Empty stomach training?

Food for runners
September 29, 2021
Gain muscle, lose fat
October 20, 2021
Food for runners
September 29, 2021
Gain muscle, lose fat
October 20, 2021

Who wouldn't want to burn more fat while spending less time or effort on their workouts?

DATE: October 2021
AUTHOR: Rui Madeira | Health

RM Trainer presents a topic that is widely discussed by many practitioners.

The theory that doing moderate cardiovascular activity while fasting maximizes fat burning has been increasingly widespread and put into practice by those who want faster results. However, given the divergence of opinions between many practitioners and coaches, there are many who question the effectiveness of this practice.

This theory holds that the absence of food reduces the amount of sugars in the bloodstream, lowering the levels of glycogen (carbohydrate reserves). Therefore, when we find ourselves doing physical activity, the body has no other alternative but to use fat stores as an energy source.

However, no matter how long you haven't eaten and how hard you've been training, you'll always have huge amounts of fatty acids in your bloodstream that you won't be able to use. It should not be forgotten that these are your body's greatest source of energy. After training, these fatty acids are sent back to the cells, leaving your effort in vain.

Furthermore, one of the most important, if not the most important, issues in fat loss is intensity. When training with nothing in the stomach, we are forced to reduce the intensity, compromising the number of calories expended in training and post-workout. On the other hand, training in this way contributes to the breakdown of muscle mass. Therefore, when you lose muscle, your metabolism slows down and fat loss becomes more difficult.

So, should you eat before training? If yes, what?

In the RM Trainer opinion yes, you should eat something. However, timing and what to eat before training will depend on numerous factors such as intensity, duration, training goals and your genetics.

So, it will be recommended that you resort to a qualified professional, both in terms of training, who prescribes an appropriate program, as well as in terms of nutrition, who outlines a food plan that meets your needs and goals in a healthy, safe and effective way.

Through teamwork we will find the best solution for you!