5 Myths About Running, Calories and Weight Loss

Despite their apparent leanness, too many runners are discontent with their body fat. All too often, I hear seemingly lean marathoners express extreme frustration with their inability to lose undesired bumps and bulges:

Am I the only runner who has ever gained weight when training for a marathon?

Why does my husband lose weight when he starts running and I don't?

For all the exercise I do, I should be pencil-thin. Why can't I simply lose a few pounds?

Clearly, weight loss is not simple and often includes debunking a few myths. Perhaps this article will offer some insights that will lead to success with your weight loss efforts.

More: 5 Weight-Loss Myths Debunked

Myth: You must exercise in order to lose body fat.

To lose body fat, you must create a calorie deficit. You can create that deficit by:

  • Exercising, which improves your overall health and fitness, or
  • Eating fewer calories.

Even injured runners can lose fat, despite a lack of exercise. The complaint "I gained weight when I was injured because I couldn't run" could more correctly be stated "I gained weight because I mindlessly overate for comfort and fun."

More: Injured Runners: How to Eat to Recover Fast

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About the Author

Nancy Clark 

Sports nutritionist Nancy Clark MS RD CSSD has a private practice in the Boston-area (Newton; 617-795-1875), where she helps both fitness exercisers and competitive athletes create winning food plans. Her best-selling Sports Nutrition Guidebook, and food guides for marathoners, cyclists and soccer players, as well as teaching materials, are available at www.nancyclarkrd.com. For online workshops, visit www.NutritionSportsExerciseCEUs.com.

Sports nutritionist Nancy Clark MS RD CSSD has a private practice in the Boston-area (Newton; 617-795-1875), where she helps both fitness exercisers and competitive athletes create winning food plans. Her best-selling Sports Nutrition Guidebook, and food guides for marathoners, cyclists and soccer players, as well as teaching materials, are available at www.nancyclarkrd.com. For online workshops, visit www.NutritionSportsExerciseCEUs.com.

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