar. Sugar has the same addictive effect on our brain as cocaine. Since 80% of the foods in the marketplace are made with added sugar, this is something that is hard to swallow! Here is a clip from the movie:
The thought leaders in this field go on to say that using exercise as a way to combat over-indulgence of sugar in order to “balance out the calorie equation” is futile. They state there is no way we can exercise our way out of the obesity crisis and a weird incestuous relationship exists between the US government, the food producers and manufacturers; their goal of making money is ruining our nation’s health. Efforts from both the food manufacturers and government advertising encouraging physical activity is a sly ploy to take the focus off of the real problem: too much sugar. Oh my.
Although I have a hard time believing advocating exercise is nothing if not beneficial, here is what I want to say about “exercising our way” out of this conundrum. If you look up how many calories can be burned with exercise, you will find the answer is…not much. The best reasons to exercise go far beyond the simple notion of burning calories. Here are five reasons to add physical activity into your life, none of which have anything to do with burning calories:
- Exercise can increase the level of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killer.
- Regular exercise is associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression and an increase in positive well-being.
- Regular physical activity boosts self-esteem and self-efficacy.
- Exercise is good for brain function.
- Being active feels good (if you question this one, sign up to download my report How to Get Active and Stay Active).The key is in your approach.
These are just a few reasons to get active. Forget about calorie benefit. In getting more active, try The 10-Day Challenge: give up sugar for 10 days.
If you want a big fat wake up call, watch this movie. Make it a family affair. And then go for a walk.
Have an active weekend!