Protein before AM cardio??

[Bellastrega]

Hi ladies..

I have started AM cardio but have a question. My bf thinks that I should have a protein shake before to cut the cortisol in my system and to lessen muscle loss. What do you think? Is he full of it?

Thanks, B

 

[Sassy69]

Hi ladies..

I have started AM cardio but have a question. My bf thinks that I should have a protein shake before to cut the cortisol in my system and to lessen muscle loss. What do you think? Is he full of it?

Thanks, B

The idea of AM empty stomach cardio is to not burn immediately available food that you just consumed. If I am hungry before doing AM cardio I will have some egg whites.

As far as worrying about losing muscle mass, I guess it would depend on how lean you are. Can you tell me your stats? And also how often you do AM cardio.

 

[Bellastrega]

Thanks for your quick response Sassy

I am not lean, period! I weigh 165, and am 5'5. I am over-fat for sure. I have been doing morning cardio 5 days a week. Typically it is a brisk walk/jog scenario. I walk for a block, jog for a block, for 30 minutes. I am trying to get to all out running.

I used to be muscular, without weight-training. But I have been out of shape for sooo long (I just turned 30 and have been over-fat for 3 years) that I wonder about my poor muscles.

Thanks Sassy...

 

[Sassy69]

Your muscles are still there!

Here's my opinion of cardio. My body type allows me to put on muscle but also fat. I can't put a significant dent in my bodyfat without a lot of cardio. I think you need to determine what works for you. If your diet is providing enough protein to support muscle maintenance, e.g. 1 - 1.2 g protein per lb lean body mass, then carb manipulation, excellent fats and training will help w/ your muscle mass.

How are you tracking your progress with this type of cardio? Do you get your bodyfat / weight done on a regular interval? That should help tell you if what you are doing (collective sum of diet, training & cardio) is burnign fat and not muscle or not.