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Watch Diet Despite Exercise

Stepping up activity? Be careful not to lose track of calories.

Can exercise keep you from losing weight? If you fall into the trap of thinking you can eat more because you’re exercising, that’s exactly what may happen, according to recent research.

In one study, young women who exercised an average of 73 minutes a week lost 3 pounds; those who exercised 136 minutes lost 4 pounds. Yet, those who participated in physical activity for an average of 190 minutes lost only 3 pounds though they should have lost about 6 pounds. What happened? Some of the women admitted to eating more than usual.

It’s easier than you think to overcompensate for the calories you burn through exercise. Use a journal to record both exercise and calories consumed to help you track patterns so you don’t unknowingly defeat your weight management efforts.