AIBU to think you CAN outrun a bad diet?

[HotLatteontherunplease]

Well, am I? Runners? Have you been able to keep eating whatever you want aslong as you run enough to burn it off. All advice I have read has been that obese people cannot outrun a bad diet but I know many people whose story is just that. They were obese or overweight, did couch to 5k, got hooked on running and lost half their body weight through running!

Can this really happen or are all the before and after pictures lying?!

I can't believe how few calories running actually burns.

It's just not worth eating junk if I have to run 5k to burn off a measly peanut butter sandwich!

It all depends on how bad the diet is and how far you are willing to run. For most people I know, a running habit helps them not bother to watch what they eat. They may have healthier cardio system, but they are still not overweight.

I wouldn't let the idea that you can't outrun bad eating habits put you off from taking up running. Being healthier in some ways is still an improvement to your life and it might yet help you want to eat well enough to lose weight.

For me timing is crucial. I normally tend to eat most junk at around 11am. If I get myself out of the house before 11am by running then I lose the most amount of weight. I would automatically skip mid morning snack feast and wait for lunch, without the need for any additional snacks (plain water is enough).

@managedmis - I disagree - I think you get a good deal when it comes to exercise and burning calories.

Eg. time wise - a 5k takes only 30 mins to complete, whereas a peanut butter sarnie would fill me up for at least an hour.

Also, on top of that, unless I'm out for ages, often I find that exercise balances out my appetite - so if I've eaten enough I don't want to snack.

I can run&pretty much eat what i like but not lose weight-so id be maintaining..the minute i cut the cals back i notice a big change You'll end up wanting to fuel up adequately ,especially before&after prolonged or intense cardio-otherwise you're not giving your body what it needs to work at its optimum/makes gains/recovery&depriving yourself of quick results..healthful eating&exercise getsbig results&when you realise how much exercise needsto be done to burn what you eat you'll reconsider empty calories most of the time!!

Yes, myfamily, but I just wouldn't enjoy running 5ks enough to merit enough a pb sandwich!

Ha, fair enough @managed!
(...I quite enjoy running (albeit slowly!) - in the hills, fresh air, chance to talk shit, spot wildlife - lush!)

I think exercise does mentally help to combat the junk eating as it makes you less stressed and sleep better etc.

But yes I agree with PP that it's easier to just eat less/better to lose weight than to try and exercise it off (most people overestimate how much exercise burns off I think).

Exercise should be done for its own sake and health benefits rather than seen as something to lose weight IMO.