Workout on an EMPTY stomach or after EATING?

Mary_Anastasia

I have to have something in me before, I wake up feeling nauseous from hunger in the mornings, and I usually have some acid reflux or other stomach issues that make me just want to eat and sleep. If I'm planning a workout after eating (because normally they just fall in wherever I can fit them), I try to make sure I eat something simple, like the BRAT diet, or clear soup, or a bready product, maybe a sandwich. Something like salad or protein before a workout makes me sick and it will literally work it's way back up SLOWLY which is the WORST.

AlciaMode

If i eat before i run i get cramps, so i run in the mornings before breakfast

Mezzack

i do my workouts at night an hour after I east dinner

J72FIT

KittyVida wrote: »

I was having this debate with a male friend. After much research I learned that it is best for MEN to workout on empty while WOMEN should eat a little something. Our bodies process differently. But in the end, you should do what you best perform by.

So the question is: Which have you been doing and why do you prefer it?

Nonsense...

Need2Exerc1se

I (female) workout on an empty stomach because I don't like to vomit. If I am doing something that takes so long that I get hungry I will usually just eat a few bites and drink a cup of soy milk, for the same reason.

xmichaelyx

KittyVida wrote: »

I was having this debate with a male friend. After much research I learned that it is best for MEN to workout on empty while WOMEN should eat a little something. Our bodies process differently. But in the end, you should do what you best perform by.

Your "research" is based on terrible information, and what you've "learned" is false. Please share your sources so that we might help you figure out where you went terribly wrong.

drinkwater1300

I think eating right before a workout can have negative consequences. All the blood you need pumping to your muscles and lungs might get wasted on metabolizing the food. However I think there could be a variance of "empty" stomach and definition. Maybe the question should be how long after eating should someone wait to exercise and what waiting period offers optimal benefits? I wouldn't believe waiting more than an hour after eating a light meal is helping your body. And our body doesn't store protein outside of the muscles and we NEED protein and essential amino acids to help build and repair our muscles during activity and after or else we are just wasting muscle even if we are still burning fat. And we need electrolytes and potassium to balance the fluid distribution in our bodies after we perform or else our muscles will become stiff and inflamed with lactic acid among other things. Either way great question, you definitely got me thinking about this one!!

SingRunTing

It's all personal preference, try different methods to see what works for you.

For me, I have to find a balance between the two. If I work out fasted, I get dizzy and nauseous (blood sugar drops too much). If I work out right after I eat, I get cramps. I do my best if I wait at least an hour after a meal or if I have something light (milk or an apple) if I want to exercise first thing in the morning.

littlebritttfit

empty stomach. working out after eating, no matter how big or small, makes me feel sick.

iofred

I work out on empty stomach. Find it very difficult to run with food in stomach, and as I normally work out at very strange (early) times it just suits me better. I think it depends on a) time of workout, and b) type of workout ... if you have for example very long running session I assume you will need to have a base.

Grey_1

Empty stomach for me. I started after reading a Mike Matthews piece about fasted workouts, but I've never researched much about it. I enjoy it personally and it seems to sit really well with me though, so I've never considered changing it. It's nice personal time for me in the wee hours as well. male, by the way.

J72FIT

Grey_1 wrote: »

Empty stomach for me. I started after reading a Mike Matthews piece about fasted workouts, but I've never researched much about it. I enjoy it personally and it seems to sit really well with me though, so I've never considered changing it. It's nice personal time for me in the wee hours as well. male, by the way.

In my experience, this is the only reason to do it...

Mike_take2

If I'm running , I'll have something to eat 30-60 minutes before, anything else (weight lifting,i.e.) I do so on empty stomach

boxa00

I have a banana before a workout. It gives me energy and doesn't make me feel sick.
I don't know if gender makes a difference

D4LB

Empty stomach I have way better workouts for some reason!

BrentJulius

I like taking a pre-workout and working out fasted in the morning and drink a shake shortly after..

LemonadeCandy_

I like to exercise on an empty stomach. I feel I can do more before getting tired, as long as I stay hydrated.

CSARdiver

KittyVida wrote: »

I was having this debate with a male friend. After much research I learned that it is best for MEN to workout on empty while WOMEN should eat a little something. Our bodies process differently. But in the end, you should do what you best perform by.

So the question is: Which have you been doing and why do you prefer it?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that metabolic processes are influenced by gender. Do what works for you. This is nothing more than following a routine. Routines are the means by which the successful meet their goals. You can choose to mimic the routine of another person with similar goals or develop your own.

I prefer to workout on an empty stomach or something light. I simply don't want 16 oz. of food sloshing around my stomach when I'm moving around.

MichaelKarnes

I think this is a personal thing. You have to figure out how you work out best. I need a little something and I know a gal who needs an empty stomach. To each their own here, I think.

RredSonja

I have been doing my IF (intermittent fasting) for about five months now. At first it was just a way to help control my diet and eating patterns, so when I started weight lifting and cardio, I read up on fasted exercise to see if it was safe. It's definitely a thing, and there's good science behind it. Leangains dot com is a good place to read about the science of fasted training.

davidcliff

I lift early in the morning so it's done on an empty stomach. When I swim it's usually at night so I have eaten a couple hours before. I always feel sluggish when I'm swimming after eating, I'd rather swim on empty. When I compete I eat a small breakfast, and then small snacks in between events.

maryjay52

i eat about an hour before workout and after workout have a protein/carb something.. easiest for me is either yogurt with fruit, a protein bar or nuts and fruit ..and always water

RachelElser

I can eat, like an hour before working out, any time closer and I want to chuck during my run.

sllm1

I eat a light dinner about an hour before working out, and I eat a snack after. I don't like my stomach grumbling while I'm working out.

lemurcat12

It's just individual or personal preference.

antdelsa

Both. First thing when you wake up do some fasted steady state cardio, i usually have some black coffee and walk/jog 3.5 -5 miles, this kick starts your metabolism and heart rate youll burn more calories throughout the day.

After have a good breakfast and your meals and in the evening or afternoon, hit the weights!!!

JstTheWayIam

I never lift empty
But prefer to do cardio empty

evilokc

I workouton an empty stomach. If im working out hard or heavy i get dizzy and grab a protein bar. Im not against cardio on an empty stomach but i will do the cardio then eat a snack then weights

H_Ock12

I can do either...A good fast food meal before a run really hits the spot. But as part of my IF schedule, I do my workouts fasted nowadays.

kami3006

Personal preference. I can't workout on an empty stomach; cardio or weights. I usually nibble on a banana or protein bar between sets when I lift.