Are You Exercising And Gaining Weight?

Research confirms that intense exercise affects the sexes very differently. According to the August 11, issue of First, 75 percent of women (versus just 9 percent of men) end up eating more calories than they burn! And we're talking 80 percent more calories than usual! So what should you do to combat becoming ravenous after working out? Have a snack that contains protein and carbohydrates 30 minutes before exercising. This preempts post-workout hunger by giving the brain time to register fullness. Plus, the food combo prolongs satiation. Try 2 Tbs. of peanut butter on a few rice crackers. Or, the August 2008, issue of Prevention suggests a few, good, post-exercise snacks, depending on what you did, to refuel without eating back all the calories you burned.

• If you walked for 30 minutes, just have a glass of water.
• For 45 minutes of cardio intervals, snack on a 100-calorie snack, like a cup of fat-free yogurt and handful of Cheerios.
• Go for a 6-mile power walk? Eat a 150-calorie snack, like half a PB&J sandwich. (light on the PB)
• And if one hour of strength-training is what you did today, eat a regular meal within half an hour of finishing your session.