Everyone has an Opinion, Part One

And today, you get to hear mine!

Do exercise and P2 mix? Well, according to Pounds and Inches by Dr. Simeon, no, they really don't. He says not to start any exercise program while on this protocol. He does say that you may continue any program that you are currently doing. So you say, well, what if I have been working out, lifting weights, running 2-3 miles, I should be able to continue, right?

Well I say WRONG! First and foremost, when Dr. Simeon wrote this, Jack Lalane was the exercise guru of the world! Who remembers seeing his black and white exercise show on TV? ( OK folks, I'm not THAT old...I was really little, and it was already syndicated!) Well, he would do jumping jacks, sit ups, and then this "jiggle belt" thing. It was a piece of equipment that had a belt that went around your hips, and it "jiggled" your hips away, ( I guess)

No one ran 3 miles after work, or bench pressed 300 lbs., or did jazzercise, cycled, or swam! People "strolled" after dinner for exercise!

So what happens within your body when you exercise?

First, lets understand where your body stores its' fuel, and in what quantities.

Carbohydrates:
Blood glucose: 80 calories
Liver glycogen: 300-400 calories
Muscle glycogen: 1200-1800 calories

Fat:
Blood fatty acids: 7 cals
Serum triglycerides: 75 cals
Muscle triglycerides: 2,700 cals
Adipose tissue triglycerides: 80,000 cals

Protein:
Muscle protein: 30,000 cals

As you can see, even skinny people have enough adipose tissue to fuel ALOT of SOME kind of activity! I know that you are thinking, "See, you CAN exercise, look at the fuel! "

But hold on! Basically, your body uses 2 distinct energy systems to function. aerobic, and anaerobic. Aerobic refers to moderate and steady. Walking, talking, cleaning, cooking, and the rest of daily activities are aerobic, while running, doing any type of cardio, weights etc, involve both the aerobic and anerobic systems.

And guess which system uses which fuel? You got it! Aerobic uses primarily the fat fuel, and anerobic uses the carbohydrate fuel.

Tomorrow I'll talk about how your body draws upon its' fuel reserves.

Becca, Biz and Monica: My theories and $2.50 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks! LOL