Oh, exercise!

 

Our love, hate relationship with the treadmill is all too real.

 

However, there is no denying the perks of getting active with improved moods and getting a better night's sleep, being just some of the health benefits.

 

There is a mountain of advice on how to burn fat and a popular method is to hit that workout without eating beforehand. 

 

via GIPHY

 

We can understand the logic, no food consumption means your exercise burning that stubborn fat, right? (Bye-bye love handles!)

 

Well, studies have proven that individuals burn an average of 20 percent more body fat while running on empty.

 

However, our fasted cardio session, according to a sports expert can come with some large catches, which could be slowing our weight loss!

 

via GIPHY

 

LifeHacker spoke to sports dietetics specialist Kelly Pritchett, Ph.D., R. about the exercise ritual.

 

Dr Pritchett pointed out that your metabolism adjusts and slows in response to the rapid fat burning.  

 

This turn means that your body burns fewer calories.

 

Additionally, it could be hindering your dream of getting lean, as in a fasted state your body will target muscle, as well as fat.

 

 

A possible explanation for why your body breakdowns muscle is your glycogen sources have been used and it is searching for any energy, which means those muscles are the next in line!

 

However, it's important to note this generally happens when you seriously increase the amount of high-intensity workouts. 

 

Another reason to ditch and dig in before hitting the gym is the results of a study in the journal Appetite.

 

It showed those who ate prior to exercise didn't have the urge to eat larger portions for the rest of the day.

 

via GIPHY

 

Finally, it's pretty apparent that your body can only give so much energy to a workout when you haven't fuelled your workout.

 

This means for the large majority, pushing yourself to get those extra ten minutes or another six reps, won't happen.

 

Of course, everyone will have their own workout rituals and if you're changing your lifestyle be sure to talk to your GP beforehand.

 

But this might be one to keep in mind when you're debating on whether or not to skip that pre-workout meal.

 

Latest

Trending