To Keto or Not to Keto?
Could the Keto diet be the key to achieving your #bodygoals?
Whether your goal is to lose weight, build muscle or run your best 10km time, having a well-balanced diet will undoubtedly help you get there. Due to the amount of information on the topic, many people are left wondering what precisely a ‘well-balanced diet’ looks like?
The first thing you need to remember is that nutrition is very personal and needs to be tailored to your dietary requirements and goals.
For this reason, there can never be a ‘one size fits all’ approach. A tailored nutrition plan is particularly crucial for people who are engaging in high-intensity training programs, such as functional fitness training or High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). To optimise physical performance, there is one diet that seemingly stands out from the rest and offers a substantial improvement in endurance while simultaneously reducing body fat, and that is the Ketogenic Diet. Celebrity fans of this diet include basketball giant (both figuratively and literally) LeBron James, former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, Catwoman herself Halle Berry, and Victoria’s Secret Angel Adriana Lima.
WHAT IS KETO?
The Ketogenic diet, or Keto as it is more commonly known, focuses on dramatically reducing the amount of carbohydrate in your diet while increasing fat intake and maintaining moderate levels of protein intake. By weaning your body off its dependence on carbs, your body shifts to using fat as an energy source. The Keto diet thus helps you lose body weight, reduce blood sugar levels and stabilise insulin production and absorption in the body. We know what all of you are thinking: how can I cut carbs and still compete in high-intensity functional training? Firstly, it is essential to note that this doesn’t mean cutting carbs out entirely but rather making a drastic reduction in the amount that you’re consuming. The Keto diet is associated with an increase in energy levels and has not been found to affect athletic performance negatively. Teaching your body to use fat as an energy source instead of carbohydrates results in higher levels of energy because fats contain more calories than carbohydrates. On average, each gram of fat contains about nine calories, whereas one gram of carbohydrates contains approximately four calories. So for every gram of food you eat, you’ll be getting more energy, which will allow you to push even harder when you’re doing a workout.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF KETO FOR FUNCTIONAL TRAINING?
The Keto diet places the body in a state of ketosis, which means that due to the limited amount of carbs available your body has no other choice but to start breaking down available fats as a source of energy, resulting in the production of molecules called ketones. Results from a study conducted by The National Institute of Health shows that the human brain performs better on ketones than glucose, resulting in a brighter, more efficient mind throughout the day.
As we’ve already mentioned, Keto also promotes fat loss and can get you beach-ready in no time. That’s great for the majority of dieters, but what does that mean in terms of performance for athletes and serious fitness competitors? Due to a loss in body fat, you will be lighter on your feet, and you will be able to perform your workouts more efficiently without the loss of strength. The energy found in ketones may actually provide you with more energy per molecule than glucose, allowing you to perform better for longer.
WHICH SUPPLEMENTS CAN I USE WHILE ON THIS DIET?
Now that we have hopefully convinced you of the benefits of a Ketogenic diet, you may be conflicted about which supplements you can use while in ketosis. Fortunately, USN offers a wide range of products that are both Keto friendly and help you to maximise the ketogenic state. To truly get the most out of this, USN recommends the following products and steps to ensure you not only get the most out of your diet but also your athletic performance.
STEP 1
ACTIVATE KETOSIS: KETO Fat Burn
STEP 2
MAXIMISE KETOSIS: KETO BHB Salts
STEP 3
FUEL KETOSIS: KETO MCT Oil & KETO Meal Shake
STEP 4
SUPPORT KETOSIS: KETO Alkaline Powder
The Ketogenic diet is a sensible diet for anyone and everyone. The production of ketones facilitates weight loss, increases energy and helps in building athletic performance.
All of the products mentioned in this article are available online at www.usn.co.za. You can also find more information, insider tips, further recommendations and the entire range of USN products at great prices on the website. Follow USN on Instagram @USNKETO, and join the conversation on Facebook by joining their USN KETO COMMUNITY group.
Health disclaimer: It is essential to always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new diet or using supplements. Especially if you have a diagnosed health condition or if you use chronic medication. Only effective when combined with an energy-restricted eating plan and regular physical activity.