Exercising on an empty stomach: Does it work?
Fasted cardio, or doing your cardio on an empty stomach is a common phenomenon. But does it necessarily help you lose weight faster?
According to the fitness expert, “the idea stems from the fact that glycogen, a stored carbohydrate, is often depleted in the morning. So after a night without eating, your body could potentially burn a greater percentage of fat working out on an empty stomach as your store of carbohydrates (your body’s preferred energy source) is not easily available.”
This however, may not be as good for your health as the body is at risk of losing a lot of glycogen. After a point of time, you may begin to lose muscle. This situation is most likely to happen in extreme cases.
Many people eat their last meal a few hours before sleep and don’t get a full 8 hours of sleep. Thus, workout on an empty stomach may not necessarily use all the glycogen and you can burn more fat. A pre-workout snack like nuts can keep you energised.
However, maintaining a balance is the key when it comes to fitness. Just like working out after eating a heavy meal is not a pleasant feeling, workout out on an empty stomach is no better.
You are likely to feel sick in both the scenarios and hence exercising after eating a light meal may be the best thing to do. Your body is not preoccupied with digesting huge amounts of food and is capable to deliver oxygen to your muscles and burn fat.
Everyone shouldn’t train on an empty stomach and also shouldn’t eat a huge meal before exercise either. One way is not significantly better or worse than the other.
