Exposing The Fad - Is Fasted Cardio Better?

You've probably heard about fasted cardio if you've stepped foot in a gym in the past few years. 

Proponents of the theory claim that when you do your cardio exercises early in the morning before eating anything, your body will burn more fat because it doesn't have any food to use as fuel. 

But is this true? And even if it is, is it worth skipping breakfast for? 

Let's look closely at fasted cardio and see what the evidence says.

What Is Fasted Cardio?

If you're like most people, the thought of doing cardio first thing in the morning makes you want to crawl back into bed. 

But there's a growing trend of people willing to sacrifice a few extra minutes of sleep for the benefits of fasted cardio. 

So what is it, and does it work?

Fasted cardio is simply exercising in a fasted state, meaning that you haven't eaten anything for at least 8 hours. 

The theory is that exercising in a fasted state will force your body to burn stored fat for energy, leading to greater fat loss. 

Some scientific evidence supports this claim, but it's still relatively controversial.

Why? Well, because fasted cardio does, indeed, lead to more fat oxidation (fat burning) during the session... 

However, later during the day, that same fat oxidation is decreased, creating a net difference of... zero.

So should you give fasted cardio a try? If you're looking to lose weight and find it sustainable (can stick to it), then sure.

But bear in mind, fasted cardio is not superior for fat loss compared to fed cardio.

This means there's no need to go through the hassle of working out on an empty stomach. 

What Matters For Fat Loss?

When it comes to weight loss, many myths and old wives' tales are floating around. 

One of the most persistent is precisely the idea of fasted cardio.

However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. 

What matters most when it comes to losing weight is not the type of cardio you do but rather the balance between calories burned and calories consumed. 

If you burn more than you consume, you will lose weight.

This is called "eating in a caloric deficit."

You can create a caloric deficit by reducing your calorie intake, increasing your activity level, or, ideally, a combination of both. 

And so, if you're looking to shed some pounds, focus on creating a calorie deficit and forget about fasted cardio altogether - it's just a hyped-up fad!

Honourable Mentions

Have you ever wondered why some people find weight loss so easy while others find it nearly impossible? 

While many factors contribute to weight loss, a few simple strategies can make a big difference. 

First, including high-protein and fibre-rich foods in your diet can help to regulate hunger and promote feelings of fullness and satiety. 

Second, regular exercise helps to boost metabolism and burn calories. 

Finally, conscious restraint can help to prevent overeating and unhealthy snacking. 

Following these simple tips can increase your chances of success when trying to lose weight, again, without doing fasted cardio!