6 Things You Should Never Do On an Empty Stomach

Many of us have a daily routine we follow after our alarm clock goes off in the morning. Whether it’s turning on the coffee pot, going for a morning run, or rushing to get ready for work, there are some things that we should avoid doing on an empty stomach.

Give yourself a few extra minutes in the morning to eat breakfast before leaving the house, or pack a few snacks in your bag to ensure that you have energy for the morning as you go out the door. Here’s a simple list to help remind you how important it is to fuel your body, especially before engaging in any of these common daily tasks:

1. Don’t Drink Coffee or Tea on an Empty Stomach

After dragging yourself out of bed in the morning, your tired mind may be silently screaming “coffee!” or “tea!” Flipping the coffee pot on or brewing a cup of tea may be one of the first things you’re used to doing in the morning, but drinking that hot beverage on an empty stomach can increase the acid levels in your stomach, and put you at risk of vomiting or constipation. If you’re looking for something quick, eat a piece of toast before indulging in your morning pick-me-up!

2. Don’t Work Out on an Empty Stomach

Working out on an empty stomach will absolutely not aid in weight loss. Your body needs food to fuel your workouts — with a healthy amount of carbs and fats. Attempting to exercise on an empty stomach will make you lethargic, lower your overall productivity, and increase your risk of passing out.

3. Don’t Take Medicine on an Empty Stomach

Always avoid taking medicine on an empty stomach, unless you have specific instructions to do so from your doctor. Taking medicine before you’ve eaten can irritate the intestinal lining and cause stomach ulcers, especially if you’re taking antibiotics or aspirin, and it can increase your risk of nausea and diarrhea.

4. Don’t Travel on an Empty Stomach

Try to avoid leaving the house without eating anything. Getting in a car, on a bus or a plane on an empty stomach can cause nausea, as well as increase the body’s risk of illness, as it lacks the strength to fight germs. Eating breakfast also improves cognitive function and energy levels throughout the day.

5. Don’t Grocery Shop on an Empty Stomach

Whether you love or hate grocery shopping, you probably already know what happens when you take a trip to the supermarket on an empty stomach. If you grocery shop while hungry, you’re more likely to buy foods that are high in calories and fat. Grab something to eat before your do you grocery shopping!

6. Don’t (Or Try Not To!) Go Into Labor on an Empty Stomach

Many doctors will tell you not to eat during labor, but an empty stomach leaves you with no energy, so you may want to eat a light meal beforehand. Something simple like toast or applesauce can give you an extra boost. Listen to your body (and your doctor) to decide!