Rowers are always looking for an edge. Whether it’s the newest erg rower or the hottest new diet, we’re always looking for something to help us grow faster and better. The keto diet has been gaining popularity recently, but can it impact your rowing performance? Let’s take a look.
Rowing Performance
As a rower, improving your performance is likely one of your top priorities. That’s why it’s essential to consider how the keto diet, drastically different from the traditional high-carbohydrate diets most athletes follow, could help or hinder you on the water.
The keto diet eliminates most carbohydrates from meals and increases fat and protein intake instead. While some positive effects can have on athletic performance – such as improved insulin sensitivity and increased antioxidant production – its overall effectiveness for athletes has yet to be studied thoroughly.
Therefore, it’s best to research carefully before dedicating to this type of eating plan to know its effect on your training, practice, and race days.
The Keto diet is more usually aligned with short bursts of exercise, such as sprinting and weightlifting, than endurance sports, like rowing. Studies have shown that a high-fat diet can help athletes sustain energy during quick bouts of intense activity in the short term.
However, it’s still unknown what effect this diet might have on long-distance events or activities that require both bursts of speed and extended periods of effort.
Additionally, there may be better fits than the keto diet if you love the social aspect of team sports like rowing. Social events often involve indulging in high-carbohydrate foods such as pizza and beer, which are heavily restricted to a keto diet.
An Example Keto Diet for Rowers
If you decide to try the keto diet, you should start slowly and consult with your doctor. An excellent start is by following the Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD). This allows for periods of higher carbohydrate consumption that are timed around when you’ll need more energy, such as during a race or hard practice.
The basis of CKD is to reduce your daily carbohydrate intake to between 20-50 grams and then cycle in a day with high-carbohydrate consumption every 5-6 days. During these higher carbohydrate days, you’ll want to focus on complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal, quinoa, and sweet potatoes. This will help ensure your body has enough fuel for strenuous physical activities without compromising ketosis.
Day 1:
Breakfast: 2 eggs cooked in butter with 1 cup of spinach and ½ avocado
Lunch: Mediterranean salad with 4 ounces of grilled chicken, feta cheese, and olive oil-based dressing
Snack: Celery sticks with cream cheese dip
Dinner: Keto lasagna made with zucchini and a low-carb tomato sauce
Day 2:
Breakfast: Keto smoothie made with coconut milk, almond butter, and MCT oil Lunch: Taco salad bowl made with ground beef, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole
Snack: Cheese slices rolled up in prosciutto slices
Dinner: Baked salmon served over cauliflower mash
Day 3:
Breakfast: Bacon omelette topped with sautéed mushrooms
Lunch: Tuna salad sandwich on a low-carb bread
Snack: Olives and slices of deli meats
Dinner: Zucchini noodles stir fry with shrimp and vegetables
Day 4:
Breakfast: Avocado toast topped with two poached eggs
Lunch: Shrimp wrapped in lettuce leaves and a side of coleslaw
Snack: A handful of macadamia nuts
Dinner: Grilled steak served over wilted spinach
Day 5 :
Breakfast: Coconut yoghurt parfait layered with berries, nuts, and unsweetened coconut flakes
Lunch: Grilled chicken breast served over a bed of arugula
Snack: Cucumber slices dipped in hummus
Dinner: Cauliflower fried rice served with pork chops
Day 6 :
Breakfast: Keto pancakes made using almond flour
Lunch: Burger lettuce wrap topped with bacon, lettuce, cheese, and mayonnaise
Snack: Celery sticks dipped in almond butter
Dinner: Stuffed peppers filled with ground beef and cheese
Day 7 :
Breakfast: Chia seed pudding topped with blueberries
Lunch: Grilled salmon served over a bed of mixed greens
Snack: Hard-boiled egg
Dinner: Zucchini boats stuffed with Italian sausage, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
Weight Loss
The keto diet is quickly becoming one of the most popular dietary plans today. By following the keto diet, you can achieve dramatic weight loss results due to the emphasis on eating more fatty foods and limiting carbohydrates within your daily meal plan.
Although it may seem difficult to dramatically adjust your diet, with planning and dedication, a high-fat, low-carb diet like the keto diet can effectively meet your fitness goals.
Weight loss can be helpful in a rower because it can help reduce the drag created by excess weight in the boat. A keto diet is an excellent option for those looking to shed pounds.
However, to gain muscle and increase strength, follow a more traditional high-carbohydrate diet since carbohydrates are needed for muscle growth and repair.
Body Composition
This way of eating focuses on reducing carbohydrate intake so that the body is forced to rely on its fat energy stores. This shift can help reduce excess body fat while providing enough energy to keep up with intense workouts.
The keto diet also promotes lean muscle growth and improved body composition, which is crucial for any successful athlete.
By cutting out processed carbohydrates, foods like sugar and white bread, and replacing them with high-fat foods like avocados, nuts and seeds, grass-fed meats, and healthy oils, rowers can enjoy the many benefits that the keto diet offers.
Why Are Carbs So Important For Cardio?
Carbohydrates are essential for athletes, especially those participating in endurance sports such as rowing. Carbs provide the body with the steady energy required throughout an entire race or workout. Without carbohydrates, the body will quickly burn through its glycogen stores, resulting in fatigue and decreased performance.
Therefore, if you’re a dedicated rower, you must find the right balance between fat and carbs in your diet. A keto diet can benefit weight loss but may not provide enough carbohydrates for optimal performance.
The Negatives
Though the keto diet has become increasingly popular, it is essential to be mindful of possible side effects. Like any other diet, following a keto diet too strictly can bring unwanted consequences.
For rowers, one of the most common issues associated with the keto diet could be dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Keeping track of electrolyte levels while using the keto diet can help limit any adverse health effects it may have on someone’s body.
However, even if one does not experience dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, keeping plenty of water around during a strict fat-burning diet is always recommended.
Speak With A Professional
For rowers considering the keto diet, speaking with a coach or nutritionist is essential before starting this diet plan. While the keto diet has become increasingly popular for people seeking weight loss and better performance, the specific needs of a rower are only sometimes accounted for in the general guidelines. Rowers have high e, energy requirements due to their intense training.
Other considerations must be considered, so it is recommended to speak with an expert before starting this program. With the correct guidance and support network, however, the keto diet can enhance the performance of a dedicated rower.
The keto diet can be a helpful tool for rowers looking to lose weight and improve their body composition. However, before starting the diet, a speak essential coach or nutritionist is necessary, as it could lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.