Exercise Harder to Eat Less

Hi, I'm Dr. Miller. Next time you exercise, I've got a tip that will motivate you to work a little bit harder. A vigorous work out may help control your appetite later on. A recent study tested the effect of different types of workout on appetite. Overweight volunteers were assigned to do a moderate-intense, or very intense 30 minute workout on a stationary bike, then they were given a small meal. You'd think that a hard workout would make them very hungry? In fact, the folks who did high or very high intensity sessions consumed fewer calories than the other volunteers. The study participants who worked the hardest ate almost 200 fewer calories than volunteers who just rested. They also reported gobbling fewer calories the day after a hard workout than they did after more moderate workout.

But you don't have to workout like an Olympian to get the appetite suppressing benefits of exercise. On days when you're tempted to skip a workout, just remember that any exercise will help you eat less than you would if you just stayed on the couch. I'm Dr. Miller. For more ways to shape up and slim down, check out all our smart tips.