Maximizing your potential with two resolutions
In the new year, many people are resolving to exercise more and eat less. But nutritionists and fitness experts say the problem is it almost never works. Some even suggest exactly the opposite. ... exercise less and eat more.
Why? One theory: You start your diet and in the beginning, you lose weight. But then, if you're eating very little food, your muscles aren't getting any energy, so your body goes after the muscles to pull out sugars and energy.
According to a fitness expert interviewed by NBC News, that signals the metabolism (the engine that runs your body) to slow down and conserve calories. Some experts advise eating on a regular basis to keep your metabolism moving. That means eating something (not a big meal, but something) every three to three and half hours. In fact, your metabolism revs up in the first hour after a meal.
As for exercising, some fitness experts say you can see success with short workouts every other day - just 12 to 30 minutes each time. That creates a habit of getting to exercise. And you should always include some strength training with a little bit of cardio. The pros say you have to be realistic and know what your capabilities are.
