Fasted or fed for training?

Training fasted or fed depends heavily on personal preference and the type of workout being performed. Andrew Huberman generally prefers to train fasted, especially for early morning workouts, often after a 3 to 10-hour overnight fast. However, he emphasizes tailoring this approach based on individual training goals and physical responses to food [1].

For some individuals and certain types of workouts, being fed might be more suitable. This could help avoid gastric distress, especially if you're someone who feels you perform better after consuming a meal. The type of meal and its timing relative to the training session should be considered to prevent discomfort during exercise [2].

In terms of effectiveness, exercising fasted can increase the percentage of body fat burned during workouts, particularly if the workouts are intense or of medium intensity. However, if eating before exercise helps you perform better or makes the exercise feasible, then it's advisable to eat. The decision to train fasted or fed should ultimately focus on what ensures consistent training and maximizes performance for your specific needs [3].