As we've already mentioned, the key to managing your weight is balancing calorie intake and calorie expenditure.
But exercise has more benefits than simply burning calories.
First, strength training helps your body make good use of carbs. Your body can either use carbs as fuel or store them as fat, and you probably prefer the first option.
Second, it breaks down your body's fat stores. Fat is your body's preferred fuel for low- to medium-intensity activities.
Third, it helps you maintain muscle mass when losing weight. Otherwise, you risk losing muscle along with fat. This can make you weaker and more fragile, as well as slow down your metabolism.
Last but not least, exercise helps you overcome depression and anxiety. These mental health issues are known to mess with your appetite, making you overeat or binge on junk food. Of course, if exercising alone doesn't help, talk to a mental health professional who can suggest more treatment options!
You don't have to go overboard with exercise and try to burn 1,000 calories a day. Start with short but regular exercise sessions. You'll be amazed by how effective they can be!
