Pre-Workout Eating

Do NOT work out on an empty stomach!! Even if you are working out first thing in the morning, make sure you eat something first.

Many people have the idea that if they workout on an empty stomach they will burn more fat. This is not so! A professor of mine from BYU used to always say, "Fat burns in a glucose flame." This means that you have to have glucose in your system in order to burn the fat. If you have not eaten, your body will break down some of your muscle to convert those glycogen stores into glucose. Seems kind of silly right? Why would you work out to consume some of your muscle? The point is, just make sure you eat something before you work out!

What is the best thing to eat before a work out? It is best to combine some protein with some carbs. Some examples would be apples with cheese, or whole grain toast with peanut butter. I like to keep mini Luna bars in my gym bag. When I go to the gym straight from work and have not eaten since lunch, I can get some protein and carbs for only 80 calories.