Ketogenic and climbing
I’ve been doing quite a bit of experimentation with ketosis and forced fat-adaptation through intermittent fasting, carb restricted eating, and a keto-rific diet. At first my aims were to “score” on the ketones pee strips from Nurse Hatty, but as time progressed I wisened up and realized that the overarching long term and short term goals are to minimize blood sugar spikes. There’s a two fold reason for this. For fitness gains and for long term health. After working out (anaerobic), your body is particularly sensitive to glucose (good), to repair muscle. This is the only time you should give it enough carbohydrates to get a rise in blood sugar. Second, to avoid developing insulin resistance, which is tied to a myriad of health problems.
However it’s a bit more complex than that. You will see a spike in blood sugar following a large meal. Why? Because even larger portions of protein consumed cause a spike in blood sugar!
I’ve made quite a bit of mistakes upon my initial initiations with ketosis. But every time, I improve on the past, and as my body (and brain) has started to adapt I’ve been able to see how minor tweaks can be made to create a health conscious way to give my body the nutrients and energy it needs to thrive, heal itself, and build and maintain muscle... as well as basic bodily functions of course.
Round 1 Mistake
Too much protein, not enough salt, not enough calories. Symptoms including loss of muscle, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.
Round 2 Mistake
Too many carbs to get constantly kicked out of keto
Round 3 Mistake
Too much calories at once causes blood sugar spike
Round 4 Mistake
More to come...