Intermittent Fasting & Endurance Exercise. Should you do it?

It’s time to separate fact from fiction when it comes to intermittent fasting and help you determine whether it fits your endurance ambitions. Let’s dive in!

Ancient wisdom, modern trend

Intermittent fasting, a practice that’s been around throughout history, has suddenly trended with celebrity endorsements and athlete support. But what's the real story behind this fasting trend? 

Intermittent fasting comes in many forms - from 16:8 cycles to 5:2 regimens. 

Yet, can such a singular approach cater to diverse individuals? The answer is in fasting with sustainability and the integration into your lifestyle and energy demands.

The science behind intermittent fasting

When you fast, your body uses up its stored energy and breaks down fat for fuel. Short-term, your body handles protein well during fasting, but we're not sure about the long-term effects.

If you're a triathlete aiming for your best performance, fasting might not be your best friend. High-intensity exercises, like sprints and cycling, need energy from carbs. Studies during Ramadan suggest that fasting might slow you down.

Looking at research, we find a mix of results about fasting and performance. Sometimes fasting doesn't change things much, but other times, it might not help your performance at all.

Balancing fasting and triathlon

As a triathlete, you're doing both endurance and intense training. So, is fasting a good idea? It's a complex question, and we need to think about how fasting fits into your training routine.

In the world of triathlon training, getting your nutrition right is key. You need the right foods before and after workouts to make sure you're ready to train hard and recover well.

Success comes from smart planning. When it comes to fasting and fueling, it's all about finding a balance that works for you. You need to make sure you're fueling yourself right for both training and fasting.

Wrapping up

Intermittent fasting might not be a magical solution for triathletes. A well-balanced diet is probably more important. It's not just about fasting; it's about eating right to support your training and goals.

If you're curious about fasting, there's research to explore. And if you want guidance on nutrition without feeling deprived, The Triathlon Nutrition Academy could be a good fit. We'll show you how to fuel your triathlon dreams the right way.

In the world of triathlons, fasting might not be the best approach. What matters most is getting your nutrition right. Let's train hard, recover well, and perform at our best – using proven strategies and a plate full of energy. 

To dive deeper, listen to the Triathlon Nutrition Academy Podcast, EP 106 - Intermittent Fasting & Endurance Exercise. Should you do it?  

If you are interested in learning more about the Triathlon Nutrition Academy Program and what it can do for you, head HERE to learn more.