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How to choose a healthy post-workout snack

Researchers recently examined the effects of choosing a post-workout snack before and after a workout.

Working out, or exercising, plays an important role in our lives. It can help with the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases such as anxiety, depression, heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes. Also, working out can promote an overall good sense of emotional well-being.

Exercise is also important for weight loss; however, it is most effective when coupled with healthy dietary choices. The calories that are shed during a workout (“energy expenditure”), combined with healthy food choices (“energy intake”) are important factors in weight loss.

Conflicting thoughts on the effects of exercise on eating patterns

However, exercising can increase food consumption due to the release of dopamine in the brain. This is known as compensatory eating. Sometimes, this can result in unhealthy post-workout snacks. On the other hand, some studies have shown that exercise can help enable appetite control, and well thought-out eating patterns, resulting in healthier food choices.  It is expected that if an individual chooses a post-workout snack immediately before eating it, they are more likely to make an unhealthy choice.

In a study published by Nutrients, researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Recreational and Wellness Center in the United States focused on the effect of timing when choosing a post-workout snack. The study included both male and female participants.

Prior to their workout, participants were asked which snack they would prefer post-workout – an apple (healthy) or a brownie (unhealthy). Participants were told that the study was focused on adjusting sensors associated with differing exercises. Researchers told participants that they could choose from an apple or a brownie as a reward for participating, though not the case.

One group (137 participants) was asked which post-workout snack they would like within approximately an hour (“before” group), this was asked before their workout. Another group (119 participants) was asked which post-workout snack they would like immediately, this was asked after their workout (“after” group). There was an option to not choose either of the foods.

Within the “before” group, 19 (14%) participants chose the brownie, while 101 (74%) participants chose the apple. Of the participants, 17 did not choose a post-workout snack. Within the “after” group, 24 (20%) participants chose the brownie, while 65 (55%) participants chose the apple. Thirty participants did not choose a post-workout snack.

Individuals choosing snacks after a workout were more likely to make an unhealthy choice

Apple choice decreased greatly within the “after” group. This places a strong significance on the timing of choosing a post-workout snack ahead of time. Interestingly, it was noted that overweight or obese participants were not as likely to choose the brownie in comparison to participants of “normal” weight. Researchers predict that overweight and obese participants were likely extremely determined to shed pounds.

A limitation of this study was that researchers did not delve into gender effects on post-workout snack choices. The authors note that results from previous studies reveal that women are more likely to eat healthier than men. This is because females tend to have a little more self-control than males. Furthermore, researchers did not assess participants’ hunger prior to their workouts. Future studies on this topic should analyze participants’ pre-exercise hunger levels.

Overall, this study highlights the importance of choosing a post-workout snack before exercising in order to avoid any overtly indulgent eating behaviours.

Written by Laura Laroche, HBASc, Medical Writer

References:

  1. Gustafson, Christopher R., et al. “Exercise and the Timing of Snack Choice: Healthy Snack Choice is Reduced in the Post-Exercise State.” Nutrients. December 7, 2018. 1-11. Online.
  2. Looking to choose a healthy post-workout snack? Decide early, study says. 2019, https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-01/uon-ltc013119.php, assessed 14 Feb. 2019.

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