Eating before a morning workout?

xstealth12x
xstealth12x Posts: 43 Member
edited September 26 in Health and Weight Loss
So I've been doing my research online and have come to the conclusion that you can use the internet to prove *anything*, which is less than useful when you're looking for the pros and cons of a specific choice.

Here's the question: Do you burn more fat in a morning workout if you don't eat first?

I understand that eating provides you energy for the workout, and rebuilds muscle, etc, but if your body has processed most of your "short term" storage of energy overnight, would it dip into longer-term energy resources such as fat?


I'd love to hear thoughts, opinions, but especially experiences

Replies

  • ItsTerriC
    ItsTerriC Posts: 436 Member
    I would love to know the answer as well. When I work out in the morning, it is usually on an empty stomach. I did try eating a piece of fruit this morning because I was having a problem with nausea during and after my workout. It did make a difference. So, now I'm torn between eating so I'm not sick, or not eating so I burn more fat.
  • happybrooke
    happybrooke Posts: 153
    I've been told that eating an apple before a workout will make you burn more cals during your workout - plus it gives your body a little fuel. I haven't been doing that lately, and I haven't been seeing the results I used to have. Glad you mentioned it, I will try to remember to do that tomorrow morning!


    Also had a physical trainer tell me last week that I should be eating an hour after my workout. Not too much sooner, not too much later.
  • happybrooke
    happybrooke Posts: 153
    Also - eating in the morning jump starts your metabolism and gets things running. Pair that with a morning workout and you will burn more cals throughout the day.
  • LaJauna
    LaJauna Posts: 336 Member
    Also - eating in the morning jump starts your metabolism and gets things running. Pair that with a morning workout and you will burn more cals throughout the day.
    My hubby's personal trainer told him to eat some protein before a workout. It could be a protein shake or a handful of nuts or a boiled egg. It will prevent low blood sugar during or after the workout.
  • xstealth12x
    xstealth12x Posts: 43 Member
    See, and that's what I was sort of doing. Just eating a piece of fruit or something small, just enough to get a bit of energy, but I was wondering if that was super unhealthy, or if fat burning would work better on an empty stomach. I get the whole "Starvation mode" thing, but... I dunno
  • redmenacenh
    redmenacenh Posts: 10 Member
    I usually eat protein and a slow digesting carb...like an egg and a banana. I also drink my coffee...the caffeine makes for a more energetic run.
  • liftingbro
    liftingbro Posts: 2,029 Member
    Eating or not eating before a workout makes no difference metabolically to fat burning.

    People who perscribe to "fasted cardio" base their theory on depleting glycogen stores to trigger greater fat loss. Glycogen is simply glucose stored in the muscles and liver (mostly from carbs). So the theory is that working out on an empty stomach will increase fat burning ability because with glycogen depleted the body would switch to fat for energy. However, studies have shown that in order to deplete glycogen stores you need to run about half a marathon, so it's not a practical theory.

    So, the basic permis (deplete glycogen stores=greater fat burning) is correct, people don't seem to realize how much activity is needed to deplete glycogen stores. Also, you simply don't use much glycogen while sleeping so that's not much help either.
  • bmontgomery87
    bmontgomery87 Posts: 1,260 Member
    Depends on your goals and what your "workout" is.
    If you're just doing cardio, then google fasted cardio and do some research.

    I'd suggest taking a BCAA powder during fasted cardio sessions.
  • ItsTerriC
    ItsTerriC Posts: 436 Member
    Eating or not eating before a workout makes no difference metabolically to fat burning.

    People who perscribe to "fasted cardio" base their theory on depleting glycogen stores to trigger greater fat loss. Glycogen is simply glucose stored in the muscles and liver (mostly from carbs). So the theory is that working out on an empty stomach will increase fat burning ability because with glycogen depleted the body would switch to fat for energy. However, studies have shown that in order to deplete glycogen stores you need to run about half a marathon, so it's not a practical theory.

    So, the basic permis (deplete glycogen stores=greater fat burning) is correct, people don't seem to realize how much activity is needed to deplete glycogen stores. Also, you simply don't use much glycogen while sleeping so that's not much help either.

    That is very helpful. Now I won't feel like I'm short-changing myself by eating something small to keep my tummy happy. Thanks.
  • jellybaby84
    jellybaby84 Posts: 583 Member
    I'm not sure whether it's technically better to eat or not but I couldn't get through a morning work out if I didn't have breakfast before; I get all dizzy and faint and have no energy to get through.
  • bmontgomery87
    bmontgomery87 Posts: 1,260 Member
    I'm not sure whether it's technically better to eat or not but I couldn't get through a morning work out if I didn't have breakfast before; I get all dizzy and faint and have no energy to get through.

    This is how I am. I've heard a lot of people who swear by fasted workouts.

    But I'm normally exhausted and dizzy after a workout, even when I do eat well beforehand.
  • kmturtle3
    kmturtle3 Posts: 556
    I have never eaten before an AM workout because I get up, put my workout clothes on, and start. How long before the workout are you eating? Do you give yourself digestion time or is it not necessary because of how small your portion is? I'm curious for my own sake... maybe I should be getting up and eating something before?
  • LaJauna
    LaJauna Posts: 336 Member
    I'm not sure whether it's technically better to eat or not but I couldn't get through a morning work out if I didn't have breakfast before; I get all dizzy and faint and have no energy to get through.
    Those are the signs of low blood sugar.
  • johannahooks
    johannahooks Posts: 23
    I'm not sure whether it's technically better to eat or not but I couldn't get through a morning work out if I didn't have breakfast before; I get all dizzy and faint and have no energy to get through.

    This is how I am. I've heard a lot of people who swear by fasted workouts.

    But I'm normally exhausted and dizzy after a workout, even when I do eat well beforehand.

    I think it also has a lot to do with the intensity of your workout. The greater the intensity of the work out (or distance) is going to affect what your body needs for fuel before, during and after. So for me, if I'm doing something like yoga/light strength training, eating nothing is fine; 45 minutes of cardio and I eat a banana before hand, long runs (8+ miles) I get up early, eat breakfast, then wait a couple of hours before heading out.
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