Less addicted to sugar after working out a lot?

Workout4Health
Workout4Health Posts: 447 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I find it odd. But before when I was just working out moderately at best and not even watching my diet, I'd always get sugar cravings, especially late at night. I'd crave milkshakes, fraps, cookies, and I'd always feel much better after eating them. But ever since I started biking long distance, doing stairs, lifting weights 6 days a week I don't crave sugar anymore. Maybe I might think about it once a week, but I'm no longer dying to have it. It seems like when I workout hard and regularly, my diet normalizes and my cravings disappear. Why is this?

Replies

  • tlicttbh
    tlicttbh Posts: 89
    I was wondering the same thing myself. When I am working out regularly, I naturally seem to eat healthier and I don't crave junk food and sweets as much. My friend is the same way. We thought maybe it is because we are in a "healthy mindset" when we are exercising. We couldn't figure out if there is any physiological reason why. We are female. I am 58. She is 47.
  • mattwhite63
    mattwhite63 Posts: 12 Member
    An overload on sugar and fats make you sick, you just don't notice it over time. After you make it through withdrawl, your body does not crave it as much. You'll also find when you do give in occasionally you'll enjoy it, but if you go overboard you'll regret it in terms of feeling sick, not just guilt :)
  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 10,029 Member
    No withdrawal symptoms for me. Once I started workout out I just didn't crave sweets, or savory snacks anymore. Switched off just like that! *snaps fingers* I've experienced that before when doing sport. I don't know why it happens but it does. The cool thing is: I can have sweets in the house now and only take one or two instead of eating the whole pack in one go. Another thing working out does, especially before dinner: it diminishes my appetite. I also don't know why but it's welcome :D
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    I naturally eat much healthier when working out and do think it's related to getting into a healthier mindset, as well as more focus, even if somewhat subconscious, on how it affects performance. It's also probably related to old habits and for me having a better stress release than oh, it's been a hard day, I'll get a cookie. I don't think it's anything about addiction.
  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 10,029 Member
    I'm more thinking along the lines of hormones. Endorphins maybe? Not sure though if the effect can be that dramatic. I usually don't feel like snacking at all at work, but usually in the evening. When I come home from work and do sports I do feel the effect at least until I go to bed.
  • stuffinmuffin
    stuffinmuffin Posts: 985 Member
    I think it's a lot to do with mindset. Exercising does seem to set you up right for the day in terms of eating.

    It is however still being questioned in the medical community as to whether sugar really is addictive. No-one puts their hand in the sugar bowl and scoops it into their mouth.
    Maybe it's craving stuff we want rather than a bonafide addiction.

    Keep up the exercise though - I totally love working out. Pre-MFP I was an utter couch-spud!
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    Wish it was the case for me.

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