The Keto diet has become quite a popular topic in the fitness community. It has been found to aid in weight loss and reduce inflammation in the gut. New research has shown positive effects for both men and women following a ketogenic diet.
What is the Keto Diet?
First, a ketogenic, or keto, diet is designed to keep your body in a state more like ketosis. Ketosis is not abnormal. It is a state where your body is low on carbohydrate fuel. When this occurs, it begins to burn fat, instead of carbohydrates. The process produces ketones. The average person does not remain in a ketogenic state except during intense exercise, such as CrossFit, or during pregnancy.
A ketogenic diet promotes a very low intake of carbohydrates and a higher intake of fat. The body, in turn, will use the fat for energy. This diet has also been shown to decrease autoimmune diseases, endocrine diseases, and also have cancer-fighting properties.
Ketosis can be a problem with diabetics. This can happen if not enough insulin is used.
How does Keto benefit CrossFit athletes?
As stated above, a ketogenic diet helps burn fat and therefore lose weight. This low carb diet is similar to the Paleo diet. We are a strong advocate of Paleo because it promotes a higher amount of protein for fuel rather than carbs. As we said earlier, the ketogenic diet uses fat instead of protein for fuel. A keto and paleo diet burns fat while maintaining muscle.
An athlete who exercises at a high level, such as CrossFit, will see an increase in energy and loss of fat, without a decrease in muscle mass.
Why is the Keto diet good for women?
The benefits of being a woman on this diet are surprisingly good. In addition to weight loss and muscle gain, a ketogenic diet has an incredible way of supporting the endocrine system. We all realize the effect hormones have on the female athlete.
Fluctuating hormones can cause pain, fatigue, and even depression. The link between hormones and cancer cannot be denied. A ketogenic diet has been shown to better regulate the endocrine system. By doing this, it decreases the incidence of some types of cancer, thyroid diseases, and diabetes.
How does a woman start a ketogenic diet?
Slowly and carefully. A ketogenic diet should not start at 100 percent. You should slowly decrease the amount of carbohydrates you eat. Cutting carbs too quickly can have a negative effect. It can stress the body and confuse it, thus causing a wild imbalance.
Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not be on a ketogenic diet. During this period, eat a complete diet of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grains.
My best advice, make your body as stable as possible and then slowly ease into a ketogenic diet.
to your physical state,
The CrossFit team
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