Los Angeles Personal Trainer

Hi Lalo,

I have a busy schedule so I prefer to work out first thing in the morning when I get up. I usually just have a glass of water and then start my workout -- it's too early in the morning for me to eat anything. And getting up a 1/2 hour in advance just to eat something and digest doesn't work for me.

I find that I'm more energetic for the rest of the day after my workout in the morning. My goal is weight loss.

I've heard that working out on an empty stomach is like running on an empty gas tank so there will be no fat burn. However, I've also heard the contrary -- that it's good to work out on an empty stomach because your body would use the "fat reserves" and more fat will be burned. Though my body feels more toned, I have not seen any changes in my weight. I've also been eating well and keeping to the right caloric intake for my weight and height.

Am I doing something wrong?

Lisa
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Hi Lisa,

Both quotes are wrong to a point. Your body needs fuel to operate and if you operate without fuel it will use fat reserves but it will also use muscle, “protein”, so there will be little gain. It also depends on how long your workouts are.

Before your workouts your body needs fuel. Fruits are a great choice since they digest quickly and are easy to eat right after you get out of bed. Start by eating a bite and try one that you really love, you’ll have a lot more energy to burn a lot more calories. If that doesn’t work, try to have few sips of a light protein shake. Muscle Milk has a light version of their original protein shake that is easy to drink; the chocolate one is my favorite.

During or right after your workouts your body needs protein so make sure you eat something well balanced right after your workouts with emphasis on protein.

I don’t really know what are you doing for your workouts; the length, how often or what are you really eating. But, if you have a balanced diet and you’re mixing strength training, cardio and nutrition you should be getting results. Also, try to change your workouts once in a while and make sure you’re not concentrating on the weight you’re lifting but on the intensity of the workouts.

Also, it is very important that you don’t concentrate only on your weight. Muscle weights more than fat and I usually tell my clients they will gain 2 or 3 pounds the first two weeks but then all that weight will drop. What I’m guessing is that you have gained muscle by doing strength training, which is great, but at the same time you have burned fat making your weight a bit even. Nothing to worry about, after all, you said you’re getting more toned right? I have also seen people loose a few sizes but haven’t dropped much weight. All that muscle will eventually burn the fat and you’ll start loosing weight.

In the meantime, enjoy the journey!

Lalo Fuentes, CSSC
Personal Trainer & Lifestyle Coach
Los Angeles, California