By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Fueling Your Exercise Goals
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > Obesity > Fueling Your Exercise Goals
ObesityWellness

Fueling Your Exercise Goals

John Henning
John Henning
Share
6 Min Read
SHARE

Our bodies need to move in order to be healthy. If we’re not getting our blood flowing and our muscles flexing, then we’re slowly allowing our bodies and the vital systems within them grow weaker. Experts recommend that we get at least a half-hour of exercise per day, five days a week (that?s 150 minutes per week). Of course, that’s the minimum amount, and many of us want more than to just not be unhealthy. We want to make ourselves actively healthier. We want to run, lift weights, or enjoy active hobbies that will whip us into (and keep us in) shape. But getting into shape isn’t just about what you burn off. It’s also about what you put into your body. Eat too much, and no amount of exercise can overcome your diet; eat too little of the right stuff, and you won’t have the energy that it takes to exercise. This is tricky, so make sure you understand how to fuel your own exercise goals:

Macronutrients and calories

You are what you eat; but what are you eating? Nutrition science involves all kinds of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. There?re so many that it’s virtually impossible to keep track of them all. Plus, scientists still aren?t exactly sure how some of them work or even what some of them do. That?s where simplification comes in. As you diet and exercise, you should be focused on three major types of nutrients. These “macronutrients,” are proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Experts recommend you eat them in a certain proportion depending on your goals. You should do your research to find your balance. For instance, if you’re lifting a lot of weights you’ll want to go heavier on protein. Calories, by the way, are not a macronutrient. They are important, however, so pay attention to them as well. While weight loss and weight gain are not so simple as ?calories in, calories out,? there?s a reason that so many diets focus on that number. If you eat a lot of “empty calories,” (foods with calories but without much in the way of healthy nutrients) you?ll gain weight. It?s that simple.

A balanced diet

More Read

Expanding Medicaid benefits for improved behavioral health care, substance abuse treatment
Urinalysis Via Mobile App
5 Awesome Health Hacks that Make a Tremendous Difference
What Benefits Can You Derive from Participating in a Sleep Study
5 Ways Stretching Can Improve Your Healthy Life

We’ve talked about nutrients, but we haven’t really connected them to any foods. Which foods should you eat to get more protein? Which foods should you eat to get more carbs? Let’s back up for a second before answering. If you want to eat healthy without keeping track of all of the micronutrients (really having to consider the macronutrients much at all, for that matter), here’s you prescription: Eat whole foods like vegetables and avoid processed ones. Eating naturally or organically will mean that you get pretty much everything that you could ever need without having to think as much about it. When you do eat processed foods, check out those nutrition labels and use your best judgment. Don’t overload on empty calories or throw your fats out of balance with the other macronutrients.

Shakes and supplements

Aren’t we living in 2019? Can’t you just drink some super milkshake or something instead of eating your vegetables? Sort of. You can and should check out protein shakes and meal replacement shakes as you diet and exercise. Modern supplements can help you fuel your workout and recover faster. A pre-workout drink can help you avoid cramps and work out more safely while shakes that are heavy on protein also fill you up (which is good news if you’re having trouble fighting cravings for snacks). The best meal replacement shakes focus on macronutrients and will help keep your diet healthy. These things should be combined with a healthy diet, of course ? they’re not supposed to replace them entirely. They?re great, though, and should absolutely be things that you consider as you look for the best ways to fuel your body.

What makes a diet stick?

Now that you know how to fuel your body, there’s one last thing to consider: How can you stick to your plan? After all, most diets fail. The best way to commit to a long-term healthy diet is to do just that: Make a plan for the long term. Don’t cut calories aggressively or try to change all at once. Introduce more and more healthy foods into your diet and fill up on vegetables (and protein shakes) while you attempt to eat fewer Doritos. It will take time. Keep your goals realistic, though, and keep moving forward toward a healthier life!

Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By John Henning
John Henning is a nutritionist, freelance writer, and food blogger that provides accessible nutrition info to help people live a healthier life. His unique approach to nutrition emphasizes nutrient-dense, whole foods and healthy habits rather than restrictive diets.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

Epidemiological Health Benefits
Personal and Epidemiological Health Benefits of Blood Pressure Management
Health
October 13, 2025
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries: What Families Need to Know
Policy & Law
October 10, 2025
Remote Monitoring touchpoints
Remote Monitoring Touchpoints Patients Will Actually Follow
Technology
October 9, 2025
dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025

You Might also Like

Wellness

Can Natural Remedies Like RediCalm Decrease Stress and Anxiety?

August 16, 2017
Health careWellness

3 Ways to Keep Your Mental Health in Check

November 5, 2018
Home HealthWellness

What You Need To Know About Intermittent Fasting

September 30, 2019
The Internet as a Resource for TBI Patients and Their Families
Wellness

The Internet as a Resource for TBI Patients and Their Families

January 26, 2016
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?