If you re looking to cut down on body fat you may have heard about fasted cardio But is fasted cardio good for cutting And how does it work In this article we ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of fasted cardio how to incorporate it into your workout routine and answer some frequently asked questions .
If you're looking to cut down on body fat, you may have heard about fasted cardio. But is fasted cardio good for cutting? And how does it work? In this article, we'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of fasted cardio, how to incorporate it into your workout routine, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
In this article, we'll cover:
- How Fasted Cardio Works
- Benefits of Fasted Cardio for Cutting
- Drawbacks of Fasted Cardio for Cutting
- How to Incorporate Fasted Cardio into Your Routine
- Tips for Fasted Cardio
- Frequently Asked Questions about Fasted Cardio for Cutting
How Fasted Cardio Works
Fasted cardio refers to doing cardio exercise on an empty stomach, usually first thing in the morning. The idea is that when you haven't eaten for several hours, your body will burn more fat for fuel during exercise instead of carbohydrates. This is because your body's glycogen stores are depleted, and it needs to turn to other sources for energy.
When you eat carbohydrates, your body converts them to glucose and stores them in your muscles and liver as glycogen. During exercise, your body breaks down glycogen into glucose to use for energy. However, when your glycogen stores are low, your body will start to break down fat for energy instead.
Benefits of Fasted Cardio for Cutting
The main benefit of fasted cardio for cutting is that it can help you burn more fat. When you do cardio on an empty stomach, your body is forced to use stored fat for energy instead of glucose. This can help you lose body fat faster than if you were doing cardio after a meal.
Fasted cardio can also help improve insulin sensitivity, which is how well your body responds to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body store glucose as glycogen in your muscles and liver. When you eat a meal, your body releases insulin to help your cells absorb glucose from your bloodstream. However, if you're insulin resistant, your cells become less responsive to insulin, which can lead to high blood sugar and increased fat storage.
Drawbacks of Fasted Cardio for Cutting
While fasted cardio can be effective for burning fat, it's not for everyone. Here are some drawbacks to consider:
- You may feel more fatigued during your workout, which can lead to a decrease in performance.
- You may be more likely to burn muscle instead of fat, especially if you're not eating enough protein.
- You may experience hunger and cravings after your workout, which can lead to overeating later in the day.
- You may not have enough energy to do high-intensity cardio, which can be more effective for burning fat than low-intensity cardio.
How to Incorporate Fasted Cardio into Your Routine
If you want to try fasted cardio for cutting, here are some tips to get started:
- Start with low-intensity cardio, such as walking or jogging, to avoid burning too much muscle.
- Drink plenty of water before and during your workout to stay hydrated.
- Eat a high-protein meal after your workout to help prevent muscle loss.
- Gradually increase the duration and intensity of your cardio workouts to avoid overtraining.
Tips for Fasted Cardio
Here are some additional tips for doing fasted cardio:
- Wait at least 2-3 hours after your last meal before doing fasted cardio.
- Drink black coffee or green tea before your workout to help boost your metabolism.
- Try alternating between fasted cardio and cardio after a meal to see what works best for you.
- Monitor your progress by taking measurements and tracking your body fat percentage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fasted Cardio for Cutting
Is fasted cardio better for cutting?
Fasted cardio can be effective for cutting because it can help you burn more fat. However, it's not for everyone and may not be the most effective way to lose weight for everyone.
Should I eat before or after fasted cardio?
You should eat a high-protein meal after fasted cardio to help prevent muscle loss. However, you should wait at least 2-3 hours after your last meal before doing fasted cardio.
Can I do high-intensity cardio while fasted?
You may not have enough energy to do high-intensity cardio while fasted, which can be more effective for burning fat than low-intensity cardio. It's best to start with low-intensity cardio and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts.
Can I do fasted cardio every day?
You should avoid doing fasted cardio every day to avoid overtraining. Try alternating between fasted cardio and cardio after a meal to see what works best for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fasted cardio can be effective for cutting because it can help you burn more fat. However, it's not for everyone and may not be the most effective way to lose weight for everyone. If you want to try fasted cardio, start with low-intensity cardio and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. Remember to eat a high-protein meal after your workout to help prevent muscle loss, and monitor your progress by taking measurements and tracking your body fat percentage.
