Yes, you generally can eat more if you exercise, as exercise increases your calorie expenditure.
Here's a breakdown:
- Increased Calorie Expenditure: Exercise burns calories. The more you exercise, the more calories you burn.
- Fueling Your Body: Think of your body like a car, as the reference explains. "If you have a car, you put gas into it. If you drive only 20 miles, you need less gas than if you're driving 100 miles. The same is true with our bodies." When you exercise, you increase your calorie expenditure and you need more food.
- Listening to Your Body: The reference also states: “Your body is your best calorie counter”. Pay attention to your hunger cues. Exercise can increase your appetite, signaling that your body needs more fuel.
Essentially, exercising allows you to consume more calories to fuel your activity and recovery, compared to a sedentary lifestyle.
