Exercising may lead to healthier eating

November 28, 2011

I often repeat the word “turnover” to myself when I’m out running as a reminder to aim for faster turnover (smaller steps, more of them at a faster pace). Often it works, but sometimes I just start craving apple turnovers, and in fact once ran straight to the grocery store–all sweaty in my running gear–to buy some (except they were out, drat!).

(For the most part, though, I’ll eat a fairly practical and healthy meal after a run, in case you were wondering–would feel terribly guilty to dig into something crazy fatty right afterwards–I save that for rest days so I don’t have to feel guilty, ha ha!)

In any case, a new review published in Obesity Reviews has found that working out may cause changes in your brain that lead to healthier eating. Regular exercise enhances our brain’s inhibitory control, so we’re better equipped to resist making impulsive diet choices (such as apple turnovers!).

(And that sign pictured above? One I spotted in Hong Kong this summer–and you know what I would’ve done had I had the time? Popped in for some cake. I do so heart cake!)

Filed under: Diet,Fitness Swellness,Healthy Swellness,Travel Swellness

Tags: brain, cake, control cravings, cravings, exercise, physical activity