Can you exercise while fasting?

Fasting has become a popular way to detoxify the body, and there is some evidence that periodic fasting can extend your lifespan. To many people, fasting seems like an extreme measure, and there’s no requirement that you take the plunge and go on a fast. If you do decide to fast, make sure you do your research and don’t overdo it. I was recently asked whether it is healthy to exercise while undertaking a fast. My answer is a resounding yes! Exercise is always beneficial, and fasting can enhance its effects, but it’s important to follow certain guidelines.
Guideline number one: hydratte, hydrate. Make sure you drink plenty of water, and that the water you drink has some minerals in it. I like to add a pinch of Himalayan salt to my water, since it’s all natural and it has the best mineral profile of any salt you can get.
If you’re thinking about fasting, it’s important to know that there are lots of different fasts you can do. I’ve personally done a five day fast where I only ate watermelon and drank water. There are other fasts where you only eat vegetables, or strictly have broth. Do your research and make a decision based on your goals.
Every day we fast for at least 8 hours, hence the term “break-fast”, so if you ate dinner at 7pm, and you exercise at 8am without having breakfast, then as far as your body is concerned, you are doing exercise while fasting. In fact, since your body uses 65% of its energy in digestion, eating before exercise can take away from a great workout.
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