The ketogenic diet has become quite a popular topic in the fitness community. It has been found to aid 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 ketogenic diet?
First, a ketogenic or ketogenic diet is designed to keep your body in a more ketosis state. Ketosis is not abnormal. It is a state where your body is low on carbohydrate fuel. When this happens, you start burning fat, instead of carbohydrates. The process produces ketones. The average person does not stay in a ketogenic state except during intense exercise, such as CrossFit, or during pregnancy.
A ketogenic diet promotes very low carbohydrate intake and higher fat intake. The body, in turn, will use fat for energy. This diet has also been shown to decrease autoimmune diseases, endocrine diseases, and has cancer-fighting properties as well.
Ketosis can be a problem for diabetics. This can happen if you don’t use enough insulin.
How does Keto benefit CrossFit athletes?
As mentioned above, a ketogenic diet helps you burn fat and therefore lose weight. This low carb diet is similar to the Paleo diet. We are a strong proponent of Paleo because it promotes a higher content of protein for fuel rather than carbohydrates. As we said earlier, the ketogenic diet uses fat instead of protein for fuel. Both a ketogenic diet and a paleo diet burn fat while maintaining muscle.
An athlete who exercises at a high level, such as CrossFit, will see increased energy and fat loss, without decreasing muscle mass.
Why is the ketogenic diet good for women?
The benefits of being a woman on this diet are surprisingly good. In addition to losing weight and gaining muscle mass, a ketogenic diet has an amazing way of supporting the endocrine system. We are all aware of the effect hormones have on female athletes.
Fluctuating hormones can cause pain, fatigue, and even depression. There is no denying the link between hormones and cancer. A keto diet has been shown to better regulate the endocrine system. By doing this, you decrease the incidence of some cancers, thyroid diseases, and diabetes.
How does a woman start a ketogenic diet?
Slowly and carefully. A keotgenic diet should not be started 100 percent. You should slowly decrease the amount of carbohydrates you eat. Cutting carbs too quickly can actually 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 full diet of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and grains.
My best advice is to get your body as stable as possible and then slowly get on a keto diet.
For your fitness,
The CrossFit team
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