Weight train on full or empty stomach?

[Dani]

What do you think? I usually have a low carb protein shake about half an hour beforehand.

Is this advisable? Am protecting muscle, but not burning as much fat?

[lpioch]

...if you want to burn fat, don't eat anything before going.
...if you want performance, eat something before going.

[GeorgiaB]

I had thought that the not eating something before only pertained to doing cardio. I was of the impression that I was a good idea to have some protein before doing weight training, though. What's the consensus? :confused:

[Jaggedpeac]

I was told not to eat before you excercise unless it's over an hour before you do so, it can make you sick to your stomach. Today at excercise class I read a bulletin saying don't excercise on an empty stomach. I was starting to fade away during the last part of class so tomorrow I'm eating something. Some eggs and bacon should be fine, I don't think drinking a bunch before is that good an idea, all that liquid sloshing around in there. But eggs....they should be alright.

[DarkLotus]

I wait 2-3 hours after I eat to workout. I have my protein shake after I work out, but you can do either I am pretty sure. I cannot lift on an empty stomach, I've tried a few times. I can manage cardio fine though without eating. HTH! :wave:

[Dani]

The protein shake I have before the workout has about 30gm protein and about 14gms of carbs (from soy milk).

I also have the same shake within 1/2 an hour of finishing the weights.

Is the 1st shake needed?

I also have a strong short black coffee just before the workout too.

[Akiwican]

Originally posted by Dani
What do you think? I usually have a low carb protein shake about half an hour beforehand. Is it advisable?

YES it is good to do that. IMHO you should have the same sort of thing within 1/2 hour after your workout.

Am protecting muscle, but not burning as much fat?

You dont burn fat while you are weight training. The burn comes afterward and you also increase your metabolism which will in turn burn more calories.

:wave: Akiwican

[GeorgiaB]

I prefer to do my workouts first thing in the morning. I got them off my to-do list first thing, so there's no chance of procastinating too late and I get to feel like I accomplished something all day long. I've read the thread about AM cardio on an empty stomach, but what about AM strength training on an empty stomach? Is that an ok thing to do? Also, if it is ok, which should be done first? Cardio or Strength? I don't really have the time in the morning to do cardio, then eat something to prepare for strength training, then do the weights, then eat again, and still get ready for work....I'd have to get up at 3 am!

[Akiwican]

Originally posted by GeorgiaB
but what about AM strength training on an empty stomach? Is that an ok thing to do?

Sorry I didnt see this earlier... no email notifications! :(
Anyway... IMHO you will probably find that you are able to do it but you definately wont be as strong.

Also, if it is ok, which should be done first? Cardio or Strength? I don't really have the time in the morning to do cardio, then eat something to prepare for strength training, then do the weights, then eat again, and still get ready for work....I'd have to get up at 3 am!

In your case I dont know if it would matter? Its all done on an empty stomach..... Personally I would do weights first. Try to limit your workout to 1 hour max. though. Cortizol levels build up after that and that will destroy your muscle that you are working hard to build.

:wave: Akiwican

[Meg_S]

If you feel weak or tired working out on an empty stomach in the morning just eat a small snack beforehand that will be digested quickly, ie: 1/2 a protein shake with a few berries in it. Try to stay away from a large portion that will make you feel full.. not to mention your body should not be working hard to digest food when you're working out.
Caffeine always helps.. I enjoy a strong black coffee mixed with choc. protein powder. If you feel great on an empty stomach then go for it, just be sure to get your food in afterward. Oh, and drink lots of water before and during.. you've gone all night without drinking and your body is asking for water in the morning.

take care,
Meg