Many gym goers use pre-workout to boost energy and focus for their workout. One common concern among fitness enthusiasts who follow intermittent fasting is finding a pre-workout supplement that doesn’t break their fast. So, does pre workout break fast? Most of the pre-workouts supplements will not break fast because they are very low in calories and do not produce an insulin response. However, many are concerned that consuming their favorite pre workout may break their fast because of the BCAAs and ingredients that spike insulin levels.
Truly, finding the best pre-workout supplement that doesn’t break fast is tricky.
However, we’ve researched deeply about whether a pre-workout breaks your fast or not. Then we have chosen the best options for a pre workout that doesn’t break your fast! These supplements feature ingredients that give you a caffeine buzz without calories and carbs, like creatine, citrulline malate, L-theanine, and more.
Before finding out the pre workouts that won’t break you fast, we have to answer weather does pre-workout break your break fast or not!
Does Pre Workout Break Your Fast?
Knowing the impact on intermittent fasting.
Fasting typically involves abstaining from consuming any calories for a specific period. Many pre-workout products on the market contain carbohydrates, proteins, or other energy-boosting compounds that can disrupt your fasting state. Pre-workout supplements contain calories or ingredients that trigger an insulin response, they can break you fast.
When you consume calories, your body initiates an insulin response, which can kickstart the digestive process and halt the benefits associated with fasting. This includes the metabolic and hormonal changes that occur during a fasted state, such as increased fat burning and improved insulin sensitivity.
To maintain your fasting state, it’s best to opt for pre-workout options that are free from calories and insulin-stimulating ingredients. Look for products labeled as “zero calories,” “stimulant-based,” or “fasted-friendly.” These typically contain caffeine, amino acids, or other non-caloric substances to enhance energy and focus without compromising your fast.
Above all, it’s important to note that individual responses to pre-workout supplements may vary. Some people may find that a small amount of calories or certain ingredients do not significantly impact their fasting goals. If you’re uncertain about a specific product, consult with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist who can provide personalized guidance based on your unique needs and fasting goals.
You must keep in mind that the primary purpose of fasting is to give your body a break from digestion and promote various health benefits. Therefore, choosing the best pre-workout options can help you maintain your fasting state while still getting the energy boost you need for an effective workout.
What should I look for in a pre-workout supplement that doesn’t break my fast?
For choosing a pre-workout supplement that won’t break your fast, it’s important to consider a few key factors, such as:
- First, look for products that contain zero or very low calories, no added sugars, and minimal artificial ingredients.
- Additionally, seek supplements that primarily focus on providing clean energy, improved focus, and increased endurance without relying on carbohydrates or protein sources.
Top 4 Pre Workout That Won’t Break Your Fast
Here, we have enlisted the best 4 pre workout supplements that won’t break your fast:
Caffeine
Caffeine is found in many pre workout supplements. It is known to increase energy levels and boost focus before workouts. It also boosts carnosine levels and improves nitric oxide. This is why caffeine can be an effective ingredient for people doing intermittent fasting.
You can take a pre-workout with caffeine if it doesn’t contain sugar or other ingredients that may cause an insulin spike during a fast. Look for a formula that contains natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit extract or sugar alcohols like xylitol and maltitol.
Creatine is another popular ingredient in pre-workout supplements. It is calorie-free and doesn’t trigger an insulin response, so it should be safe to consume while fasting. It also improves blood flow and helps build muscle by boosting creatine kinase. Similarly, citrulline malate (a combo of l-citrulline and malic acid) is an effective vasodilator that can be used while on a fasting diet. It can help improve blood circulation throughout your body to bring nutrients to your muscles and help you workout harder.
Beta-Alanine
Many pre-workouts contain beta-alanine, a performance ingredient that helps reduce exercise-induced fatigue and allows you to push out just one more rep. It increases muscle carnosine levels, which help buffer lactic acid build-up during intense training sessions.
The best pre-workouts that don’t break fast use this ingredient and other ergogenic aids like sodium bicarbonate and creatine. You should also look for a formula that is sweetened with natural ingredients that don’t spike insulin levels, such as stevia and monk fruit extract, or sugar alcohols like mannitol, maltitol, sorbitol, and xylitol.
A good pre-workout that doesn’t break fast will also be free of branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) and colorants. This is because consuming these ingredients will raise your blood sugar and insulin levels, which could break your fast. Instead, go for a pre-workout containing citrulline malate, which acts as a natural vasodilator and increases your nitric oxide levels to improve blood flow throughout the body, giving you a bigger pump and a better nutrient supply to your muscles.
Nitric Oxide Boosters
Nitric oxide (NO) is a powerful vasodilator that widens blood vessels. This allows more oxygenated blood to flow to working muscle tissue, which aids recovery & growth. It also helps reduce lactic acid buildup in the muscles, which improves workout endurance.
Some pre-workouts contain nitric oxide boosters like L-arginine and citrulline malate. The body converts These amino acids into nitrite oxide, which has been shown to boost muscle performance and pump. You can find them in pre-workouts like Onnit Total Nitric Oxide.
Avoid workout supplements that contain sugar and other sweeteners, as these will raise insulin levels and break your fast. Ideally, choose a non-calorie pre-workout with ingredients that won’t break your fast, such as creatine, beta-alanine, and citrulline malate. You should also look for a supplement that is batch-tested by an independent laboratory to ensure it is free of banned substances. Look for the product label’s Informed Sport, NSF, or Banned Substance Control Group logo.
No Calories
When intermittent fasting, you shouldn’t consume any calories that would break your fast. Unfortunately, many pre workout supplements are filled with ingredients that could break your fast. This includes sugar and artificial sweeteners. These ingredients can raise your insulin levels and break your fast.
Fortunately, there are a few pre workout options that don’t contain any calories. For example, Cellucor C4 has no sugar or sweeteners and is a great option for those who practice intermittent fasting. It contains caffeine for energy, citrulline malate to increase blood flow and delay fatigue, and other important ingredients for your workout.
Another option is Insane Lab’s Psychotic pre-workout. This supplement is sweetened with sucralose, which has zero calories, carbs, or sugar and will not break your fast. For optimal performance, it also has a great mix of ingredients, including beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and L-Theanine. You should always read the label and check for the ingredients before consuming any pre workout.
Bottom Line
When it is necessary to find a pre-workout that doesn’t break your fast, it’s essential to prioritize products with natural ingredients, zero calories, and no artificial additives. Look for pre-workouts that utilize caffeine for energy and focus, amino acids for muscle preservation, and plant-based extracts for improved performance.
