Proper nutrition is important when exercising, so you may wonder if it’s better to eat before or after a workout. In general, when you should eat may depend on your personal fitness goals, your planned workout, and any underlying health concerns.

Nutrition and exercise are two of the most important factors for your overall health.

What’s more, the two factors affect each other.

Proper nutrition can fuel your exercise and help your body recover and adapt.

However, one common question is whether to eat before or after exercising.

This may be particularly relevant if you exercise first thing in the morning.

Here’s all you need to know about eating before or after working out.

Exercising Fasted Increases Your Body’s Ability to Use Fat for Fuel

Your body’s primary sources of fuel are body fat and carbohydrates.

Fat is stored as triglycerides in fat tissue, while carbs are stored in your muscles and liver as a molecule called glycogen.

Exercising Fasted May Not Lead to a Greater Loss of Body Fat

Given that your body burns more fat for energy when it is fasted, it’s tempting to think that this will lead to greater fat loss over time.

One study demonstrated different responses in individuals who exercised in the fasted state, compared to those who ate before exercise