There are many diet options out there these days involving carbs or the lack of them. In fact, this article lists 8 different variations of low-carb diets.
How does a low carb diet affect your running?
You may have heard of the “keto” flu. changing to a low carb diet can have several side-effects in the beginning. These may include being tired, irritability, dizziness, nausea, sugar cravings, difficulty sleeping, and poor energy. All of these things affect your run and not really in a positive way. However, as this article suggests low carb is better for runners because “their muscles become better fat burners, an adaptation that spares muscle glycogen in marathons and thereby pushes back the dreaded “wall.”
How long does it take for your body to adjust?
The “keto” flu can last anywhere from a few days to a week or so. After reading comments on an article, I noticed that some runners said it took several weeks for their bodies to adapt and their runs to no longer be impacted.
I recently began a low carb diet myself with the goal of shedding a few pounds before heading out on a beach vacation. Personally, the first week or so really sucks, at least workout wise. My energy level is down, I sometimes feel dizzy and usually have to take more walking breaks while running. I’m not sure I’ve made it past this point. I usually cave and go back to more normal eating. Recently, after several crappy runs and adding carbs back into my diet, my runs felt great. I will likely stick to low carbs – at least for a few more weeks. Perhaps, I ‘ll see improvement once I get past the initial “flu” period. If not, I may do a little more research into this modified approach I found in this article.
Have you ever experienced the “keto” flu? I’d love to hear more about your experience in the comments below.
Go. Run. Fitness anywhere ~ Jen