A friend just told me that if you exercise on an empty stomach you burn more calories. Is this true or is this just another one of those myths that makes some people feel better for doing things a certain way?

I think the idea for this is that if you exercise in the morning before breakfast, you will burn stored carbs/fat instead of burning what you just ate. The amount of calories burned is the same.

But all in all, it comes down to calories in vs calories out.

It's like eating late at night, they say not to do it before bed because you won't work it off. You will eventually though right?

I have heard/read that also and I don't know if it's true or not.
Some people prefer to eat before a workout. Some do not (I'm in that group).
Do what you need/want to do.
If it does burn anymore calories, I'm sure it's not much difference.

As far as the difference between burning STORED fuel/fat....its negligable. But think of it this way... will eating something before you work out make you able to work for harder/longer? If so, than that equates to an overall larger caloric burn for you. On the other hand, if eating something before you work out means youl get sick and not able to finish.......

Theres all sorts of research to support both sides. Do what works for you.
Especially if you are doing any sort of strength training you need to eat EITHER before OR after your workout. Your body needs the nutrients for a proper recovery. I personally prefer the PRE workout nutrition, but many people opt for POST workout nutrition instead. Either way shoot for a balanced, high protein, high Glycemic workout nutrition....... in a perfect world, we would have both pre and post, but sometimes, especially when dealing with fat loss and caloric deficits, we just dont have anough calories for both never underestimate the imoprtance of nutirent timing....

also just wanted to add the mojority of stored fat calories your body burns anyway comes from when you are NOT active...

If you eat before a work out it is basically calories isn't it? It hasn't turned to fat yet? So my thinking is its easier to burn calories then fat.

If you run on stored fat it is harder to burnt that fat?

I prefer to eat after a workout since I try to do it in the morning. I get stomach cramps if I eat beforehand. No fun. And then I'll do an evening walk by the beach to get some extra exercise in.

I finished lunch a few mins ago... in about an hour, I will go down to the gym and workout. That is about perfect for me. By that time, I won't feel "full" anymore, but I won't be hungry, either. I just can NOT get in a good work out if I am starving and my tummy is grumbling.

I have been told by multiple sources it is good to get in a little protein within 30 - 45 mins after a workout... so I usually have a yogurt of LF cottage cheese after a work out.

Just read this. Believe or not at your own discretion:

An empty stomach will help you burn fat faster. Once your body runs dry of its readily available fuel stored in your muscles (glucose) and then liver (glycogen), it will look to your stomach for some makings of glucose (simple and complex carbohydrates). If the stomach is empty or otherwise lacks what your body needs there, it will switch gears and start getting what it needs from your body’s stored fat. Whether getting what it needs to make glucose from the contents of your stomach or from fat, you’ll feel this kick in when you get your “second wind”.

ddc, what is the source of that quote?

I've been told it's best to eat a carb or at least something before you work out. You'll feel tired and fatigued sooner if you don't. Your body can't run on empty anymore than a car can. Eat something, get your metabolism going, do your workout, and your body will burn more calories throughout the day from keeping your heart rate up and staying active. I try to get a small snack in before I workout, then have another sometime after.

Sorry, I should have posted the link.

The part that I quoted is about half way down the page.

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index....while-running/