Diet & Exercise - A Symbiotic Relationship

While up in the mountains recently with some other families, I had the chance to go for a three mile "jog" with our friend, Cassidy. We were up in the mountains at about 8,500 ft altitude, so I was a bit tentative about jogging at such an altitude in the first place.  In the second place, I'm not a big runner.  Oh well, big hills or not... gotta got for it.

Now, Cassidy is no slouch when it comes to running. She typically runs anywhere from four to eight miles a day, has done a number of 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and 4 full marathons.  I guess that I should have selected my running partner a bit more carefully, and I certainly did not want to slow her down. 

Even though I didn't want to mess up Cassidy's "pace mojo".  She was actually great - pushed me, but didn't make me feel like a slow-poke! Between our (I mean my) huffing and puffing, we started to talk about exercising in general, and how a strategic and sensible diet supports one's fitness goals. Of course, there always exists this "symbiotic" relationship between exercise and diet.

At that time, Cassidy pointed to her small paunch.  Sensing my confusion as to why someone like her even had a little belly, she conveyed, "I love wine and beer too much, so my paunch will never go away".  Yep, makes sense. Now, if she gave up the wine and beer, along with brats, burgers, and the occasional fries, she would  no doubt sport a phenomenal six pack (pun intended).  Footnote:  Cassidy is from Wisconsin, home of great beer & brats! It all comes down to what we want, and what we are happy with. But, we do need to fuel our bodies appropriately.

Certainly, the more physical demands we place on our body, the importance of proper nutrition is elevated. Otherwise, the body can't keep up with the physical demands, or we are prevented from achieving our ultimate fitness goals. And, that's a great place to begin... Goals.

Why do you exercise in the first place?  Do you want a killer beach body?  Do you wish to become more athletic?  Or, is exercising simply a great habit of yours?  If you're the the type driven towards building one of those hard beach bodies, then your total diet becomes a highly-defined endeavor.  You need to ensure sufficient nutrition for muscle growth and sustainability, but also continuously watch your calorie and fat intake.

If you are simply looking to become more athletic, then you may not be so dedicated to consistently following a highly-defined diet. For example, there are many professional heavyweight boxers who are in phenomenal shape, and who have developed tremendous endurance.  Some of them just like cheeseburgers much more than tofu, so they will never achieve a six pack. Of course, we men all feel that we have a six-pack, but it's just covered up by a few burritos!

The main thing is to get your body moving, and to eat sensibly. We all know what "sensibly" means. No matter what your health goals are, just remember that whatever you put in your body will either help you are dramatically reduce your chances of achieving the physique or athleticism that you desire.

Written by Robert Callesen

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Disclaimer:  This information has been provided by Dr. Kevin Crawford, Lubbock Sports Medicine as general information only. It is not intended for any patient or specific situation.  Exercise with care and under a doctor's supervision.

Lubbock Sports Medicine

Dr. Kevin Crawford, MD
4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79409

(806) 792-4329