EndurElite Chief Endurance Officer Matt Mosman gives a simple explanation of what the ketogenic diet it is, how it works on a physiological level, and if it is a good diet for athletes.
A Simple Explanation Of The Ketogenic Diet
Simply put the ketogenic diet is a high fat, low carb diet.
When you go keto, glycogen becomes depleted and your body relies more on triglyceride stores (fat) for energy production.
Triglycerides are broken down into the two ketone bodies acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate.
These are then converted into acetyl-Coa where it can then enter the Krebs cycle for ATP production (energy).
The keto diet may have some advantages when it comes to ultra-endurance events but may not be the best fit for activities where the intensity is high (i.e. 5k race).