Fat-burning during workouts

[mirliluck]

I eat lots of carbs. Waffles everyday for breakfast, sandwich or pasta at lunch, baked potato or pasta for dinner most nights. I've lost plenty of fat on this diet.

Me too. Well, maybe not that much but close.

I visit another health and fitness forum where a lot of the people there are really into weightlifting, and they constantly promote protein protein protein, all the while singing the evils of carbs. Admittedly I did notice a difference in satiety when I increased my protein and was more conscious of my intake in general, but I personally had HORRIBLE luck trying low-carb. It had a really negative impact on my cycling.

I've read that success with one vs. the other has to do with insulin resistance levels in the body, which vary by person.

[lph]

I think the original quote was about what to eat before exercise, not cutting out carbs altogether. I'm sceptical too, aren''t carbs the body's preferred and first form of fuel? But I have been told that you can sort of wean yourself over to using more protein and fat instead, but I think this takes some getting used to.

But this one I'm pretty certain of: "fat-burning workouts" are largely a misunderstanding. As I recall, studies showed that low- and medium-intensity workouts burn more fat than high-intensity workouts during the workout. But in total, considering the muscle you build, and the after-effects of the exercise, high-intensity workouts were just as useful for burning fat, it was the total effort (calories out) that counted.

[mirliluck]

But this one I'm pretty certain of: "fat-burning workouts" are largely a misunderstanding. As I recall, studies showed that low- and medium-intensity workouts burn more fat than high-intensity workouts during the workout. But in total, considering the muscle you build, and the after-effects of the exercise, high-intensity workouts were just as useful for burning fat, it was the total effort (calories out) that counted.

You're right, I think they call it the EPOC effect or something like this. The shorter, high intensity workouts create a significant 'afterburn', plus are touted to have the added benefit of protecting muscle mass better. But I've read that there are benefits to both short high intensity and longer low/medium intensity. I use this to justify my 1.5-2 hour rides, anyway.

[OakLeaf]

high-intensity workouts were just as useful for burning fat, it was the total effort (calories out) that counted.

True, but by definition it's much easier to sustain a lower intensity. Most people can ride a bicycle all day long at 60-70% of MHR. Start getting up near 90-95% and you're talking half an hour or 45 minutes for all but the most highly trained athletes. A ride of moderate length and intensity will always burn more calories than an interval workout or just going out and hammering for a very short time.

[ny biker]

True, but by definition it's much easier to sustain a lower intensity. Most people can ride a bicycle all day long at 60-70% of MHR. Start getting up near 90-95% and you're talking half an hour or 45 minutes for all but the most highly trained athletes. A ride of moderate length and intensity will always burn more calories than an interval workout or just going out and hammering for a very short time.

Interesting take. My trainer presented it to me in a different way: if you're going to do cardio for an hour, you'll burn more calories overall (and more fat calories) if you do intervals/high intensity for that hour than if you do low intensity exercise.

People might be physically capable of exercising for a longer period if the intensity is lower, but you need to have time in your schedule for it.

[channlluv]

DH just told me that he found out the calories my Garmin says I'm burning should be cut in half, so that 2,000 calorie ride last weekend was really only 1,000. grrr.

Roxy

[Tuckervill]

Why did he say that?

Karen

[tctrek]

DH just told me that he found out the calories my Garmin says I'm burning should be cut in half, so that 2,000 calorie ride last weekend was really only 1,000. grrr.

Roxy

Agreed. My Garmin always calculates calories burned way too high.