I remember watching my parents when I was younger. They stayed in fairly good shape, but did the normal thing we do in adulthood--gaining and losing the same15-20 lbs throughout the years. 

I couldn't have asked for better role models. But my dad. He's old school. And I remember whenever he'd decide it was time to drop some l-bs, he'd go (say this out loud with a wicked-thick Boston accent), "I just gutta staht joggin' again, honey." 

Jogging. 

It's funny because that was the thing, wasn't it? In the 80s, people ran all over the place. And they were eating pasta and bread like it was going out to style, and thus began the obesity epidemic. Not saying that carboholicism single-handedly propelled us into obesity, but it's something to think about considering people were also exercising more than ever.

So, this begs the question: Which is more important? Nutrition or exercise when it comes to weight loss?

I hear people say all the time that they "just need to get to the gym more" or "increase my cardio a bit" or "start working out more." And I'd argue that most people could use more gym time. But I'm not convinced that with only an extra hour to spare in the day, that 60 minutes on the elliptical is the best use of that time when it comes to impact. Could be used more effectively in the kitchen ...

Why? Because when it comes to fat loss, nutrition is the gross control, while exercise is the fine control. 

I like to think of exercise as a way to build a physique. Want more curves? Squat. Want to add some girth to your shoulders, train delts. Helps boost mood: want an amazing mental high? Run sprints. Exercise is incredible for so many reasons, but I'm not convinced it's the best fat loss tool.

Nutrition, on the other hand, helps us burn fat over time. When we eat in accordance with what will keep our cravings and hunger low and our energy high, our caloric intake will naturally be such that we can lose fat. 

Easier said, than done, yes? :) In other words, when we are focusing on eating the right foods more often (lean protein, plenty of veggies, fruit, water, etc), we are naturally more satisfied and satiated, so the urge to overindulge is simply less automatically. This is a practice and it happens over time. You don't just "get it" and you're good to go. Metabolic Effect's nutrition philosophy says, "Fat loss is a practice, not a protocol." You don't find a diet, you CREATE the right eating strategy FOR YOU, over time and with body awareness. 

Nutrition helps us burn fat. Exercise is great, but if we rely on it exclusively as the #1 tool for weight loss, we are going to get in trouble. Here are 6 reasons right here. 

So next time you have a spare hour, consider spending that mental space and physical time getting your mind right around your nutrition. Ask, how can I set myself up for success by staying 90% tight 100% of the time. 

You don't have to be perfect (in fact, perfection is an illusion), but you do have to recognize that focus is finite, and if you spend every second of your day trying to get in every last minute of cardio you can, that leaves very little mental energy to make the right choices when you belly up to the dinner table.

So. Is exercise important? Yep! But nutrition is too, and I'd argue that giving the majority of your mental attention and physical time to eating properly (instead of just upping your 'jogging'--sorry Dad! ;)) will pay bigger dividends in the fat loss game. 

Let me know your thoughts! Do you focus too much on exercise to the detriment of your nutrition? Or do you prioritize nutrition, do your best and exercise intensely when you can? Have you found your perfect balance? Drop me a message on the JillFit Facebook page!

Ox, Jill