Avoid chocolate with a brisk walk
Workers who are trying to avoid snacking on chocolate may benefit from taking time away from their desk to exercise, a study in the journal Appetite has found.Scientists at the University of Exeter discovered that walking for just 15 minutes halved the amount of chocolate that was subsequently consumed by study participants.
The researchers recruited 78 regular chocolate-eaters, all of whom were given tasks in a simulated work environment with a bowl of chocolate for snacking on.
Before beginning work, some of the participants spent 15 minutes on a treadmill, while the others took a rest instead.
The researchers found that those who had exercised typically consumed just 15g of chocolate, while those who had rested ate 28g, on average.
The findings suggest that brief bouts of exercise may be beneficial for those who are trying to lose weight but find it hard not to snack at their desk.
Professor Adrian Taylor, who led the research, said: "We know that snacking on high-calorie foods, like chocolate, at work can become a mindless habit and can lead to weight gain over time.
"This study shows that by taking a short walk, they are able to regulate their intake by half."
People who are trying to lose weight may want to consider swapping their usual snacks for healthier options, such as a plain currant bun instead of a blueberry muffin.
