It is that time of year again, where visions of chocolate treats dance in our heads. This can especially happen while we sit at our desks, tempted by holiday office treats.
But now, a new study from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, lowers the “chocolate bar” in terms of just how much chocolate you will eat if you implement a short walk.
The study published in the journal Appetite found that “A 15-minute walk can cut snacking on chocolate at work by half.
The study showed that, even in stressful situations, workers eat only half as much chocolate as they normally would after this short burst of physical activity.”
The study consisted of the nearly 80 regular chocolate eating participants who were “hired” into a simulated work environment. One of the job requirements was that they abstain from the delicacy for two days prior to the study.
The 78 “chocolate factory” enthusiasts were broken up into four groups. Two groups took a brisk 15 minute treadmill walk and were then asked to report to their desks to complete a task. One was given a more menial task while the other required more work.
Meanwhile, the other two groups were asked to take a break and rest instead of jumping on the treadmill. They too were given the same working orders with one group getting some “busy” work and the other a harder task.
Chocolate was as accessible to them as an office computer mouse, sitting right in front of them on their desks.
But what researchers found is that those who exercised ate less chocolate, about half less, to be exact, than those who merely rested. The type of work and level of difficulty was not reflected in their chocolate urges according to results.
Study leader Professor Adrian Taylor was quoted in Science Daily saying that mindless snacking on chocolate while in the office can attribute to excess weight.
“We often feel that these snacks give us an energy boost, or help us deal with the stress of our jobs, including boredom," he 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."
The University of Exeter’s findings also show evidence that “Exercise is known to have significant benefits for mood and energy levels and has potential for managing addictions.”
Sources:
“Short walk cuts chocolate consumption in half – Exeter.AC.UK.” University of Exeter. Web 8 Dec. 2011.
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/news/title_171423_en.html
Short walk cuts chocolate consumption in half – ScienceDaily.com.” Science Daily.Web 8 Dec.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207105313.htm
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training.
Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com/ She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.
Reviewed December 9, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith