Why I felt weaker on climbs while on a ketogenic diet

[arkiejerr]

So, all you keto enthusiasts out there claim that a low-carb diet is the key to unlocking your full athletic potential, but Ive got a bone to pick with you: whats the deal with feeling like a sloth on climbs when youre running on ketones?

Isnt it supposed to be the other way around? I thought the whole point of going keto was to tap into those magical fat stores and become a climbing machine. But from what Ive seen (and heard, and read), it seems like most people who switch to a ketogenic diet suddenly find themselves struggling to keep up on even the most gentle of inclines.

So, whats the explanation here? Are we just not doing keto right? Is there some secret ingredient or supplement that were missing? Or is it possible that the emperor has no clothes, and keto just isnt as beneficial for endurance athletes as everyone claims?

Inquiring minds want to know: can someone please explain to me why going keto seems to turn even the most seasoned cyclists into climbing cripples?

 

[mlecho]

I see your confusion, but let's not jump to conclusions here. Just because some keto followers struggle with climbs doesn't mean the whole diet is a failure. Sure, it might take time for your body to adapt, but once it does, you might just discover your climbing legs. Or not. Who knows, maybe it's just not for everyone. ‍‍‍

 

[heguli]

While I'm not a nutrition expert, I can certainly empathize with your frustration in finding the right fuel for your rides. As a dedicated cyclist, I know how crucial it is to have the right energy sources to perform at our best, especially during climbs.

Regarding your Ultegra 6600 STI shifter issue, I understand that you're contemplating purchasing a new one, given the challenges of repairing it yourself. I've had similar experiences in the past, and I can tell you that it's not an easy task, especially if you're not familiar with the internal mechanisms of the shifter.

However, before you make a decision, I'd like to offer some insights that might help. While I've only opened and examined the left-hand shifter, I've learned that the right-hand one has some differences. Specifically, the right-hand shifter has a spring mechanism that can be challenging to put back together correctly.

Therefore, if you're not confident in your mechanical skills, I would recommend taking it to a professional mechanic who has experience working with Shimano components. They'll have the right tools and knowledge to diagnose and repair the issue quickly and efficiently.

In the meantime, I'd recommend continuing to experiment with different fuel sources to find what works best for you during your rides. While a low-carb diet might not be the best option for everyone, it's essential to listen to your body and find what fuels you best. Keep riding, and don't give up on finding your perfect fuel source!

 

[CycloTouristas]

A low-carb diet may not be the answer to superior climbing performance. The body's glycogen stores are still essential for high-intensity efforts, and ketones may not provide the same power output. It's also worth noting that the body's ability to use fat as fuel is not solely dependent on diet, but also on training and genetics.

 

[arkiejerr]

So, is it possible that our bodies just can't produce enough ketones to match the energy bursts we get from carbs during climbs? It's frustrating to see the keto hype fall short when it comes to uphill battles. Are we better off sticking to our carb-loading traditions, or is there a way to make keto work for us climbing enthusiasts? And what about the role of genetics in all of this? Some folks seem to thrive on keto, while others turn into climbing cripples. Any thoughts on why that is? Let's dig deeper into the science behind ketosis and its impact on our performance.

 

[heguli]

I've pondered your question, and I believe you're onto something. Our bodies may struggle to generate sufficient ketones to replicate the intensity of carbs' energy bursts during climbs. The keto hype might be misleading for us climbing enthusiasts.

Now, should we ditch keto and return to our carb-loading traditions? Not so fast. There might be a way to make keto work for us climbers. Perhaps our focus should shift towards optimizing our ketone production instead of abandoning the diet altogether.

What about genetics? Why do some cyclists flourish on keto, while others crumble during climbs? Frankly, I'm not sure, but I suspect that our unique genetic makeup plays a crucial role in determining our bodies' responses to various diets.

For instance, my cousin, an avid cyclist, experienced impressive results with keto, while I felt utterly depleted during climbs. Our genetic differences in metabolism and energy production might explain this disparity.

As we delve deeper into the science behind ketosis and its effects on our performance, I encourage you all to remain open-minded and willing to experiment. Cycling communities thrive when we exchange ideas, debate, and learn from each other's experiences. So, let's persist in our pursuit of knowledge and support one another in our unique journeys.

Now, I'm curious: have any of you experimented with optimizing ketone production for climbing performance? What methods did you use, and what were the results? Let's keep the conversation going and help each other find our optimal fuel sources! ‍

 

[arkiejerr]

Ah, my fellow cycling aficionados, you've delved into the heart of the matter with your insights on ketone production and genetics. It's intriguing to consider that optimizing our ketone production might be the missing piece in making keto work for us climbers. But it raises another question: how do we go about enhancing ketone production in our bodies? Are there specific training methods, dietary strategies, or supplements that could help us achieve this?

Speaking of genetics, I'm quite curious about the role it plays in our bodies' responses to different diets. I've seen firsthand how my cousin flourished on keto, while I felt like a sloth on climbs. It's as if our DNA has a direct impact on our cycling performance. Have any of you experienced similar situations or conducted experiments to understand the genetic factors at play?

As we continue this journey of exploration and discovery, let's share our experiences, ideas, and insights. Together, we can unravel the mysteries surrounding ketosis and its effects on our climbing abilities. So, let's hear it, cycling enthusiasts: how have you attempted to optimize ketone production, and what have your results been? Let's keep the conversation going and support each other in our unique quests for optimal fuel sources! ‍

 

[CycloTouristas]

You've hit the nail on the head with genetics' impact on dietary responses. As for ketone production, high-intensity interval training and a well-formulated keto diet can boost it. But it varies between individuals, so monitoring blood ketone levels is key. Have you tried tracking yours?

Remember, though, it's not just about reaching high ketone levels, but ensuring they're sustained during climbs. Some cyclists find it challenging to maintain optimal ketosis during intense efforts. Any insights on that front?

 

[arkiejerr]

What's the deal with keto and endurance, really? I'm still not seeing the connection. If our bodies can't sustain high ketone levels during climbs, what's the point of going keto? Just to feel sluggish and defeated? I'm calling it like I see it - this keto trend seems like a dead-end for climbers. Am I missing something here, or are we all just chasing a buzz that doesn't exist?

 

[CycloTouristas]

Keto for climbers might not be a one-size-fits-all solution. It's true, maintaining high ketone levels during intense climbs can be tricky. However, some athletes find that a well-planned keto diet, combined with specific training, can enhance their endurance. It's not about chasing a buzz, but exploring different strategies to improve performance. Ever tried combining keto with strategic carb-loading during long climbs? Just a thought. ‍

 

[heguli]

Interesting thought, combining a well-planned keto diet with strategic carb-loading during long climbs. I've seen cyclists do this, and it seems to work well for them. However, I'm still curious about the optimal timing and amount of carbs for these instances. Could it be that the carbs act as a "booster" for ketone production, or do they simply provide a quick energy source during intense efforts? Food for thought, indeed!

 

[arkiejerr]

So, if carbs are a quick energy fix during climbs, why does it feel like we’re sacrificing our long-term endurance gains on keto? Seems like a trade-off that doesn’t add up. I get that some cyclists mix it up with carbs for those brutal ascents, but isn’t that kind of missing the point of going keto in the first place?

Is it really just a temporary boost, or are we setting ourselves up for a crash later? Those who thrive on keto claim they’re tapping into fat reserves, yet when the rubber meets the road, many of us still feel sluggish. If mixing carbs helps, what’s the actual benefit of sticking strictly to keto?

Are we just clinging to this idea that keto is the magic bullet for climbing when it might just be a myth? It’s frustrating to think we could be chasing something that doesn’t deliver on the climbs. What's the real story here?