15 Minutes of Exercise Cuts Snacking in Half

Individuals who want to cut back on their chocolate consumption at work should try getting up from their desk and taking a 15-minute walk, according to a new study published in the journal Appetite. The findings suggest a short burst of physical activity will keep a person’s mind off snacking and cut chocolate consumption in half.

Researchers at the University of Exeter followed 78 regular chocolate-eaters were invited to enter a simulated work environment, after two days abstinence from chocolate snacking. Two groups were asked to take a brisk 15-minute walk on a treadmill and were then given work to complete at a desk. One group was given an easy, low-stress task, while the other was asked to complete a more demanding job. The other two groups were asked to have a rest before completing the same tasks as the first two groups. Half were given an easier and the remainder a more challenging task. Chocolate was available in a bowl on the desk for all participants as they carried out their work.

Those who had exercised before working consumed on average half the amount of chocolate as the others—around 15 grams or the equivalent of a “fun-sized" candy bar , compared with 28 grams.

They found the difficulty of the task made no difference to the amount of chocolate they ate, which suggests that stress did not contribute to their cravings for sweet snacks.

“We know that snacking on high-calorie foods, like chocolate, at work can become a mindless habit and can lead to weight gain over time. We often feel that these snacks give us an energy boost, or help us deal with the stress of our jobs, including boredom," the researchers said. “People often find it difficult to cut down on their daily treats, but this study shows that by taking a short walk, they are able to regulate their intake by half."

Sources:

·                                 University of Exeter: Short walk cuts chocolate consumption in half