I have just been browsing "AM Cardio on an Empty Stomach" and have a quick query. I normally get up around 4.30-5.00am, have a couple of decafs with cream, do some work, then do an aerobic workout around 8.00-8.30am. Sometimes I eat before, but usually after - srambled eggs normally - but which is best for me, eating before or after, seeing as I am up for 3 hours or so prior to exercise? Does it affect my glycogen levels? Any advice appreciated.

Carrie

I am no expert but I always opt to workout on an empty stomach because I feel so much better doing it that way as opposed to eating and then working out a few hours later.

I like to do my workouts first thing or as close to first thing as possible because then I can get showered and ready for the day ahead.

Can't help you on what is actually best for metabolism and fat burning. I just do what feels right for me.

Everything I've read said that working out in the AM on empty stomach gives optimal fat burning. Of course, any studies like that are done with "normal" eaters and not LCers, so for us, I always have to wonder, does it also apply?


If I understand how glycogen is produced, eggs wouldn't help much. You have what is stored in the muscles, it's used quickly (again, if I've figgered this all out right, all this goes more quickly for LCers than others) and you move on to fat burning and ketone use thereafter. I could be totally wrong about all this, so wait for Nat or Dan or someone else to confirm or deny it!

I'd imagine that it would work even better for us LCers. We have already depleted our glycogen stores (this happens w/in the first few days of LC) and we burn fat for fuel as a rule.

I would also imagine that eating after would be best for optimal fat burning - but I will defer to Dan, he's the pro

Nat

Okay - so what about if I get hungry an hour or so before my workout - does my body go into starvation mode and start burning muscle instead? I'm confused.

Carrie

It's is preferred to use a completely empty stomach, but some people I know do eat a LIGHT protein only meal about 1 1/2 hours before morning cardio because otherwise they get lightheaded.

The coffee is good, drop the cream, and the eggs are good ... no added fat though. The fat will slow gastric emptying and then you will still be digesting during your workout. No good.

As for glycogen levels, I don't think some coffee with non-dairy creamer and a few eggs will wreck things.

You have a special case here.

I just like to roll out of bed, pop my EC stack, grab a water bottle, get "presentable", and head to the gym. Then I drink a zero-carb, protein only drink on the way home (Isopure Grape) ... and about an hour later I eat breakfast.

Drop the cream?! I suppose I could give it a go.............

Anyway, I did my workout before breakfast this morning - and felt pretty good too. Had eggs about an hour later. Seems like the plan from now on. Thanks for your help.

Carrie