I've read that regular aerobic exercise actually helps keep hunger in check. I've noticed this myself -- for several hours after a (modest) workout, I am satisfied by small, light meals. Anybody know the physiological basis for this effect? Something to do with neurotransmitters?
There are three reasons I can think of:
1) Your inner organs tend to smoosh around when exercising. It takes a while before your stomach settles down. (I'm thinking specifically of running. How hungry are people after riding a roller coaster?)
2) If you dehydrate, your body suppresses hunger until water needs are met.
3) In high school health class (see, you should have stayed awake!), the three major "blood users" in the body are the brain, motor muscles, and digestive tract. You only have enough blood for 2 of the 3. Assuming that the brain wins out :) , that means exercising and digesting fight it out for the remaining resources.
There are three reasons I can think of:
1) Your inner organs tend to smoosh around when exercising. It takes a while before your stomach settles down. (I'm thinking specifically of running. How hungry are people after riding a roller coaster?)
2) If you dehydrate, your body suppresses hunger until water needs are met.
3) In high school health class (see, you should have stayed awake!), the three major "blood users" in the body are the brain, motor muscles, and digestive tract. You only have enough blood for 2 of the 3. Assuming that the brain wins out :) , that means exercising and digesting fight it out for the remaining resources.
