Great news about exercise: recent research demonstrates that 45 minutes of moderate - vigorous exercise in the am may reduce food cravings. What's particularly interesting is the fact that exercise, if done first thing in the am, on an empty stomach has been shown to be particularly beneficial. And, your selection of food may also play a significant role in decreasing feelings of hunger afterward.("How Exercise Influences Hunger and Weight Loss"Dr. Mercola)
What are the benefits of exercising on an empty stomach?
Research has shown that exercising on an empty stomach is great for preventing weight gain and insulin resistance. According to the article "How Exercise influences hunger and weight loss," this is because the body's fat burning processes are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, and this SNS, is activated by exercise and lack of food. (Remember the "flight vs. fight? The SNS revs us up to prepare us to do either of those. So it makes sense that the metabolism would speed up).
Exercise may make us feel full longer
According to the Dr. Mercola article, the 2011 Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior, revealed that exercise may control body weight by altering hormones released by the gut after a meal. I have noted this to be true with myself; after exercising or walking, the appetite does seem to be more controlled. It's just keeping the exercise program going.
Tips for exercising
Make sure that you don't carry the exercising on an empty stomach too far: because that can cause problems as well. It is recommended that when you exercise on an empty stomach, make sure that you have your recovery meal within 30 minutes. (Whey protein is suggested in the study) Make sure that you don't have fructose as this can sabotage the efforts. For example, sugary sports drinks and flavored water. Then eat sensibly during the day. Make sure to get the okay from your health care provider before beginning any exercise program.
Source:
"How Exercise Influences Hunger and Weight Loss" Dr. Mercola
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