Walk away from snacking

December 12, 2011, 3:49 pmmenshealth

Next time you find yourself mindlessly scoffing food at work, go for a walk. The brisk exercise will help you cut your snacking habit in half, reports the University of Exeter.

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Researchers split 78 chocolate lovers into two groups and asked half to walk briskly on a treadmill for 15 minutes. Afterwards, the study participants completed either low- or high-stress work at their desks. The researchers provided each participant with a bowl of chocolate treats, giving everyone the option of snacking while on the job. They found that those who spent time on a treadmill beforehand ate roughly half as much chocolate.

The exercise you get from brisk walking likely increases your brain’s endorphin levels, says study author Dr Adrian Taylor. Studies have shown endorphins play a role in appetite suppression, which may explain why the walkers were less likely to eat the treats.

So if you find yourself reaching for a sugary snack, suppress your craving with a brisk 15-minute walk. Or here’s another no-brainer: don’t keep a bowl of chocolate on your desk.

– Markham Heid

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