Is it good to workout on an empty stomach in the morning?

Author: Dr. Karianne O'Keefe  |  Last update: Monday, December 8, 2025

Exercising in a fasted state may burn some quick body fat, but it's not the best option for your body in the long-run. Eat a small snack or meal before and after your workout to ensure that you're properly fueled to perform your best in the gym and recover quickly when you get home.

Is it OK to workout on an empty stomach first thing in the morning?

Yes it is fine to work out on an empty stomach. Your body has plenty of stored energy in the form of glycogen and body fat. You don't need to eat before a work out.

Is it okay to workout when you haven't eaten?

It is not recommended to workout if you don't have food in your system, as the body needs energy from food to sustain physical activity. Exercise can be taxing on the body and without proper fuel, you may experience weakness, fatigue, and decreased performance.

Is it okay to exercise immediately after waking up?

There is no problem with exercising right after waking up. As long as you have slept properly, you should wake up and feel with a lot of energy to start exercising immediately. It might be better than if you want to exercise in the evening after work, when you are already too tired to exercise.

Does an empty stomach burn fat?

It is a common belief that training on an empty stomach will help you burn more fat. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, working out on an empty stomach may actually be counterproductive to your weight-loss goals.

How to Build Muscle with Fasting | The Ultimate Guide

Is it better to exercise before or after breakfast?

If you exercise in the morning, get up early enough to finish breakfast at least one hour before your workout. Be well fueled going into a workout. Studies suggest that eating or drinking carbohydrates before exercise can help you do better during your workout.

What is the 30 30 30 rule?

That plan is called the 30-30-30 rule. It's a simple but catchy idea that encourages you to eat 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up and then get 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise. The 30-30-30 rule now has millions of followers on TikTok.

What happens to your body when you workout the first thing in the morning?

Exercising in the morning can lead to increased alertness and mental clarity, which may enhance productivity throughout your day. However, it's important to warm up properly, as the body's muscles are typically colder and tighter in the morning.

What is the best pre-workout meal?

Pre-Workout Foods
  • Protein Bar. ...
  • Porridge and Oatmeal. ...
  • Fruit Smoothies. ...
  • Wholegrain Bread, Sweet Potato and Brown Rice. ...
  • Apple Wedges and Peanut Butter. ...
  • Omelette. ...
  • Homemade Protein Bars. ...
  • Protein Shakes. Last but not least, protein shakes.

Should I run as soon as I wake up?

A morning workout may promote better quality of sleep as compared to afternoon or evening workouts. In fact, the authors of a 2014 study published in Vascular Health and Risk Management concluded that early morning may be the most beneficial time to engage in aerobic exercise.

What is the best breakfast for morning workout?

Ideally, include carbs such as a banana, low-fat yogurt, bowl of cereal, smoothie or a glass of milk. Avoid foods that are high in fat or fibre because they take longer to digest and may cause stomach discomfort during exercise.

What is the best time to workout?

Whether working or at home, most people hit the dreaded afternoon slump around 3 p.m. A recent study of more than 90,000 people found that working out in the afternoon reduces the risk of heart disease or early death more than physical activity in either the morning or afternoon.

Will I lose muscle if I workout on an empty stomach in the morning?

However, exercising on an empty stomach will also cause you to lose lean muscle mass at the same time, which can hinder long-term weight loss. Exercising without eating first can cause dramatic shifts in your blood sugar, and when it drops quickly you can feel nauseous, light-headed or dizzy.

What happens if you lift weights but don't eat enough protein?

Lifting and doing strength training without adequate nutrition, especially without enough protein, can actually lead to loss of muscle tissue. Furthermore, if you aren't eating right you won't have the energy to do the workouts that lead to muscle gain.

What is the best thing to take after a workout?

While you typically get enough electrolytes from eating a balanced diet, replenishing with a sports drink or electrolyte supplement may be necessary after exercising for about 90 minutes or more or after working out in hot, humid conditions.

How long before exercise gives you energy?

Within the first ten minutes your heart rate increases meaning there is an increased supply of blood to the brain, making you more alert, blocking pain signals and then the body will use different energy systems depending on the duration and intensity of the exercise.

Is it good to exercise immediately after waking up?

In general, for healthy individuals looking to lose weight or get fitter – morning workouts are perfectly fine. In most cases, they are even a great choice (see next section).

Will working out 10 minutes a day make a difference?

The short answer is: yes! Research has found that 10‑minute workouts can help improve your health and fitness, particularly if you aren't used to exercising. Scheduling gym time or a long workout can feel overwhelming, especially on busy days.

Does working out on an empty stomach burn fat?

The amount of fat burned during the 30-minute cycle increased by about 70% from 4.5g to 7.7g. And, while calorie intake at dinner was about 100 kcal greater for those doing fasted exercise, calorie intake over the whole day was on average 440 kcal less, when exercise was performed fasted.

What does 30g of protein look like for breakfast?

Here is a list of foods that provide roughly 30 grams of protein: 1.5 cups of Greek yogurt (opt for unsweetened and add your own toppings) 1 cup cottage cheese. 5 large eggs, or 2-3 eggs mixed with extra egg whites.

How much protein do I need a day?

The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 165 pounds, or 75 kilograms, should consume 60 grams of protein per day. If you're over age 40-50.

Why eat protein within 30 minutes of waking?

"Eating 30 grams of protein first thing in the morning can help inhibit appetite and reduce caloric intake during the day," Ferriss says in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

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