Working Out to Eat

For years after my first son was born I was able to conquer my cravings for sweet or salty foods, or just junk food in general.  I’ll admit it, deep down I’m a big snacker.  But I didn’t want to gain any of the weight I worked so hard to lose after pregnancy.  My running has helped me control my weight and motivated me to eat healthier and ignore most temptations. 

Lately though, I’ve come to the realization that I now run to eat – not lose weight like I used to, but just to maintain my current status.  

Of course I am aware that my appetite is always bigger when I’m consistent with my workout schedule.  But my will power has diminished greatly, and while I still try to fight it as often as I can, I’m not winning that battle as often these days. 

In a discussion with some friends the other day, I found it interesting that we all agree on the importance of our workout routines for better health, but with growing kids who have their own growing appetites, we tend to do too much snacking on their treats, which we would have never considered a few years ago.

And while I used to bake the cookies and concoct special treats for my boys without partaking in the consumption, I’ve somewhat given up on fighting the urge to give something a try, especially when I’m getting a rewarding “compliments to the chef, mom”.

One girlfriend summed it up well for me – “…just think of all those women on the Titanic who passed up the dessert table…”

I’m curious, do you work out just so you can eat more, or are you able to still control the temptations?  And if so, HOW?