Exercising while Fasting

Exercising while fasting burns more calories than after eating:Glycogen is one of the primary fuels for muscular contraction. Just 3 sets of 12 repetitions of weight-lifting can almost cut your glycogen stores in half. When glycogen is depleted, as during a fast, your body is forced to burn other energy sources, such as fat.

Before you get too excited, consider this: when glycogen is in short supply, your body also reverts to breaking down protein “YOUR MUSCLES” for fuel. So, while you may shed more fat when exercising on an empty stomach, you may lose more MUSCLES, too. Plus, if your glycogen and blood sugar levels are low, you will feel weak and less efficient to accomplish the workout with the desired intensity.  Hence, Keep cardio low-intensity if you have been fasting (e.g. jogging, swimming). Go high-intensity only after you have eaten.

By Ms. Ayla Coussa

Clinical Dietitian