When losing weight, is it better to eat before or after a cardio workout?
OK, long answer here. Skip to the quick summary at the end if you don’t have time to read the rest. Eating immediately prior to working out has several effects. Firstly, blood will be diverted to your digestive system to allow for better absorption of foods. This means that less blood will be available for your heart and muscles to use, resulting in an impaired ability to exercise. Secondly, the weight of the food in your stomach causes it to distend, which, when combined with running can make you feel uncomfortable. Obviously, to exercise well, you need a supply of energy. If you plan on doing a lengthy cardio workout you should eat something high in carbs and low in fat about two to four hours before you exercise. The carbs are relatively simple to digest and so by the time you hit the treadmill (or whatever) the blood will be availble to your muscles. Plus, carbohydrates are easily converted to glycogen, the main storage of energy in your muscles. If you are exercising, the carbs wo
