Are You a Gamer? Here’s How Your Hobby Could Impact Your Weight

Good news for gamers : A recent study published in the journal Social Science and Medicine revealed that only a small correlation exists between playing video games and carrying excess weight. In fact, after conducting a meta-analysis of 20 studies collectively including nearly 40,000 people, researchers found the difference in body mass between gamers and non-gamers to be less than one percent.

Here’s where it gets especially interesting: For their analysis, the researchers only examined studies of sedentary video gamers—meaning those included in the study weren’t benefitting from the calorie burn that active games like bowling or dancing can deliver.

But before you decide to ditch your diet in favor of a day-long Mario Kart™ session, know this: There are some mistakes gamers make that can cause them to pack on the pounds while they play.

5 Reasons You Can’t Fall Asleep at Night

Read More

If gaming is a hobby of yours, make sure to avoid these five mistakes that can lead to weight gain:

1. You Mindlessly Munch

gamers

Did you ever make a big bowl of popcorn to enjoy during movie night with the family only to look down 10 minutes into the movie and realize you’ve hit the bottom of the bowl? You’re not alone: Studies suggest that eating while distracted—like you are while watching television—can prompt you to eat more. Which means if you opt for a snack while playing a video game, you could end up overeating.

Stick to regular meal times and if you’re going to snack, pour a single serving into a bowl and leave the bag in the kitchen. This way, you won’t mindlessly devour an entire bag of snacks while you play.

And don’t stop patrolling portions after you power down: Multiple studies have linked distracted eating to an increase in consumption at subsequent meals—regardless of hunger.

2. You Replace Other Activities

gamers

While everyone deserves to enjoy some leisure time, it’s important to remember that there are only so many hours in the day. And when you spend a chunk of those hours in front of a TV trying to beat your best score, chances are good you’re subtracting hours from other important tasks, like exercising or prepping healthy meals and snacks for the week.

Since it can become very easy to lose track of time while you’re in the midst of a heated game, try setting a curfew for your game playing. Set an alarm to go off on your phone when it’s time to power down, and have a plan for what you’ll do when that alarm goes off.

Head outside for a nice long walk. Or sign up for a workout class with a friend later in the day. Bringing a friend in on the action will ensure you’re held accountable and won’t let the “One more game” syndrome cause you to miss the class.

3. You Skip Social Events

skip social events

Don’t let your gaming hobby interfere with your social life, or you could see the number on the scale start to creep up. According to a 2014 study, loneliness and social isolation can lead to an increase in sugar intake. Another study from the same year revealed a link between loneliness and binge eating disorder.

Enjoy your gaming hobby, but don’t let it consume your social life. Being around the people you love will ensure you feel fulfilled by something other than food.

7 Sneaky Reasons You’re Not Losing Weight

Read More

4. You Forget to Get Outside

forget to get outside

Spending time outdoors can elevate your mood, increase your vitamin D levels, improve your concentration, and get you moving more. Spend too many hours in front of your screen, and you’ll miss out on all of these benefits.

Remember that alarm we suggested you set to remind you to power down? Use it as a reminder to get outside.

5. You Stick to Just One Game

gamers and weight loss

Multiple studies confirm that playing active video games-those that involve physical activity like bowling or dancing, help people burn more calories. So if your go-to game is a sedentary one, make sure to mix things up here and there and try a more movement-focused game.

These days, there’s a game for every activity, from boxing to bowling. Consider hosting a game night with friends who share your hobby, and make it a BYO(A)G-bring your own active game. You’ll all benefit from the burn these games will deliver, and you’ll have fun doing it.

Ready to start your journey to weight loss? Click here >

The post Are You a Gamer? Here’s How Your Hobby Could Impact Your Weight appeared first on The Leaf.



source https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/gamers-weight-loss/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

7 Science-Backed Ways to Make Your New Year Habits Stick

Image
A healthy lifestyle is built from healthy habits. Instead of motivating yourself each time you want to exercise, eat healthy portions, get adequate sleep or meditate, these behaviors become automatic … the same way putting on your seat belt is automatic when you get in a car, or grabbing your phone to scroll is automatic when you feel a little bored. But building those habits takes time. You may have heard that a new habit takes 21 days to form, but it can take much longer. In a 2009 study , scientists found that new habits took an average of 66 days to take hold. For some participants, habits took up to 254 days—most of a year—to stick. So give yourself time, and help yourself along with these seven research-backed ways to reinforce your new year habits. 1. Make your new year habit specific and bite-sized. In a study , researchers found that smaller goals work better. One group of children were assigned to try to do six pages of math problems in each of seven study sessions. Ano
Read more

10 Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Image
Who doesn’t love fried chicken? “Don’t rub it in,” you’re thinking. “With all the fat and calories, I’ll never have fried chicken again.” Part of that is true. Just 3.5 ounces of fast food fried chicken has almost 400 calories and over 29 grams of fat. It’s neither slimming nor healthy. But you can have fried chicken again! The magic of the air fryer—a countertop appliance that uses hot air to mimic deep-fat frying with little or no oil—puts “fried” chicken on the menu, crispy coating and all. And it’s all guilt-free! Satisfy your fried chicken cravings with these 10 Nutrisystem-tested-and-approved healthy air fryer chicken recipes. 1. Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Bites This marinade is as simple as it is heavenly: spicy brown mustard, honey and black pepper. Simple coat bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken breast in half the marinade. Ten minutes later, it’s into the air fryer for eight minutes per side. Finally, toss the chicken in the rest of the marinade. At only 144 c
Read more

12 Strawberry Recipes Sweet Enough to Eat

Image
Most people are surprised to learn that strawberries aren’t actually berries at all—botanically speaking, that is. This member of the rose family is the enlarged receptacle of a flower. Regardless of its origins, the strawberry is a delicious and healthy fruit that is packed with vitamins and minerals. In fact, strawberries are actually higher in vitamin C and lower in calories than oranges. They also contain folate, potassium, manganese, dietary fiber and magnesium. This makes strawberry recipes the ultimate healthy treat. In addition to being nutritious, strawberries are also an incredibly versatile fruit that fits perfectly into Nutrisystem weight loss plans . They can be sliced, baked, pureed or even just eaten whole. Their sweet flavor makes them ideal for healthy snacks and desserts that will satisfy a sweet tooth without derailing one’s healthy lifestyle. Check out these 12 healthy and easy strawberry recipes! 1. Sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding > If you love strawbe
Read more