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What happens if you eat less calories and exercise more?
“If you just try to eat less and exercise more, most people will lose that battle. Metabolism wins,” says Ludwig. “Simply looking at calories is misguided at best and potentially harmful because it disregards how those calories are affecting our hormones and metabolism—and ultimately our ability to stick to a diet.”
Can you eat more calories if you exercise?
Studies on this topic are mixed, but it appears that some people may be more naturally prone to eat more after exercise. Some people do this simply because they’re hungrier, but others appear to eat more because they believe they burned more calories than they actually did (3).
Should you eat more on workout days?
For athletes and highly active individuals, aim to eat 10-20g of high-quality protein within 30 minutes of exercise to maximize muscle recovery. Then, eat regularly throughout the rest of the day to continue recovery. The recommendation is 0.25-0.3g/kg post-workout.
How many calories do you burn when you exercise?
For the average exerciser trying to lose or maintain weight (i.e. someone who burns an additional 200-500 calories a few times per week), exercise calories don’t make up a significant portion of overall calorie burn, generally in the 1500-2200 per day range.
Is being on a calorie deficit the best way to lose weight?
Being on a caloric deficit is one of the tried and true ways to lose weight. Many experts and doctors will tell you that the first step to shedding a couple of extra pounds is to cut down on how much you eat and aim to burn more calories than you consume.
Should you eat all of your calories back when you exercise?
Unless you’re exercising at a moderate to high intensity for an hour or more, several times a week, or are actively trying to gain weight, you most likely don’t need to be worried about eating all of those calories back.
What happens if you don’t eat enough calories?
Large calorie deficits over time, whether through calorie restriction, exercise or a combination of the two, can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor or dietitian if you are unsure about how many calories (exercise or otherwise) you should be consuming.