The other reason for timing our intake seriously is because of the effect of the hormone insulin. Shortly after we ingest some food, the pancreas secretes insulin to regulate the amount of glucose in our blood stream. The amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas is determined by the amount of glucose present in our blood stream. When there is a new influx of glucose in the blood stream, the insulin is called to store the excess glucose for future use. As a result of the insulin’s presence, the glucose is stored instead of being used.

There are two reasons for timing our nutrition intake seriously. First, the body prefers to use glucose as its primary source of energy. When we eat an apple or a power bar close to an hour before we exercise, our body will naturally use all the carbohydrate or nutrients from these foods because they remain present in your blood stream as we exercise. Consequently, we are limiting our body from using the stored fat (calories).

Unless you are engaged in hours of intense activity such as playing tennis or soccer, ingesting foods especially foods that are high in carbohydrates before exercise counteracts your purpose for exercising.