How to Apply the 80 Diet 20 Exercise Theory
The question now is, how are we going to apply the 80:20 rule? You need to cut about 80% of your calorie deficit through diet and burn about 20% of your deficit through exercise. Of course, if you are really determined about quantifying everything, you can use your BMR, TDEE, and calorie deficit to better compute what you consume. But the main point of the 80:20 rule is to focus more of your attention on diet and nutrition, and less on physical workouts.
Remember that the examples above are simply meant for explanation – each person is different and therefore has different needs.
So, Is Exercise Dispensable?
Absolutely not. Exercise remains to be a vital aspect of losing weight. According to Michele Olson, Ph.D. of the Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama, without exercise, only a portion of your weight loss will come from fat. Not exercising will drive your body to lose muscle and bone density, she adds.
Furthermore, experts say that eating less will drive the body to resist weight loss. As you lose weight, your metabolism may slow down. You can speed it up again through working out, so exercise is still necessary.
Key Takeaways
With regards to losing weight, the numbers may change. Experts like nutritional biochemist Shawn M. Talbott, Ph.D., says that “weight loss is generally 75% diet and 25% exercise.”
However, the bottom line is that many experts believe that losing weight should be more about nutrition than it is about exercise. But they also emphasize that sweating is important. After all, a workout is not just about losing weight – it is also about maintaining good cardio health and circulation, promoting bone and muscle health, and other health concerns.
The 80 diet 20 exercise theory may be a good starting point for some people who want to lose weight. Be attuned to what your body needs, nourish it with good, clean fuel, and incorporate more physical activity.
Learn more about Healthy Eating here.
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