actually, you burn more fat when glycogen is present. The two go together and create a synergistic effect. It nots like "uh oh, no glycogen, gotta find some fat". The fat burning process does not benefit from a lack of glycogen, more like the opposite. So from what I understand, there really is no point in doing cardio on an empty stomach (especially in BB, eat something will ya). And weightlifting on a empty stomach... well not exactly the most optimal thing to do.
Eating protein only as a meal is a complete waste btw. 18 out of 20 amino acids can be turned into glycogen and if there is no carbs present in your meal, the body much more prefer transforming the protein into glycogen.
Their are so many different theories on this it gets confusing. Some say do cardio first thing on an empty stomach, others say fuel the body first to save muscle. This article is pretty good but it seems that every day someone else publishes another article on burning fat and what should be in your stomach. Bill Phillips preaches first thing with just water to burn fat, while others just the opposite. I got my best fat loss when I would get up and run 3 miles with out anything but a cup of coffee. So like I have said before. It's a science, but not an exact science. What works for one will not work for another and visa versa.
It's not necessarily "good" or "bad" to eat before practice or a game — it really depends on what and when you've eaten that day. Ideally you want to eat so you have energy, but you don't want to eat so that you feel too full and/or experience discomfort. It's a matter of balance. Research shows that eating before exercise, as opposed to exercising on an empty stomach, improves athletic performance. Generally, a snack taken before an activity will help fuel you for that practice or game (depending on how long the sport lasts), and also help you from becoming over hungry after the workout.
That being said, consider the following:
* It usually takes our bodies about three or four hours to digest a moderate sized meal and about one or two hours to process a light snack (these numbers depend a lot on the type of food you're eating, not to mention your very own metabolic rate). It's a good idea to allow some time for digestion prior to any strenuous activity.
* If you have practice or a game late in the afternoon, eat breakfast and lunch. Include plenty of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain cereals, fruit, and vegetables. These replace muscle glycogen (our bodies' storage form of carbohydrates), and are important, especially if you exercise every day. Without replacing glycogen, your muscles will feel weak and performance may suffer.
* Remember to keep well hydrated. Our muscles are approximately 70 percent water and dehydrated muscles perform poorly, too. Drink water throughout the day.
* One meal or one snack isn't going to make up for a generally unhealthy lifestyle. Eating well helps contribute nutrients your body needs on a continual basis. Apply some of these suggestions regularly. Choose mostly whole grains, fruit, veggies, lean meats, and low-fat dairy. Drink plenty of fluids all the time — it's really important to replace losses from exercise. Don't go longer than 4 hours without eating, and plan healthy or energy boosting snacks in-between larger meals.
Snack ideas for pre-game or pre-practice:
* fruit (e.g., bananas, oranges, apples, or grapes)
* fruit juices
* unsalted crackers
* graham crackers
* bagels
* non- or low-fat yogurt
* pretzels (preferably with little or no salt)
* low-fat soup, such as vegetable
High in carbohydrates, these foods are quickly digested and absorbed. Finish eating at least one hour before your practice. Foods high in fat, protein, and fiber take longer to digest and may cause discomfort. Experiment with various options. And, NEVER try a new food before a competitive event... just in case.
http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/3644.html
