Does Cardio on an Empty Stomach Produce Faster Weight Loss Results?

If you perform aerobic exercise before eating breakfast some believe you will burn more calories than afternoon or evening workouts.

What is the best time of day to do cardiovascular exercise when attempting to maximize fat loss? This question has been asked many times; the answer depends on whom you ask the question. The science behind calorie expenditure states, 'it doesn't really matter what time you exercise only that you exercise'. However various fitness enthusiasts believe there is, in fact, one time of the day that lends itself to maximum calorie expenditure.

Time of Day

The fitness enthusiasts, who believe there is a magical time of the day to perform aerobic exercise for peak body fat reduction, are walking, running, biking, or performing other forms of aerobic exercise for 45 to 60 minutes, 4 to 6 times per week, before consuming their first meal of the day.

Exercise on an Empty Stomach

After sleeping through the night glycogen stores within the body are at their lowest level of the day. While sleeping the body has been performing maintenance activities using most of the immediate supply of glycogen, found in the liver, blood, and muscles, therefore, any exercise performed at this point will utilize mostly stored fat for energy.

Fat Loss Factor

Exercising before eating in the morning will allow the body to utilize mostly fat for energy; however there are other considerations if this philosophy is to produce the desired result ofmaximum body fat reduction. Research shows the only way to truly lose weight/body fat is to create a calorie deficient. More calories must be burned than consumed.

Doing the early morning cardio will burn fat but the crucial factor is how many calories are consumed throughout the day after exercising. Ideally the best way to lose weight is with a combination of exercise and calorie reduction.

The Truth About Early Morning Aerobic Exercise

Early morning exercise is a good way to create a calorie deficit and stoke metabolism. Keep in mind, if you proceed to consume the same amount of calories burned for the day, including activities, the weight loss will be nullified.

The idea behind early morning exercise is to create an immediate calorie deficit, while raising the metabolic rate, allowing more calories to be burned through out the day. If combined with a reduction in calorie intake, generally 250 to 500 less calories per day, you can expect to see a reduction in body fat composition.

Follow Principles for Losing Weight

It doesn't really matter when you exercise if you follow the principles for losing weight. As long as the number of calories burned surpasses the number of calories consumed weight loss will occur. The weight loss process can be further accelerated by consuming fewer calories than the body needs, forcing stored fats to be utilized for energy.

Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit. - Napoleon Hill

Source: AHA

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