Energy availability matters more than macros. In the instances where carbs made a difference, it was in contrast to a lack of carb intake. This is a very relevant factor to consider. Carb-fueled athletes can’t function without constant refueling. They have limited fuel storage and availability
A carb-fueled athlete, especially a non-endurance one, has a reduced ability to break down body fat and oxidize fatty acids. When they fast, their access to energy is not the same as a keto-adapted athlete. Fasting, in this context, basically means having no energy available.
Keto-adapted athletes, by definition, have fatty acids from breaking down adipose tissue readily available. Their body makes glucose as needed. Their metabolism is flexible and can switch back and forth more efficiently. Ketogenic athletes literally have more efficient metabolisms than carb-fueled athletes.
I would love to see a study that compares the performance of carb-fueled and keto-adapted athletes using an intermittent fasting protocol. The fat-adapted athletes, training fasted in the morning, would likely outperform the carb-fueled athletes.
What do you think?
