Morning Cardio on empty stomach?

mortonmoore

I like to go for a 5km walk or run when I first wake. I do this on an empty stomach. Few reasons, I'm not hungry, my brain says it will eat away fat instead of a potential meal (myth?) and I hate feeling heavy with food in my stomach if I run.
Is it better to have a banana or at least something before doing cardio when you first wakeup or does it not matter? 🙏

yirara

Do whatever works for you! I know I could not do it but if you're fine with it then why not. I don't think working out on a fasted stomach has any bearing on fat loss. Lets say you're eating exactly at maintenance. So then you use more energy from fat stores if you work out in the morning (plus glycogen), and if you eat later the energy you've taken out and don't use anymore for further workouts get replenished. If you feel better with eating a banana then yeah, eat it. If not then not

AnnPT77

It won't make any noticeable difference in weight loss or fat vs. lean. Do what feels best to you. Some people get digestive upset if they eat right before a workout. Some people find their energy level or mood is better or worse if they eat first. Figure out what works for you.

I don't do fasted workouts, at least nothing even remotely intense, because they feel miserable and difficult to me, and I under-perform. Other people feel just the opposite.

springlering62

Do what feels best in your body, based on your activity and personal experience.

I usually have breakfast, then walk the dog, train and/or do a class or two. I’d be dead on my feet if I waited til afterwards to eat, and even after a filling breakfast, I’m usually anxious for lunch when I get home.

OTOH, we each get a big ole apple fritter for breakfast every Sunday morning that can easily hold me til mid-afternoon. Sunday is my rest day, but if I’m twitchy, I might do a hot yoga class at 10. Believe me, that greasy but yummy apple fritter doesn’t go down well with hot yoga.

Even for my own self, I have to rely on personal experience instead of the advice of others.

You’ll find your way through this, if you’re patient and give yourself a chance. I promise. When to eat isn’t brain surgery. Your tummy and energy level are gonna let you know!

loulee997

mortonmoore wrote: »

I like to go for a 5km walk or run when I first wake. I do this on an empty stomach. Few reasons, I'm not hungry, my brain says it will eat away fat instead of a potential meal (myth?) and I hate feeling heavy with food in my stomach if I run.
Is it better to have a banana or at least something before doing cardio when you first wakeup or does it not matter? 🙏

For 5K or less, you are probably fine to skip it if you really don't want it. I hate heavy meals in the morning.

If you were doing a half-marathon, I'd recommend you have some carbs for energy.

But you don't feel weak and you don't want the food before going, so I'd say do what feels right.

Skip it if you want.

Carb loading before running is usually for a lot longer distances where you'd need the carb boost. For 5K, you probably are just fine doing what you want.

T