Why Would You Want To?

The headline on Live Science yesterday prompted my headline above:

Health
Brisk Walk Can Curb Chocolate Cravings

The article then goes on:

Researchers at the University of Exeter had 25 regular chocolate eaters abstain from their favorite snack for three days. They were then assigned to either take a brisk 15-minute walk or to rest.

The participants then performed tasks that would normally increase their chocolate jones, including a mental challenge and opening a chocolate bar. The walkers reported lower cravings both during the walk and for about 10 minutes afterward. They were also less likely to be tempted by unwrapping the candy bar.

Walking has been shown before to reduce cravings for nicotine and other drugs; the new findings, detailed online in the journal Appetite, suggest the same can apply to cravings for munchies.

Well that last paragraph is certainly true which is why the headline of the original article was a no-brainer. Cravings are found deep in the pleasure centers of the brain. They are beyond and below conscious thought, but they can be lessened and stopped. One of the best ways is some physical exercise which also stimulates the pleasure center- or at least distracts you.

Chocolate also has chemicals that temporarily boost our mood, making it particularly attractive under times of stress or when just sitting around. Though one scientist says it’s the temptation of chocolate that makes it so irresistible.

Walking can have the same mood-regulating effect, without all the sugar, fat and calories.

"Short bouts of physical activity can help to regulate how energized and pleasant we feel, and with a sedentary lifestyle we may naturally turn to mood-regulating behaviors such as eating chocolate," Taylor said.

So if you feel like you need a chocolate fix- take a walk. Just make sure it isn't to the candy store.