Tag: High carb vs low carb

Research consistently shows that high-protein, moderate-carbohydrate diets are superior for muscle preservation during a calorie deficit compared to very low-carb approaches. The exact quantity of carbohydrates needed, however, depends on individual factors like activity level, training intensity, and body weight.

While anecdotal reports abound, scientific studies on endurance performance and the ketogenic diet are mixed. A ketogenic diet, designed to induce a metabolic state called ketosis, forces the body to rely on fat and ketones for fuel rather than its preferred carbohydrate source. This metabolic shift, known as fat adaptation, is a key reason many athletes wonder, "Is keto good for endurance?".

Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of fuel, with roughly 45 to 65 percent of daily calories for a healthy adult typically coming from carbs. However, the impact of a high carb diet on your body is not a one-size-fits-all answer, depending heavily on the quality and type of carbohydrates consumed.

According to sports nutrition experts, carbohydrates should comprise 40-65% of an active individual's daily caloric intake. This statistic highlights the pivotal role carbs play in providing the necessary energy for intense workouts, raising the question: do you need carbs for bulking?