[rabbitlord]

but that is also discouraging. For example, I just ran for 30 mins, but that only gives me half a cookie. Why the f do I even run?

[timerol]

Run because cardiac health and general fitness are important. Manage calorie intake if your only goal is weight loss

[jjice]

+1 - Exercise gives the benefit of calories expended for weight loss, but it really isn't enough to matter for the average person. Exercise is great for improving your cardiovascular function, your muscles, your neurological pathways (could be butchering the terminology) for those movements, and it often leads you towards other good things, like spending time with others and getting outside.

[Yeroc]

Sure, but if you're trying to manage your weight it helps you to decide whether that cookie is worth it or not. If it's an Oreo cookie (or 3), I'll pass. If it's my wife's home made chocolate chip cookie I'll eat it (but not 2). It's a useful calibration for effort vs reward as opposed to eating a couple cookies without thinking about it.