Fact or Fiction?
Not only is it not true but can be detrimental to your fitness goals.The rationale behind this widely accepted myth is that forgoing food before exercise will force your body to burn more fat during your workout. Let’s get to the bottom of this fitness myth once and for all.
Our body needs a certain amount of sugar for fuel when training. When that blood sugar is not there, your body will convert your own muscle tissue into energy. A study published in the Strength and Conditioning Journal looked at cyclists who ate before they trained versus those who fasted before they trained. The amount of fat burned was the same for both groups, but those who had trained without eating first had 10 percent of their calorie burn come from protein including their own muscle mass. You’re trying to build muscle, not eat away at it!
- Sugar is needed to exert energy
- Energy is needed to perform any intense workout
- Eat a snack 30-40 min prior to working out
- Snack options: Fruit, Greek Yogurt, Banana, Almonds Butter On Toast, Cottage Cheese, Apple, Grapefruit
Working out is great, but if you really want results — you need daily support, motivation, and a personalized plan to keep you on track. Contact Jeff Maillet and ask how Cost Cutter Fitness can set you up with everything you need.