Eating Before Cardio.

[mattjf]

Hey all,

Just thought I'd ask this question. During the summer, when I lost a lot of weight, I did all my exercise at night. It was the only time I had. Anyway, now this fall, I can exercise at any time of the day, which is turning out to be morning. Should I eat before my cardio? I've heard that running on an empty stomach will help to burn more fat (since you have used all your glycogen throughout the night), and without replacing it, you are forced to burn fat. Of course with this comes muscle loss, so it's why I'm wondering. Thanks

-Matt

[CJNY]

I don't think there is a definitive answer to this question. It depends a lot, for instance, on intensity of the exercies, how much glycogen you store (I guarantee you I do not deplete my glycogen during one night's sleep), and probably other factors.

That said, I never do empty stomach cardio. It just doesn't work well for me.

[mustang GT]

It would be best to take a serving of whey protein about 20 minutes before your cardio after you get up in the morning to prevent muscle breakdown.

Then take another serving of whey protein right after your cardio, and eat a meal an hour later.

[ajarvis]

I personally can not do cardio on an empty stomach, it makes me feel sick! I think I have a fast metabolism. You should go with what is comfortable for you.

[Cort]

All summer I did my cardio in the morning...and I really don't see a difference now that I do it after school instead (seriously...I am not an EARLY morning person...)

Anyway seriously, about a year and a half ago I just started running and doing stairmaster. Took about 2 months to burn off 40 pounds of fat. After that point I only do cardio to keep my metabolism high...for fat loss though I am told it is best to do before eating.

My personal OPINION is that the difference is minimal, especially if you are just trying to maintain your current shape. I'm a real newbie though, and I don't know a lot about things like "glycogen"...hell I don't know what that is lol.

[Spike V]

IF YOU EAT AND THEN RUN AND EVERYTHING IS ALLRIGHT, THEN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Z YA!!!!!!!!!!!!

______________

"The best spice is hunger." -- Spike Spiegel

[Cort]

wow...stupid me posted another post in this thread...whoops...oh well...

[Spike V]

don't worru cort, everything wil be allright

_____________________

"Before, there were those men who tried to harness such energy. At the request of the executive council. ::Kyoko begins speaking through Kay:: They failed and the destruction of Tokyo was inevitable. This time that energy will be ours." -- Akira

[nitromoose]

My theory is in any case if u do it in the morning, it's over and done with. That's coz I hate doing it tho

[Helene]

I think you should eat carbs and protein before cardio training to have energy to workout! All that matter in the end of the day is if you've burned more than you have taken in. If you did, you will loose fat.