Trying to be active during my busy day has usually always failed.  The only time of day that I have managed to keep my activity level high is in the morning.  This of course becomes a challenge once you have kids.

A recent study in 2010 by researchers in Belgium supported my morning exercise focus.  They concluded the following:

Early-morning exercise before breakfast is better than exercise after eating for maintaining healthy waistlines.

For me it sets the tone in a feel good way to start the day. I’m more likely to make better choices on what to eat that day, and be more positive.  I am an early riser and thus it is easier for me to get up and go out to get my active part out of the way.

I can admit that sometimes it is hard, but the benefits far outweighs that.  Some don’t like being active first thing,  I was like that and I’m just not anymore.  It is worth trying for a week to see if you can feel the benefits.

Habits change and the side effect is that likely you will go earlier to bed and sleep better.

Some are more used to be active in the afternoon. When I have done so, most of the time I get hungry in the evening and eat too much.

If I exercise during lunchtime I sometimes get tired afterwards. This hurts my work day from my lack of energy.

Before breakfast is according to this study a more optimal activity time of day.   I would still say that exercise during the day is better than none.

Conclusion

Everyone knows that the optimal strategy to prevent body weight increase is simple.  It is to combine a healthy, well-balanced diet with an active lifestyle. Somehow, yet, we fail at achieving that balance.

Its about finding your balance in when is best to be active.  Some activities are better done in the morning and some later in the day. I will address this in another blog.