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nourishing lab

It’s a question I hear a lot: How to eat healthfully (and mindfully) in the mornings, when there’s already so much to fit in—especially if you prioritize exercise, as I do.

So what’s the answer? First, let’s start gratefully, with a shoutout to our shared commitment to a morning workout amid our busy lives! Along with gratitude, it’s a great way to set ourselves up for positive energy throughout the day.

Now, what—and when—to eat. The answer depends somewhat on the type of exercise you choose. For example, there’s some benefit to running on an empty stomach, since your body will use stored carbohydrates, then turn to fat, for fuel (the actual order of fuel sources when fasting is alcohol, if any; stored carbs; then body fat). This has a few benefits as you will start to balance blood sugar levels and tap into stored fat (woohoo!) as you build lean muscle.

However, there’s also a downside to these fasting workouts: They can stress your adrenals, so if you suspect you have adrenal fatigue, this is a no-go for you. In that case, or if you have other hormone imbalances or irregular periods, I would suggest trying yoga or walking if you cannot have breakfast before your workout.

It’s a question I hear a lot: How to eat healthfully (and mindfully) in the mornings, when there’s already so much to fit in—especially if you prioritize exercise, as I do. Click To Tweet

However, on the weekends when you have more time and flexibility, you can fuel up first, then add some high intensity workouts into your regime. This could include circuit training or some of my favorites like Barry’s Bootcamp or Orange Theory. On those mornings, start out with The Golden Goddess Smoothie so that your body is fueled properly.

Remember, honoring your body and listening to its cues is key here at NL. If your body feels as though it is struggling then listen to that, honor it and listen to your intuition—that kind of mindfulness is usually spot on when it comes to healing.

melissa