Post-workout cravings differ by gender, study shows

Have major post-workout cravings that aren’t totally healthy? You’re in good company—especially with your gender. According to a new study, being male or female might indicate what you’re likely to reach for after getting your sweat on.

After surveying more than 1,000 Americans about their lifestyle, Fit Rated—a site that rates fitness equipment—found many women wanted to grab cocktails after working out—an average of 4.2 servings, in fact. Men, on the other hand, tended toward tacos, craving an average 3.5 servings post-sweat-sesh. Other top picks for women were doughnuts, French fries, and pizza, while men went for burritos, ice cream, and steak.

Many women wanted to grab cocktails after working out—an average of 4.2 servings, in fact. Men, on the other hand, tended toward tacos, craving an average 3.5 servings post-sweat-sesh, the research found.

Not only is your gender correlated to your post-sweat snack, but the study also found a relationship between your treat of choice and the type of workout you did: Most yogis set their intention on fries, spinners screamed for ice cream, and treadmill runners raced toward burgers.

While these specifics are new, the fact that exercise often leads folks to junk food isn’t. (A small 2016 study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found pretty much just that.) While it’s good to treat yo’self every so often, unfortunately ending every workout with a drink or a doughnut isn’t the best idea. But, turmeric-spiked cocktails and adaptogenic doughnuts are great ways to keep your temptations healthier.

Here are even more reasons why people crave junk food after workouts. Or, check out this science-backed cure for cravings.