Do you regularly exercise on an empty stomach? If you believe that exercising on an empty stomach will help you burn more fat during the workout you should reconsider. Keeping your stomach empty will burn muscles and hold on to the fat.
According to a study published in the Journal Strength and Conditioning exercising on an empty stomach will target your lean muscles instead for fuel, and break down your muscles. You need to build lean muscles to bolster your metabolism, so you do not want to lose them.
Also, exercising requires energy, and if you start the activities with a grumbling stomach, you may not achieve the best calorie burn. Since you have no fuel in your body you will not have the energy to workout as intensely and as long as you want which can reduce the overall number of calories you burn.
Having some little snack before heading out will provide your body enough fuel to workout, jump start your metabolism and improve your endurance. Opt for carbohydrate-rich foods rather than protein to fuel your body. If you are on the quest for a pre-workout snack, here are some food items you can eat.
- Half a slice of whole wheat or multigrain bread with one teaspoon peanut butter.
- A half cup of grapes or a small banana.
- Fruit smoothie prepared with soy milk.
- A handful of almonds or raisins.
Also, make sure to hydrate your body with enough water before the workout.
