There are a lot of theories about when it is better to work out. Some experts suggest after you’ve fueled up with a good meal. Others suggest before you eat, to get your metabolism burning high and to burn off reserves of stored fat calories.
There are compelling arguments on both sides of the aisle – so who is right?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. A 1995 study found that a group of people who worked out on an empty stomach did burn more calories from fat versus when they worked out after a small breakfast.
However, the study concluded that the results were only a negligible difference because in the long run fewer calories were burned because people who work out on an empty stomach, tend to work out for shorter periods of time.
In 1999, the Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise journal performed a study where a group of people performed stationary bike exercises with breakfast one morning and without breakfast on another. They concluded that the group that didn’t eat, stopped their workouts as much as 30 minutes sooner because they were fatigued.
The difference is that when you work out on an empty stomach you will burn carbohydrates, protein and then finally fat. You will be more likely to be starving because your blood sugar will be low and you will be more inclined to eat a lot more than normal.
So if you don’t like to eat early in the morning, but you do prefer to work out, try eating a yogurt cup or a piece of fruit before your workout. It’ll boost your energy reserves, help your blood sugar remain stabilized and you can still burn slightly more fat without shortening your workout.