For starters, some research suggests exercise doesn’t always cause hunger but can curb it.
“It may be that your body needs to circulate more blood to prevent overheating,” Stensel explains.
And unfortunately, the desire to refuel may hit women harder than it does men.
What’s up with the sexist hunger hormones?
Here’s where frequent exercise can save the day (and our waistline).
Add to all that a bangin' bod, and a passing case of tummy growls is no biggie.
A great sweat session can make you feel like a health angelfor good reason, given its life-enhancing power.
Ah, the afterburn effect.
That’s when your body uses energy to return to a resting state.
I melted mega calories this morning.
I can eat what I want today.
Research shows we grossly overestimate our sizzle.
The bottom lineDon’t just guess your calories burned; tally them in a reliable way usingour calculator.
For most women, a brisk walk zaps 5 calories per minute (225 in 45 minutes).
I kicked boot camp booty.
I deserve a treat after my hard work.
True, but reward yourself with food and you’re likely to stall your slim-down.
Try inedible rewards such as a relaxing pedicure or new songs for your workout playlist.
Those will be the first calories to go.
The bottom lineSweets are best in moderationand not before the gym.
Or it could totally set you back.
Don’t waste a perfectly good workout by downing the wrong nutrients.
Check your schedule, then find the foods that can help you scorch calories at peak speed.
How long do you plan to exercise?
Less than 60 minutes, low intensityI can carry on a convo without gasping.
“But be sure you’re not dehydrated or hungry, or you’ll fatigue faster.”
Best bite:A piece of fruit and a bottle ofwaterprovide a small boost without weighing you down.
A mix of low-glycemic foods offer a long charge.
(running, swimming,Spinning)
My workout is in less than an hour.
If you have a meal shortly beforehand, sloshing undigested food could cause a stomachache.
Haven’t eaten recently?
Enjoy a small snack with simple carbs for a speedy pick-me-up.
Best bite:One slice of white toast with jelly or a sports drink like Gatorade.
Skip whole grains in this situation; they’re harder to digest.
My workout is in more than an hour.Have a meal with low-GI foods to optimize fat burn.
Carbs (muscles' main energy source) are key for tougher workouts.
The three digest at slow but varying rates, so you have more staying power.
(running,swimming, Spinning)
My workout is in less than an hour.
Reach for something light (100 to 200 calories) to give your muscles pep, pronto.
Know what you’re in for to one-up your biology.
Running orbikingIf you went hard, you might not feel hungry for another hour.
SwimmingTaking a dip really works up an appetite.
Try an egg on whole-wheat toast or 12 cup lowfat cottage cheese.
Get your Down Dog on!
Do I need to eat while I work out?
If it’s an intense, 90-minute-plus session, yes.
Carbohydrates (sport drinks, a banana) are best because your body digests them quickly, replenishing energy.
Aim for 100 to 250 calories per hour after the first hour.
I’ve heard A.M. workouts on an empty stomach burn more fat.
Do certain foods cause cramps?
What can I eat to up my stamina?
Try sipping beetroot juice.
Beets contain a compound that seems to aid oxygen supply to muscles, so you last longer.
