Eating prior to working out

fishfinder517
fishfinder517 Posts: 4
edited September 20 in Fitness and Exercise
I completely understand that eating foods low on the GI prior to a workout help burn more fat instead of just spiking blood sugars like other foods; but my question is what is the cutoff? When the autonomic nervous system becomes aroused during exercise the sympathetic division causes hormones, such as adrenaline, to be released. As well as raising the heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, this process inhibits the digestive system until the body is calmed again after the workout is over. So what is the cut off for eating before a workout to maximize energy during and not just leave food sitting in the stomach?

Replies

  • abbie38
    abbie38 Posts: 128
    I'm keen to find out the answer to this. I was wondering myself...
  • acknack
    acknack Posts: 1
    I'm also interested. I have friends who tell me 30-45 minutes, but can't say where they got the information :)
  • tazlady
    tazlady Posts: 60
    interesting question i had breakfast early at 6 am. and then went back to bed. Got up again at 9 and worked out on an empty stomach for an hour at 10 am.. did i burn anything..
  • fishfinder517
    fishfinder517 Posts: 4
    I am guessing around the same time 30-45... since you really don't become fully stimulated until 15- 20 minutes into your workout that would give you nearly an hour after eating. But then again, that is strictly a guess... I am sure someone has researched this more and will have a good answer!
  • fishfinder517
    fishfinder517 Posts: 4
    Taz, one thing I can tell you that falling asleep after eating is never a good idea... When we are asleep our bodies cannot digest food very well at all. With the altering brain waves, changes in breathing, and heart rate our metabolism is radically different than when we are awake. As far as what you burned when you were exercising, I am sure you burned both carbs and fat; but my guess is more carbs from your muscles than if you had eaten more recently...
  • stroutman81
    stroutman81 Posts: 2,474 Member
    Depends on the mode, intensity and duration of exercise.

    But just b/c glucose is "in the system" doesn't mean, net, you won't burn fat.

    Overall caloric balance always override fuel substrate use during exercise.
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