What is the exact definition of an "empty stomach"?

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I've read the labels of several products (many coming from BSN) that say to take the product 30 minutes prior to workout on an empty stomach. Given that serious weight lifters eat every 2-3 hours, what exactly is the definition of an "empty stomach"?

For example, my weight lifting sessions are usually around 1:00 in the afternoon. If they recommend that I ingest this supplement at 12:30 (30 minutes prior to workout), then how long do they expect me to have gone without eating??? Other than upon waking, I have no clue when my stomach would be considered empty during any other part of the day.

 

[velvett]

I'm not sure you will get the same answer from everyone but I use AM upon waking and 3 hours without eating (I don't believe that that number could possibly be the same for everyone but it's a start).

 

[PoweredUp]

I'm not sure you will get the same answer from everyone but I use AM upon waking and 3 hours without eating (I don't believe that that number could possibly be the same for everyone but it's a start).

But if I workout at 1:00 and the supplement is to be taken at 12:30, that would mean that my last meal should have been around 9:30 in the morning. By the time I'm done with my workout, hit the showers, and change back into my work clothes it would be 2:30 in the afternoon. Should I be expected to go 5 hours without eating a meal? That's ludicrous if that is what they are expecting people to do. And I understand that we don't have to follow the recommended guidelines to a "T", but they are supposed to be a company that appeals to the serious weight lifters so it seems that they should understand how frequently we need to re-fuel….