What’s for SUPper? Keto Supports Healthy Bodies On The Water

Keto diets are taking over the athletic world, followed by such famously fit people as Tim Tebow and Jillian Michaels. There’s no doubt stand up paddleboarders are athletes, and with SUP growing in popularity and competitiveness, it's no wonder that many paddlers are also turning to a ketogenic (keto) diet to improve their fitness and endurance. Keto calls for high-fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrate consumption, challenging the idea that the body needs the sugars from carbs for energy, instead training cells to consume fat.

The Studies Are In

A 2018 study for Metabolism Journal split twenty endurance athletes into two groups. The first followed a high-carbohydrate diet over a period of twelve weeks; the second group, a ketogenic diet. At the conclusion, the keto athletes showed better measurements in every metric, including speed and power, weight loss, and fat-burning capability. Meanwhile, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association had 450 participants consume either a high-fat or high-carbohydrate diet over the course of six months. The results showed that those eating the high-fat diet had greater weight loss, lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower blood pressure. After a full year, those who chose to continue the high-fat, low-carb diet also saw a drop in glucose and A1C levels.

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What to Watch Out For

Switching to a keto lifestyle has proven benefits, but as with any shift in dietary regimen, it’s helpful to talk to a physician or nutritionist. Some warn of the dangers of ketones; these blood compounds are a byproduct of fat being burned. Should these compounds become concentrated in the bloodstream, illness could occur. Keto enthusiasts suggest having a personal ketone meter for home use. These portable meters function similarly to a glucose meter and are invaluable to your keto regimen.

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Find Your Balance

Improving your diet and your well-being will help you find better balance in life and on the paddleboard. Snacking on good fats- foods like avocados, nuts, and cheeses- will jumpstart your keto journey and help you feel satisfied and energized. Making the switch to a full keto diet could be the boost you need to attain better overall fitness and take your stand up paddleboarding skills to the next level. Talk to your doctor, research recipes, and connect with your fellow paddlers to see just how easy it is to go keto.

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