I've been slacking off on both exercise and weight loss. I haven't done the pushups & crunches for a few days, and I can't remember the last time I walked, although the cold would aggravate my fingers and make breathing painful. Now I understand the idea of "mall walkers."


This reminds me about a debate my coworkers and I had about 40 years ago. Is it better to exercise on an empty stomach? Or should you eat first (lightly) and then exercise.

I've always sided with the empty stomach approach. This is how we functioned when we had to work for our food (hunt or harvest it) prior to fast food era. Digestion requires energy, which will hinder your ability to exercise. Besides, I'd always get stomach cramps back then, even if all I did was drink water before exercising. As well, look at how some animals exert themselves to prey on game, then engorge themselves and sleep or lounge for several hours.

OTOH, when you eat a light meal first and then exercise, any excess calories (blood sugar) are diverted, preventing insulin build-up and fat accumulation (or at least that's how I understand "their" argument).