Eating big meals with smaller carbohydrate contents after aerobic exercise can increase the health benefits of gym sessions.

According to a study by the University of Michigan, people who eat low-carbohydrate meals - but ones which still matched normal calorie guidelines - after exercising experienced enhanced insulin activity in their bodies.

This enhanced insulin sensitivity means that it is easier for the body to 'harvest' sugar from the blood stream and redirect it into muscles, where it can be stored and used as fuel.

Doctor Jeffrey F. Horowitz, one of the university team conducting the study, said: "Many of the improvements in metabolic health associated with exercise stem largely from the most recent session of exercise, rather than from an increase in 'fitness' per se.

"But exercise doesn't occur in a vacuum, and it is very important to look at both the effects of exercise and what you're eating after exercise."

The study was published in the latest issue of the Journal of Applied Physiology.