Happy New Year!
An article by Elena Conis last week in the Los Angeles Times covered the topic of “the post-workout binge” — a topic so familiar to scientists that they’ve named it “compensation”. As the article states, “researchers are now trying to figure out what makes some people compensate while others don’t.” Clearly, a runner’s tendency to compensate affects her ability to lose weight, if that’s a goal.
Studies on the effects of exercise on weight loss find that there are some people who lose a lot of weight, some who lose little, and some who lose nothing. It’s still a mystery as to why people respond differently in their eating habits after exercise.
A few things can help……
- Remember that people usually overestimate the number of calories burned while running. Forty-five to sixty minutes on the treadmill, for example, burns about 450 calories.
- If you wonder how many calories you consume, try the online calculator at www.mypyramidtracker.gov.
- If you’re increasing your exercise, know that people start “compensating” a few days after a new, increased regime. Knowing that may help restrain cravings for excess calories.
For a copy of the article, click here.
Thanks to Larry, I also now use portion control. Restaurant are way too big. We ask for a doggy bag or split a meal. Trying to do the same at home, serving less and not eating seconds.
Comment by Carmel Papworth-Barnum — January 7, 2010 @ 8:51 pm