Eating a high-fat meal decreases artery dilation between 2 and 6 hours later. Researchers wanted to know if hitting the gym about 2 hours after a high-fat meal could alter these results. Their findings, published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, show that you can turn some poor food choices around to some extent. 

Scientists measured the responses of 5 men and 3 women in their mid-20s after they consumed a low-fat meal, a high-fat meal and a high-fat meal followed by aerobic exercise. Artery dilation was similar when subjects ate a low fat meal and exercised after a high fat meal.

True Strength Moment: Exercise won't be able to keep up with a lifetime of poor food choices. On the other hand, in business situations and when dining with friends or family, sometimes you don't have a lot to say about what's put on your plate. It's good to know that hitting the gym can help undue some of the negative effects.