Should I Work Out On An Empty Stomach? Will I Burn More Fat That Way?

I get asked this question all the time.  In fact, I think about this question quite often.  I teach 3 6am classes and often wonder, "Should I just run out the door and eat later or should I slow down, eat and THEN rush out?" 

Well, I am sure you know the answer.  It is NOT to work out on an empty stomach.  Why?  Well, first of all, your blood sugar level are low when you wake up, In essence, you have fasted all night long.  They say that you do burn fat when your body is at this state.  But just because you are using fat as fuel, it doesn't mean you are going to burn fat off of your body.  You need to look at your overall calorie expenditure to chemically lose the weight in the form of fat.  
Read what the Gatorade Sports Science Institute says on this subject!

What other benefits are there to eating before a workout?  

1. You can boost your recovery rate and strength gains by fueling your body properly.
2. By eating carbs before your workouts, you can sustain an even blood sugar level, thereby giving you more energy for LONGER, more INTENSE workouts.
3. Keeping that blood sugar level on an even keel will help you avoid dizziness or nausea.
4. You can FOCUS on your workout, not about what you are going to eat AFTER, because you have a sense a being satiated.

For more information, please read this earlier blog post that I did.  I provide you with what you should eat and when!  

http://stayfitwithjudi.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-am-ready-for-awesome-workout-what-do.html