When I train people, or go to the gym, or just talk to friends or people around, I hear them saying, "I had a bad eating day yesterday, so I have to train very hard today to make up for it".

Do you do that sometimes ? Do you eat a lot or eat badly, and then decide to hit the gym or go for a run to make up for it ?

Exercise should not be seen as a punishment for a bad eating day. Exercise should be part of your lifestyle, daily or weekly routine in the first place. If you make exercise as a "make up" tool for bad eating habits, then first of all, it's easy to stick to the bad eating habits, as you have a tool to make up for it, and on top of that, exercise will never be perceived as fun.

It is true that exercise, if done properly, has many important health benefits. However, when you eat high fat food, or sugary foods, exercise cannot erase the effects of insulin, transfat, and other junk that you eat.

Yes, you can burn off the extra calories, however, you'll be surprised to know that for some small high fat/high sugary foods, you might have to exercise for 40 minutes or more. But you cannot burn off the nutritional components that's in the high fat/high sugary foods you had to eat. And those affect your overall health, but also your ability to exercise and perform your daily tasks. As it's the nutritional value which will guarantee your body functions properly. Be it being awake during the day, the ability to concentrate properly, give you the energy to perform your job in the best possible way, as well as exercise to your upmost potential.

Also remember that if you want to lose weight, a big chunk of your weight loss success comes from a healthy balanced diet. Some experts will even go for 80% diet, and 20% exercise.

From personal experience, as well as from the feedback I get from my clients, I know that the longer you stick to healthy habits, the easier they become, and become part of you.

So as much as you can burn of the extra calories, exercise cannot replace a healthy diet. Exercise is complementary to a healthy diet, NOT a substitute.

If you need help with your diet, or exercise routine, contact me, Anne Iarchy, Personal Trainer Barnet and North London, on 07880627944 or email me at anne@barnetpersonaltrainer.co.uk