Running 5 miles or more every day, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, taking group exercises….sound familiar? Most people think this is what you have to do in order to lose weight. That’s what I thought, too. But apparently, these types of physical activities do not necessarily result in weight loss.

According to The Mayo Clinic, a not-for-profit organization, exercise doesn’t have much of an impact on weight loss.  Ultimately, it’s all about the calories. But what’s more interesting is that “those for whom exercise is a daily routine often gain weight as their bodies prompt them to consume calories to make up for fuel lost during exercise.” (Source from Metro Newspaper)

I do somewhat agree with this article (well, there’s even clear evidence supporting this notion), but to be honest, I’m still a little suspicious about it. Of course, I know that you have to control your portions and watch your calories, but doesn’t saying that exercise will not lead to weight loss seem a bit ridiculous?  While exercising won’t allow you to eat whatever you want, I still think exercise can enable you to lose weight.

Okay, so like this article states, if exercising doesn’t really matter when it comes to shedding some of those extra pounds, and if people only focus on their caloric consumption without exercising, shouldn't people try to further limit their caloric intake? This may definitely help you lose weight, but I don’t know how that’s going to last and it’s going to drive you nuts! Moreover, does this apply to elite athletes such as Michael Phelps whose physically demanding training regimen requires him to consume more than 12,000 calories a day? He’s still in great shape despite his gluttonous eating habits; if he didn't exercise, his weight would surely balloon.

What’s your opinion on this article? Do you think exercise plays a limited role in weight loss?

 It’s clear that everyone’s main reason to exercise is to stay healthy—either by losing some pounds or staying in shape. In order to do that--I know this sounds cliché--you have to strike a balance between your diet and workouts.

With that being said, what’s your priority when it comes to staying fit? For example, most of my friends focus on a diet (such as a low-carb or a high-protein diet) that can either help them lose weight or stay in shape. However, I’ve noticed a lot of elite athletes are more concerned about  their diet, which helps them perform better. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying they eat whatever they want just because they exercise. Of course, they also do focus on their diet, but what I mean is that they are not afraid of taking carbs because they know that skimping on carbs will eventually make their bodies run out of fuel quickly.

Of course, we all work out to stay in shape and be healthy, but elite athletes seem to be more “at ease”  with consuming carbs and/or sweets (to a certain extent) because they know it will give them more energy and improve their workouts.

Do you work out to eat better, or do you eat to work out better?

I read an article in Metro newspaper before that there are three colors that can boost your mood, which include turquoise, violet blue, and yellow.

Here are the reasons:

(1)    Turquoise ray is a “strengthener that helps boost the immune system.” The article mentions that wearing either a yellow or a turquoise coat will help you get the benefits of the color.

(2)    Violet blue “soothes and calms the nervous system, helping us achieve peace of mind. It helps us feel more poised and settled as well as enter a more meditative mindset.”

(3)    Yellow “physically creates heat and warmth. It helps us process our thoughts, helping us fight off doubt and confusion.” It also helps overcome depression and low self-esteem. Moreover, “yellow smells create the strongest memory with the mind and directly linked to the nervous system.”

Wow.  Who would have ever thought (at least not me) that certain colors can be natural healers?  

I wonder if any other colors (say pink or green?) can boost your mood as well.

Have you noticed these three colors help boost your mood? Do you have your own “mood-boosting” color?