Protein, Keto & Carbs In Context w/ Ben Greenfield

Keto & Endurance

Ben Greenfield shares his insights on the ketogenic diet's role in endurance sports. He found ketosis beneficial during his Ironman competitions, as it provided a steady fuel source for long aerobic activities. However, he notes that for more glycolytic sports like obstacle racing, ketosis can be draining, affecting hormonal balance and energy levels 1. Ben emphasizes the importance of managing glycemic variability to maintain stable energy and potentially enhance longevity 2.

I found ketosis to be really helpful as a preferred fuel for the diaphragm and the heart and the lungs.

--- Ben Greenfield

He also discusses the balance between real food and supplements, highlighting the use of macadamia nuts and spirulina for sustained energy during long activities 3.

   

Unconventional Diets

Ben explores unconventional dietary practices, including consuming unique animal parts and integrating natural foods. He enjoys eating marrow from bones and raw milk, emphasizing the nutritional benefits of these choices 4. Ben also discusses the potential benefits of eating animal organs, like testicles, for their supposed health benefits, drawing parallels with traditional Chinese medicine 5.

I like to eat like I'll go know, let's say, oh, perfect example just in La. Right? They go to Airwan, I get like their half roasted chicken with the bones, and I chew the knuckles off the bones and suck the marrow out.

--- Ben Greenfield

He shares his experiences hunting in Hawaii, where he enjoys the taste and nutritional value of wild game, such as deer and pigs that feed on diverse natural diets 6.

   

Dietary Timing

Ben discusses the importance of nutrient timing and balance for optimal performance and recovery. He practices a cyclic ketogenic diet, consuming carbohydrates post-workout when insulin sensitivity is high, to enhance recovery and performance 7. Ben emphasizes intuitive eating, informed by his past bodybuilding experience, to maintain a balanced intake of calories and macronutrients 8.

It's intuitive eating. But if I sit down and actually calculate it and it also comes out to about 50% to 60% fat, 20% to 30% protein.

--- Ben Greenfield

He also highlights the extended window for muscle protein synthesis post-workout, suggesting that immediate post-exercise nutrition may not be necessary for everyone 9.