A couple of quick questions

T

TexasGuy

New member
Is there any proven advantage to exercising at a particular time of day? For instance, first thing in the morning, or later in the evening?

And same question concerning eating and exercising. Is it better to eat or not eat before working out? Or any reason to have a post-workout snack or protein shake?

Thanks!
 
TexasGuy said:
Is there any proven advantage to exercising at a particular time of day? For instance, first thing in the morning, or later in the evening?
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Nope. Do it when it fits your schedule and feels best for you.

And same question concerning eating and exercising. Is it better to eat or not eat before working out? Or any reason to have a post-workout snack or protein shake?
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Not all pre/post workout nutrition is created the same given exercise mode and intensity.

Higher intensity stuff such as strength training and higher intensity "cardio" definitely calls on closer attention to details.

High intensity stuff requires the proper fueling, proper restorative nutrients, and it's an optimal time for nutrient uptake/partitioning (which is simply a fancy way of saying optimizing where calories go with regards to fat vs. muscle)
 
The only information I have come into contact with on this topic is related to how much you have eaten or not eaten before exercising.

If you exercise on an empty stomach - say, with a run first thing in the morning before breakfast - you can potentially burn more fat, because your body will not have immediate calories from food to burn away, so it will start to burn away from your "storage". However, the downside of this is that you will have less energy than if you had eaten previously... so it really depends on you and how you feel.
 
Ok, thanks, I've just been curious. I wouldn't call what I'm doing right now 'high intensity', so I won't worry about it right now.
 
TexasGuy said:
Ok, thanks, I've just been curious. I wouldn't call what I'm doing right now 'high intensity', so I won't worry about it right now.
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i still would. after any workout, your body should get a hit of carbs and protein. so make it a point to eat afterwards. if anything to at least to get into the habit for when you do start working out with more intensity.
 
I actually think pre workout nutrition is more important than post if we're going to be speaking generalities.

Granted, we're splitting hairs here. This stuff matters little compared to total calories and nutrients over a day... but since we'rer talking about it.
 
my 2 cents...

I typically will deprive my body of starchy carbs for no more than 6 days total. During those days, I focus on a moderate intensity cardio program which allows for my body to go directly to my stored fat for energy. I tend to drop about 8-10 lbs in a given 6 day period. I then incorporate my carbs back into my diet and maintain my weight for the most part. I then cycle between the two. When I have my carbs back into my diet, I lift weights. Carbs are necessary for energy during a workout. Protein and fat are necessary for rebuilding muscle and making you feel full longer. As for the time of the day to workout...personal preference. I prefer workingout at the end of the day. This way, I can kick up the intensity and burn off extra calories that I may have eaten during my less than perfect human day.:willy_nilly:
 
I go to the gym early in the morning and very rarely have breakfast. I have read, and heard that if you don't have breakfast or have breakfast more than 40 minutes before working out, it is better for fat burn. However, breakfast is also very important. The best I've felt eating two eggs with low fat cheese in the morning, or a red orange. That gives me a lot of energy.
 
If you are going to have breakfast before a workout, I would wait at least 1 hour before I would start my workout. In addition, if you choose to eat before working out, then stay away from starchy carbohydrates if your goal is to lose fat. Your body will use the carbohydrates that you took in during breakfast before going to stored energy (fat). If you are working out VERY intensely, then take the carbohydrates, because you are going to need it.:puke:
 
I would not call that a rule. If you'd like to eat before hand, that's fine. Fuel substrate used during exercise is of little important in relation to fat loss. The poster above claims you shouldn't eat much before hand b/c your body will utilize that instead of stored fat.

Well, if that's the case, we shouldn't exercise at all.... as fat provides the majority of our fuel at complete rest. As you bump up the intensity of exercise, it will more on other substrates... primarily glucose.

The primary determinant when it comes to fat loss is net energetic balance... meaning... making sure you're expending more calories than you take in each day.
 
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