Sunday

IS IT OK TO TRAIN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH PRIOR TO A MORNING WORKOUT?


I get asked this question a lot by people who think if they do not eat breakfast in the morning prior to working out, they will lose weight faster. I know there is differing opinions on this subject, but here is mine and what I tell my clients.
If you don't eat before you train, your performance will suffer at higher intensities and longer durations. When you wake up, your body is in a fasted state. You might have trouble just turning on your television without a cup of coffee, so you can't expect to perform your best without fueling up and hydrating first.
If you are not hungry in the morning it could be a sign that your metabolism is too slow or you are eating too late at night. If eating early upsets your stomach, experiment with different foods that are easy to digest rather than skipping breakfast entirely. Start with a small bowl of oatmeal or two slices of sprouted grain toast with a tablespoon of Almond or Peanut butter. Hydrate with a 8 to 16 oz glass of filtered water or coconut water. Aim for 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates for breakfast with 10 to 20 grams of protein and a little healthy fat to balance off your meal.
The body just wants fuel in the morning, whether it is a meal or a protein drink or whatever form you like. What matters is getting the nutrients necessary to support your training session. Make it a habit and you will stay focused and power through your workout, increase your strength and power, and burn more calories during your session.