We often consume more calories than we burn. And that’s the reason why we gain weight. But when you are on intermittent fasting, everything is different!
You have a time window in which you can eat. And most of the day, instead of eating, you just drink non-calorie beverages. As you can imagine there are moments when you’re feeling really hungry…
But when you are hungry, whether is OK to work out?
Definitely YES, here you’ll understand why.
Why Can You Exercise During Fasting?
Our bodies use carbs to produce glucose. Glucose is saved as glycogen in the muscles and liver.
Glycogen is a form of energy.Our bodies are accustomed to using it as an energy source.
That means when you’re working out your body uses glycogen to give you the necessary energy for your workout.
Great, but while fasting, your glycogen levels become lower. Does that mean no glycogen = no energy?
It is debatable.When you have not eaten for a long time, you enter into a different state. But it still needs to ensure your survival.
So, your body changes the manner that it works. Instead of glucose, it begins to use fat as an fuel!
Using fat instead of carbs(glucose) transforms your body into a fat-burning machine.
And as soon as your body adapts to the new energy source, you’ll feel ready for intensity workouts.
Exercises While Fasting Will Help You To Lose Weight Faster
Working out will help you to be and stay fit. Fasting will do the same. And if you decide to combine both of them, you will increase their positive effects.
But why and how?
You’re going to burn some more calories during training. But actually, that’s not the main factor when we talk about losing the annoying belly fat!
One of the main benefits of exercising and fasting is that they regulate a few essential hormones.
More specifically:
- Raise Human Growth Hormone (HGH) – It helps you to recover faster and build muscle. The balance between HGH and insulin is essential because high insulin levels initiate the body to save fat. Exercises help to improve the ratio between human growth hormone and insulin.
- Raise Insulin Sensitivity (Lower Levels Of Insulin) – Insulin is the hormone that “tells” your body to use glycogen for energy. And as long as you have insulin in your blood, fat can’t be used as an energy source. So, high insulin = can’t burn fat.
- Raise Testosterone – Testosterone isn’t exclusively a male hormone. Females produce it as well just in smaller quantities. A bit higher testosterone gives us higher energy levels. Besides, it helps maintain the existed muscles and also supports the body to store less fat.
Final Words
It’s quite okay to work out while fasting. Besides, it’s going to be very beneficial for you.
When you become a fat-burning machine, your body will use fat as an energy source, which will definitely help you to lose weight.
However, the most important thing is to listen to your body. In other words, if you feel tired or you don’t have enough energy, skip the training session. And try again in a few days.
One skipped workout won’t make you fatter as one clean meal won’t make you stronger. Just make sure you make the right decisions in the long-run.
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