A modified version of the standard ketogenic diet where a calculated intake of carbohydrates is strategically consumed around periods of intense physical activity, typically before or after a workout. This approach is designed for athletes or individuals with high-intensity training schedules to replenish muscle glycogen for performance while maintaining a state of nutritional ketosis for most of the day. The goal is to maximize training output without compromising the metabolic benefits of fat adaptation.
Origin
This nutritional concept evolved from the original Ketogenic Diet, which restricts carbohydrate intake to induce a metabolic state of ketosis. The term Targeted was added to specify the strategic timing of carbohydrate intake, making the diet more applicable to individuals with high energy demands who require periodic glucose for anaerobic exercise.
Mechanism
The core mechanism is the deliberate, temporary interruption of ketosis to fuel intense exercise. The targeted carbohydrate intake is rapidly converted to glucose, which is preferentially used by muscle tissue for glycogen repletion, enhancing recovery and performance. Since the carbohydrate load is precisely timed and relatively small, the body quickly returns to burning fat and producing ketones, preserving the metabolic flexibility that defines the ketogenic state.
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