Why Diet Is Just As Important As Fitness

 Eating a healthy balanced diet accompanied by regular exercise is essential in maintaining physical and mental health and well-being. Not only are these effective in preventing excess weight gain or in maintaining weight loss, but healthier lifestyles are also associated with improved sleep and mood. Physical activity particularly improves brain-related function and outcomes.

Food Is Our Medicine

Nutrient-dense foods, or "superfoods," include lean proteins, healthy carbohydrates, and fats essential to our health. Superfoods are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants relative to the amount of calories that they contain.

Antioxidants are shown to reduce inflammation in our body helping us fight disease and illness. Inflammation is said to be the leading cause of many diseases. Powerful antioxidants in leafy greens and vegetables, for example, help protect out cells from potential free radical damage. 

Some superfoods contain compounds that increase our metabolism for more efficient fat burning. Red peppers contain a molecule called capsaicin shown to enhance the rate we burn body fat.

What Are Fitness Foods?

The following is a list of foods favoured by fitness enthusiasts:

• Oats (high in fiber, improves digestion/increases metabolism)
• Eggs (protein source, muscle building)
• Greens (antioxidants, reduces inflammation)
• Apples (antioxidants, reduces inflammation/increases metabolism)
• Lean meats/fish (amino acids, protein source, muscle building)