Many people, including myself, used to exercise on an empty stomach to achieve quick results in weight loss.
Is this really harmful or beneficial for our bodies?
Research has shown that when we consume food, our bodies convert it into glucose or amino acids, which provide energy for our body to function. So, when we exercise on an empty stomach, we are deprived of these two energy sources. If energy is low, we won’t be able to exercise with 100% intensity, and the results will be comparatively less. When we exercise on an empty stomach, our bodies cannot utilize glucose and ammonia acid as energy, so the fats, muscle, and bones within our bodies are utilized to expend energy.
Since food is not present in our bodies, fats, muscles, and bones are used indirectly as energy sources, leading to weight loss. In this case, your weight will decrease rapidly, but the loss of muscle and bone mass can be harmful. As the muscles decrease, our metabolism also slows down, which will hinder proper results even after dieting.
Therefore, a helpful tip before exercising is to have a light snack such as bananas, almonds, eggs, or sugar-free black coffee. Personally, I opt for sugar-free black coffee. It increases our mental focus, provides energy, and reduces fatigue.
However, when consuming black coffee, one thing to keep in mind is to have it at least 6 hours before going to sleep. Because if you consume it within six hours of going to bed, it can disrupt your deep sleep, which can have adverse effects on your overall fitness journey.
