Ever so often a diet trend comes about and takes the world by storm! Right now, it’s the ketogenetic diet. It gained so much popularity because of the drastic weight loss it caused and other benefits.
The drastic weight change this diet causes has been a cause of concern among many. Others say this diet is difficult to maintain and once you’re back on carbs you’ll pile on the weight again.
So what is the keto diet?
Keto diet revolves around protein and fat. Carbs must be cut out of one’s diet to see results. Because of this restriction, keto diet is mainly protein driven since that’s what can keep you ‘feeling full’.
Cutting back on carbs completely puts your body into ketosis. This is a metabolic state where the body uses fats to burn instead of carbs for energy.
The body’s first preference when it comes to energy is glucose that is derived from carbs, in its absence, it uses fat. Fat is broken down into ketones to produce energy.
Make sure you look into the side effects of doing the keto diet before you take the plunge.
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Can keto and bodybuilding go together?
Strength training is an important part of fitness. Just burning calories isn’t enough when trying to stay healthy. Strength training promotes bone health, joint flexibility and balance.
Considering how much energy the body needs to fulfill a bodybuilding lifestyle, the keto diet isn’t ideal. Carbs are needed by the body for energy to workout, carry heavy weights, and finish off reps.
5 to 7 grams of carbs are needed per kilogram of your body weight to build muscle and lift weights. Carbs provide glycogen which is a vital fuel your muscles during strength training. A lack of glycogen can compromise your athletic performance and muscle gain too.
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Individuals who lift weights require at least half of their calorie intake to come from carbs. Good carbs like beans, quinoa, whole grains, and brown rice can help you achieve the results you seek.
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Is it possible to build muscle on a low carb diet?
It is possible to build muscle when consuming fewer carbs, but you can prolong your results or amplify them on this diet. Some weight trainers jump onto the keto bandwagon expecting to reduce their body fat and increase muscle. In reality, it takes time for your body to go into ketosis. Keto will, in fact, reduce muscle fullness and definition, mainly because it won’t be hydrated.
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A keto diet relies 60% on fat, this doesn’t allow enough room for protein in your diet. A rich source of protein is the building block to body building. Even the timing of your protein consumption has a massive impact on results.
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So while the keto diet isn’t the one for you, you can focus on having a protein and carb rich diet when you’re building muscle. Join some of the best bodybuilding classes in Manhattan with the help of our platform. We also list dance class workouts in Manhattan, yoga classes in NYC, and much more. Contact us for more information.
