By Ron McDonald Jr. - CPT
In many different outlets there is a consistent misunderstanding when it comes to human physiology. Like most things, the awesome human body performs very well when properly fed. In fact, many athletes and gym goers have found out the hard way how a missed meal can impact their performance. There are many "metabolic engines" operating in the body at all times, to produce energy from the food we consume. Picture a well-running factory with many interdependent production lines. When food slows down or comes to a halt, so does overall production of energy. This basically effects your performance and overall program results. Just like a car without fuel... you want get very far - or even started.
Technically, while the body may burn more fat exercising on an empty stomach, it also burns more muscle, which no is the direct opposite of what we want. Ultimately, without available glucose (sugar), the body can’t jump start all of the engines and the result is a low effort that burns less, rather than more, fat and calories.
The following are some examples of pre-workout foods that will fuel your body for the coming workout.
- Banana
- Grapefruit
- Oatmeal
- Apple
- Granola
- Yogurt (sweetened)
- Raisin and Almonds (trail mix)
- Whey Protein (3:1 Carb to Protein mix)
I would recommend consuming these at least 30 mins to 1 hour before a workout.Remember your pre-workout carbohydrates should be low glycemic, as to not spike your blood sugar levels, but give you a consistent level of energy to last over a period of time.
So the take away message is you should make every attempt to not exercise on a empty stomach. The bottom line is it will affect your results and performance.
Be Well.
***
By Ron McDonald Jr. - CPT
In many different outlets there is a consistent misunderstanding when it comes to human physiology. Like most things, the awesome human body performs very well when properly fed. In fact, many athletes and gym goers have found out the hard way how a missed meal can impact their performance. There are many "metabolic engines" operating in the body at all times, to produce energy from the food we consume. Picture a well-running factory with many interdependent production lines. When food slows down or comes to a halt, so does overall production of energy. This basically effects your performance and overall program results. Just like a car without fuel... you want get very far - or even started.
Technically, while the body may burn more fat exercising on an empty stomach, it also burns more muscle, which no is the direct opposite of what we want. Ultimately, without available glucose (sugar), the body can’t jump start all of the engines and the result is a low effort that burns less, rather than more, fat and calories.
The following are some examples of pre-workout foods that will fuel your body for the coming workout.
I would recommend consuming these at least 30 mins to 1 hour before a workout.Remember your pre-workout carbohydrates should be low glycemic, as to not spike your blood sugar levels, but give you a consistent level of energy to last over a period of time.
So the take away message is you should make every attempt to not exercise on a empty stomach. The bottom line is it will affect your results and performance.
Be Well.
***