Could somebody please tell me the order in which the body fuels are used.
namely:
1. carbs (sugar)
2. fat
3. muscle
I was under the impression that training in the morning on an empty stomach meant that no carbs were available to use as fuel. (type of training, ie. weights or cv may be an issue?)
As a result, the next in line would be used.
I understood this to be fat.
However, I'm now finding 'experts' telling me that muscle is used next as a source of energy.
In addition that muscle is catabolized during sleep unless carbs are present, and also after 45 min training when cortisol hormones are released.
Any guidance on this would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Posted by: Jodi
1. Glycogen
2. Fat
3. Muscle (thats why we dont eat too low of calorie diets, while cutting so we don't burn muscle)
Posted by: Fit Freak
Not exactly sure why you're wondering this...in the end calories in - calories out is ultimately what you need to worry about.
Posted by: LawMan
fit freak.
reason for wondering is...
because jodi's answer would suggest that doing cardio before breakfast would burn more fat as opposed to cardio in the evening.
Also, the cortisol hormone which is catabolic, would be destroying muscle if released in great amounts after 45 minutes workout.
So wanted to check both points out.
Calories in = calories out.
But if bulking up cutting up. Need to know which is bulking or cutting. The muscle or the fat. Understanding the above enables better quality bulking and less harmful cutting.
Peace.
Posted by: Fit Freak
Agrred...and you will burn a higher percentage of cals from fat with cardio first thing in the morning on an empty stomach BUT no more total calories...in the end many find it's a wash! That's why it's important to be aware of how we burn our cals BUT also that in the larger picture total calories consusumed/burned is the MOST important.
Posted by: LawMan
If total calories in = total calories out and there are no other variables, then would the following have the same effect:
1. Jogging for one hour. (calories burned = x)
2. Eating your normal diet - x calories.
Something tells me that (1) is supposed to burn more fat, but it's not clear why.
Also, I've read in a few places that muscle is burned before fat. Like in the morning workout without food.
This seems to make sense as if fat burned first, then if I reduced my calories, I should be ripped before the muscles starts breaking down for fuel.
The reality is that the opposite seems to happen. The muscles go down, but the fat not much.
