Want to Burn More Fat During a Workout? Don't Do This Right Before

Who doesn't want to make their workout as effective as possibly, right? If you're trying to burn fat, for instance, you may consider taking the latest advice from researchers ...

The latest word on fat-burning? Don't eat before a workout.

Though many athletes have to eat before they run (think: Lance Armstrong, etc.), if you're trying to burn fat efficiently, you may want to hold off on that snack until later. According to European researchers, cyclists who trained without eating first burned "significantly" more fat than those who ate a snack prior to a bike ride.

It all has to do with the way your muscles use energy, reports the AP: "When you exercise (after fasting), your adrenaline is high and your insulin is low," said Peter Hespel, a professor of exercise physiology at the University of Leuven in Belgium. "That ratio is favorable for your muscles to oxidize (break down) more fatty acids."

While the findings aren't entirely surprising, they are a good reminder of the way the body uses fuel. But here's the thing: I absolutely must eat something light before a long run or else I get weak out there and won't finish my run. So, I'll keep my banana or slice of bread with nut butter before a long run, thank you very much. :)

How about you? Do you find that you need a pre-workout, or are you successful at holding off until after?

P.S. Need some fitness motivation? I spotted a woman doing the most inspiring thing the other day! And, why working it out outside is so good for you! Plus, a new DVD to get you lean and toned ...

MORE FROM GLAMOUR:


Photo Credit: Condé Nast Digital Studio