Pizza and Supermodels

When you were about twelve years-old did you ever play a game that went something like this, "Would you rather make out with Pimple Faced Janet, or lick the bottom or your sneaker?"

Well, this simple game tends to go away as we grow older, Janet loses her pimples, moves to France and becomes a supermodel. However, this simple game could definitely help some in the prevention of over-eating. TIME recently published an article that came to the conclusion that exercise actually does not prevent us from gaining weight. I get what they are saying, but it is actually the amount we eat after working out that does this. But, I'm not really disagreeing with their conclusions because the research is sound, and also it is COMMON SENSE!

Let me rephrase that. It is A LOT easier to prevent weight gain or decrease your weight with eating habits than exercise, but the only way to increase your lean body mass naturally is exercise (not to mention all the other benefits of exercise).

Scenario: Friday night. Janet has come back from France. Party. You and your friends decide on pizza (Janet still loves pizza although it looks like she hasn't eaten any in a while). Three slices (300 Cals each) are yours along with 4 non-light beers (150 Cals each, you think light beers are for sissies).

Caloric total = 1500! Hmm... lets bring back that 'Would you rather' game.

Would you rather eat all that or instead eat two slices and four light beers (1000 Calories total) and spend one less hour on the treadmill?

The decision seems pretty simple to me. It takes five seconds to ask yourself that question above, or it takes, well, one hour to burn off the extras. So what are you going to do with one extra hour in your day? I'm probably going to spend it at the gym with my wife anyway, but I suggest you use it to get to know Janet a little better.