Finding Caloric Balance

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Sometimes I will go for a long run or push through an intense spin class and burn tons of calories.

And for the next 24 hours my appetite is huge.

But how many extra calories did I really earn?

I would prefer to not eat back all the calories I just burned, yet sometimes I actually eat back more than what I burned with extra snacks/meal additions alone.

Since losing weight is about a calorie deficit and maintaining weight is about balance, these little overages just aren't going to work (on a daily basis... Christmas, weekends and birthdays are a different story!).

So let's look at the numbers:

One hour aerobics= -422

One Starbucks Grande Mocha Frapp= +380 cal.

One hour cycling= -563

One extra serving pasta= +500

Numbers are just approximates to get us thinking...

My best trick to keeping crazy-exercise-appetite in control is eating slightly larger but balanced meals. A complete breakfast leaves me less likely to overdo it with the candy because I am just so hungry!

Sometimes it feels like we've earned a refreshing Frapp or a second helping of pasta, but what we've really earned is an overall happier and healthier self.

How does exercise affect your appetite? How do you deal with it? Any tips?