Eat before a workout or not?

Okay.  I read Joyce Vedral who suggests that not eating before a workout (weights) will force your body to burn fat.

I read Fit for Life by Bill Phillips (apparently quite prolific in his field) and he suggests the same.  However, others indicate that not eating before a workout will force your body to burn muscle because thats energy that your body can access quicker.

When I went online an article in the NY Times (06) written to end the debate quoted studies that said when they compared two groups using controls the people who did not eat burned slighlty more fat but the difference is neglible.  However, over the long run they suggested that people who eat a bit before the workout have more energy and therefore workout harder.

Does anyone have a definitive authoratative answer to this.  Will I burn more fat if I don't eat or not?

There is a lot of conflicting information on this subject.  Personally, if I'm hungry before I work out, I eat.  If I'm not hungry before I work out, i don't eat.  I usually trust my body to tell me what it needs.

I asked the same question before. People told me to eat something light before going to the gym. something like an apple or a fruit and a yogurt. Actually, I never do that, I eat my morning cereal but try to keep an hour or two in between my meal and my workout. Hope that helps.

I work out early in the morning and do no eat prior.  I would suggest that since the study you mentioned stated the differences are negligible.  You should decide which your are more comfortable with (eating or not) and go with it.

I think it depends on what works for you and what makes you feel the best.  If you feel like you don't normally have a lot of energy during a workout, it's possible a little something might help you out.

Personally, if I'm working out first thing in the morning, I have to have a little something to eat beforehand.  (I discovered that I get a little lightheaded if I don't - not a good thing.)  In the evening, I typically don't need anything before a workout because I had dinner only about 3 hours beforehand.  (I definitely have a low cal snack afterwards, though...)

What are all of your thoughts on WHAT is best to eat? Protein? Carbs?

Well, if you need a burst of energy, something with carbs would be good.  For me, the perfect thing to eat before an AM workout is a medium sized banana.  Doesn't completely fill me up or weigh me down, and keeps me going through the workout....

Hmm... I usually have a couple handfuls of cereal... but when I have a fruit or a handful of grapes I have more energy... is this because of the sugar? Because I eat right before I run, does the cereal not have time to digest?

I posted a similar thread a while back. I have decided after trying both options, that I need a little something before my morning workout. I usually have a small 8 oz. glass of OJ and a banana, around 175 - 200 calories total. My calorie expenditure for my AM workouts is usally around 600-700 calories and I have plenty of energy to get through it.

i recommend proteins before and after. the problem with carbs, is that it will delay the fat burning. the protein won't delay it and will give your muscles the fuel to get thru some tough workouts.

I don't want to burn fat though, does this mean I should have carbs too? (I do want to add a little muscle.) And what are good sources of protein for breakfast, besides eggs?

You will burn more fat because in the AM your body is depleted of glycogen.

Glycogen is your body's primary and preferred energy source. When your primary fuel source is in short supply, this forces your body to tap into its secondary or reserve energy source; body fat.

If you do cardio immediately after eating a meal, you'll still burn fat, but you'll burn less of it because you'll be burning off the carbohydrates you ate first.

"I don't want to burn fat though,"

Eh? If you exercise, you will burn fat.

ok. what if I want to eat Oatmeal in the morning? what is the best time to get it? I can't skip my morning oatmeal or cereal otherwise I will be very hungry.

I go to the gym in the morning then right after that I go to my work. Not sure when I can get the cereal or the oatmeal if I can't eat them before my workout.

I workout early in the am and head off straight to work after. I typically eat cerial or oatmeal once I get to work and it holds me over great until my am snack. Works for me, but I know everyone is different.

Lizardbreath, I won't burn fat if I eat enough right? I don't run to lose weight, I run because I like to run and it's good for me. Should I consume sugar so it's available to my body to use faster?

exercise doesn't always mean body fat burning, it depends on the amount of calories you consume in a day as long as your calories are high enough you will maintain your weight and body fat. If you don;t want to burn fat eat something an hour before cardio like oatmeal or bran flakes. A low glycemic carb will give you great energy with out the insulin spike.

I run at 5 in the morning so eating any earlier than RIGHT before is not gonna happen :D What if I ate something that takes a while to digest before I went to bed? Would that last long enough?

Alieajo: It is a great idea but I got stuck with the old fashioned oatmeal that I bought and it needs preparation and cooking. I am not sure if I can cook it at work. LOL will try.

Thanks Lizardbreath for the post.  You reminded me also that Bil Phillips claims that working out in the a.m. burns 3-400% yes that's hundered more times fat than in the p.m. . Later in his book he talks about glycogen being depleted, forcing the body to turn to fat stores.  However, others and on this site too, have stated it's muscles that the body turns too.  Anyway, thanks for the post.

If i feel "weak" i have a protein shake with water. Other than that maybe a protein bar. But i too trust my body and if i feel full, the last thing i want is to shove something down my throat that is going to be bouncing around while i work out.