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What happens when top athletes eat almost no carbs?

Original Title

Low carbohydrate, high fat diet impairs exercise economy and negates the performance benefit from intensified training in elite race walkers

doi:10.1113/JP273230
51%

Moderate Quality

Methodology score · 51/100

Rct Human
Fit Body Science breakdown

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What’s the bottom line?

Top race walkers tried eating almost no carbs for 3 weeks while training hard. Their bodies got really good at burning fat, but it took more energy to go the same speed, so they didn’t race any faster.

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Publication

Authors

Burke LM, Ross ML, Garvican-Lewis LA, Welvaert M, Heikura IA, Forbes SG, Mirtschin JG, Cato LE, Strobel N, Sharma AP, Hawley JA