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Running on an empty stomach while fasting?

Fasting for Wellness · 2 min read · May 3, 2025
Whether or not to fast before exercise depends on the timing and intensity. When exercising on an empty stomach, the body will first use the glycogen stored from the previous dinner to provide energy. Therefore, it's usually recommended that runners planning to run the next day have a balanced dinner with vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates. However, if you run for more than an hour, your body's glycogen may be depleted, which could affect your athletic performance. In such cases, it's necessary to supplement with energy packs or other foods. Conversely, low-intensity, short-distance jogging on an empty stomach is feasible, as long as you remember to stay hydrated. Many people believe that exercising on an empty stomach is the best way to burn fat and lose weight. In theory, if done correctly, it can indeed help the body use fatty acids to burn fat. However, fasting is not the decisive factor. Some scholars point out that fasting and exercising after meals do not differ significantly in terms of body weight and body composition.

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