The Myth: Eating Before Exercise

THE MYTH: 

RUNNING ON EMPTY IS A SMART WAY TO BURN EXTRA FAT

THE TRUTH:

In theory, because your blood sugar and muscle carbohydrate levels are low after an overnight fast, running before breakfast forces your body to use fat as its main fuel.

But exercising on an empty stomach is like trying to run your car without gas. You need carbs in your system to start your engine and to keep it going strong to burn more total kilojoules.

Not only do muscles prefer to run on carbs, but so does your brain. Exercising with brain fog reduces intensity and increases injury risk.

Fuel up with 400 to 800 kilojoules of easily digestible carbs (like fruit juice, yogurt, or dried fruit) about 30 minutes before a morning workout.

This also cuts down on post-exercise hunger and curbs overeating.

More Weight-Loss Myths Exposed
The Myth: you can spot-reduce fat
The Myth: Exercise in the fat-burning zone
The Myth: Weight-lifting will only bulk you up
The Myth: Low fat foods are a healthy choice
The Myth: Eating at night causes weight gain