What If Exercise Were More Like Healthy Eating?
David L. Katz, MD, MPH
CMO, Tangelo. Founder: Diet ID; True Health Initiative. Founding Director, Yale-Griffin PRC (1998-2019). Health Journalist. COVID Curmudgeon
If exercise were more like healthy eating- none of us would be doing it.
We would, instead, be perennially parked on the couch, on inevitably flabby backsides, watching experts argue over which is “right:” hiking, or biking? Walking, or swimming? Skiing, or skating? And so on.
We would be doing none of these, of course. Instead, we would buy a book telling us which one is best, and why. Before we were done reading it, another would come out, telling us the author of the first was misguided, or a moron, and telling us why another approach is right, and why.
We would put down the first book, and pick up the next…and then the next. But we would rarely if ever pick ourselves up, and go for a walk, or swim, or…whatever.
Maybe, at best, we would try the first a few times, find that it involved some effort, and then abandon it, waiting for the next idea to deliver the promised magic. Guess the results.
This “exercise” about exercise is rather depressing. I have an idea. Let’s flip it around.
What if healthy eating were, instead, more like exercise?
I invite you to chew on the implications while walking, swimming, riding, gliding, lifting, pumping, stretching, or simply moving…as the spirit moves you.
-fin
P.S.- if interested in seeing the "theme" of healthy (healthful, actually, but who's counting?) eating to which a global coalition of experts have pledged their common support, click here
Director, Yale University Prevention Research Center; Griffin Hospital
President, American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Founder, The True Health Initiative
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Deborah Sullivan Homes
8 年I believe, while some biology is true for all of us, we are unique . Finding the foods that provide energy, wellness and beauty for you is most important . Exercise is no different . I believe, as a member of the human race , we over analyze , scrutinize , criticize and have a need to be right much to our detriment !
Global Executive - Marketing, Branding and Creative Design
9 年@darrylpayne agree why do we need to continuously report on this topic? haven't we read enough articles?
WorkSource (Workfirst) Pierce
9 年If exercise were more like healthy eating we can change this planet earth with healtheir happy inhabitants.
Scaling and Organizing Departments | Passionate People Leader | Driving Excellence in Operations and Team Empowerment | Director of Operations & Customer Service
9 年If I understand correctly, you are saying that just as there are many ways to exercise, there are many ways to eat healthy and we should not be so obsessed with following the perfect diet but finding something that works well for each individual.
Assistant Controller -First Presbyterian Atlanta
9 年no more debates. "healthy eating" and exercise make a difference in health and well being.