Exercising at the crack of dawn is a great way to start your day, but working out before breakfast may not be the ideal situation. According to Columbia University's Health Services Department, exercising before breakfast may make you feel light-headed and even shorten the length of each workout. Additionally, it does not lead to superior increase in metabolism compared to working out at any other time of the day.
Metabolism
Metabolism is basically the rate in which your body burns calories. As most people know, a high metabolism can help you burn more calories, thus burning more body fat. This is true for the most part, but the idea that you can burn more fat in the morning before you eat is not accurate. The body's main source of fuel is called glycogen, which is stored within the muscles. After a long slumber, glycogen levels are extremely low. You must replenish these stores by eating before doing any sort of physical activity by eating fruit or a well-balanced breakfast.
Exercise
Eating before breakfast greatly affects your workout intensity, according to Len Kravitz, Ph.D., of the University of New Mexico. He points out that your brain uses glycogen to function properly the same way your muscles use it. So, when your glycogen stores are lowest in the morning, your brain and muscles fight for the little bit of glycogen available. Kravitz says this can lead to negative consequences, including shorter exercise sessions, dizziness and increased risk of injury.
Expert Opinion
Kravitz and Columbia University's Health Services Department agree that the best way to exercise in the morning is after eating breakfast. Kravitz suggests consuming at least some fruit before working out to give your body some much-needed carbohydrates for energy. The experts also agree that exercising on an empty stomach in the morning doesn't help you burn more fat or increase your metabolism any higher than if you were to exercise later in the day.
Considerations
If working out in the morning is most convenient for you, eat a light breakfast and wait at least 20 minutes before working out. Working out immediately after eating can cause stomach cramping or discomfort. Also consider that your metabolism stays elevated for a longer period of time if you exercise at a higher intensity. For instance, 30 minutes of running will boost your metabolism longer than 30 minutes of walking would.
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