Eat Fat to Burn Fat

Research from Massey University’s School of Sport and Exercise Science has revealed changing what athletes eat can actually change the ability of their muscles to burn different fuels.

PhD student Will O’Connor investigated whether it was possible to “force adaptation” in a group of ultra-endurance athletes (those that participate in sporting events lasting four hours or more).

Participants in the study were restricted to 2g of carbohydrate per kilogram of body weight per day for four weeks, with an emphasis on eating fat instead. For example, a typical day would consist of coffee with cream, eggs with bacon, limited fruit, meat and a high volume of vegetables.

They were then tested in a four hour cycle test where their respiratory exchange ratio, the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide inhaled and exhaled during the test, was measured. This allowed Mr O’Connor to analyse what the body was using as an energy source.

He found when athletes had been eating a low carbohydrate, high fat, diet they were burning more fat during exercise.

Read More: Eat fat to burn fat and push through – Massey University