A low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet impairs anaerobic exercise performance, as compared to a high-carbohydrate diet.
Anaerobic Exercise
Aerobic Exercise
Low Carb/Keto Diet
High Carb
Low Carb/Ketogenic Diet
High Carb
High Glucose Intake
Low Fat/Protein Intake
Low Glucose (No glucose for keto) Intake
Higher Fat and Protein Intake
High Glucose Intake
Low Fat/Protein Intake
Low Glucose (No glucose for keto intake)
Higher Fat and Protein Intake
More energy for short high-intensity bursts
Less available energy for high-intensity bursts
Allows for fat and protein to be used for energy during long exercises
Glucose reserves will run short and not enough fat and protein reserves will be able for extended exercises
Will not be used for short intense exercises