If I work off the calories I ate, will that be the same as not eating them?

Question

If I ate something that came out to be 400 calories, and I exercised and worked off 400 calories. Is that the same as not eating it in the first place?

Answer 1

It just depends. What are you eating? If you're eating a piece of cake that is void in any nutrients, then no. Especially if it's high in fat.

Are you eating something relatively healthy, but kind of high in calories (steak, beans, etc.) Then you're okay. Still wouldn't eat something high in fat.

400 calories is a lot to burn. This is based on 150lbs, so if you weigh less than that, you will burn fewer calories. These are examples of things that will burn 400 calories in 30 minutes:

Water Jogging
Track & Field: steeplechase, hurdles
Swimming: butterfly
Skiing: cross-country, vigorous, 5.0 - 7.9 mph
Running: on track, team practice
Running: cross-country
Bicycling: 14-15.9 mph, leisure racing, fast, vigorous

Answer 2

essentially, if you are just concerned with weight, then yes, you worked off that food. however, if you're concerned with overall nutrition and wellness, burning 400 calories isn't the same as eating 400 calories. the type of calories counts - were they empty calories (processed food) or nutritious calories? an example of a long term effect of those calories - if high in saturated fat, you'll still have the build-up in your arteries. so don't hoard food thinking you're burning it all off.

Answer 3

A better thing to do would be to pay attention to your body's hunger and satiety signals. Eat balanced (try making sure that you have 3 different kinds of meat per week, snack on various nuts and fruits/ veggies with areity of colors). If you aren't hungry, don't eat it. Then you won't ever have excess. Then, excersise at a reasonable level for your age and health. Aim at health, not weight.

Answer 4

No it is not. The nutrients get absorbed into the blood stream & build you up too...