To Eat or Not to Eat- Before Exercise

Some of you might have seen the recent study about burning more fat by skipping breakfast. Article link: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-06-04-eating-exercise_N.html Hmm... most nutrition experts (myself included) recommend eating before exercise. Well, it depends on what your goals are. Unfortunately, it is difficult to make general nutrition recommendations because each person and their situation is unique.
Whereas the cyclists were able to burn more fat, their performance suffered greatly. So for competitive athletes, this is not a good idea. Especially after an overnight fast. In my opinion, you can find other ways to burn fat without sacrificing performance. Here are some tips:

• Eat smaller more frequent meals. This is debated by experts, but I think that it does help in terms of regulating your food intake. You are less likely to overeat if you are constantly fueling your body. 
• Remember portion control. Measure out your food or use visuals. You will be surprised how much you are overestimating. http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy-eating/10-ways-to-measure-perfect-portion-sizes/pictures/index.html.
• Include resistance exercise in your training regimen. Not only does weight training promote muscle growth, it can also prevent injury. 
• Get plenty of sleep. A recent study found that lack of sleep caused fat to accumulate around your organs. Even though most people are more concerned with their belly fat or love handles, this type of fat is more dangerous to your health.  http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100302/Not-getting-enough-sleep-can-cause-fat-to-accumulate-around-organs-say-researchers.aspx
• Find a healthy balance. It is important to eat a healthy diet,  but don't deprive yourself. If you want to have chocolate cake, have it. But keep your portion size small and savor each bite slowly.

Happy training and fat burning.