Fasting and Exercise: Can They Go Together?

Exercising requires stamina, endurance, and energy. Food becomes the primary source of energy when performing any activity. Carbohydrates top most people’s energy source list, but others may choose to get their energy from fats. Either way, food serves the primary purpose of lifting heavy weight and running on the treadmill. Of course, in order to lose weight and stay in shape, the body must be in a calorie deficit. The body also requires calories to perform any type of physical activity. Calories are stored energy. When you eat before working out, the recently ingested food serves as an energy source. Controversy exists about whether eating before working out is wise or if fasted workouts get rid of more fat. A few arguments for fasted exercise do seem compelling and should be dismissed.

Interestingly, researchers note that pre-historic people often went many days without food. These ancient people were hunter-gatherers and had to expend a great deal of energy in order to collect and kill their food. Also, pre-historic people needed to defend themselves against wild animals and other hazards. Doing so on an empty stomach may have been unavoidable under certain circumstances.

While somewhat speculative, the lesson learned from looking at prehistoric people suggests that performing well on an empty stomach remains possible. Modern bodybuilders and certain athletes do employ several methods that combine fasting with exercise. For example, food could be drastically restricted for two days during the week. The eliminated calories help keep the body at a desired lean level.

Each and every person is different. Some may react better to the combination of fasting and exercising than others. One thing common to all people would be the fact everyone must eat in order to survive. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a wise idea to excessively deny yourself food and the nutrients that go with it.