Is Keto the New (Legal) Performance Enhancer?

In preparation for Pro Day, elite football players recently gathered on the fields of North Dakota to train, connect, and perfect their bodies for the rigors of the sport. It was there that former Bison offensive lineman Austin Kuhnert adopted the keto diet2, and a slimmer version of himself. For someone in Austin’s position, making the transition from being the ‘guy who goes out and hits people’ to the ‘guy who keeps up during training’ meant fine-tuning his diet and his routine, with keto playing key role in his approach to nutrition.

Are the elite players in sports using a disciplined diet to attain a new level of endurance and excellence? What if choosing a high-fat, low-carb diet is the new form of athletic devotion? It might just be. As the popularity of the keto diet increases, so do the number of athletes who swear by the physical and mental benefits of the switch.

Going Keto

It’s been nearly three years since The Wall Street Journal published an article1 highlighting the use of the keto diet by NFL players, while also questioning the science behind the diet. Since then, the keto diet has continued to rise in popularity among athletes (and those of us without athletic ability). Although it continues to spark debate regarding the long-term effects of a low-carb diet, it is increasing endurance and training potential for those willing (and determined) to make the change.

The keto diet has been hailed by those seeking long-term and short-term weight loss solutions as well as by those who want to boost energy and endurance for athletic training. It has become particularly popular among football players and athletes who specialize in prolonged physical activity.

Fine-Tune the Mind

While many athletes choose a Keto diet for the physical side-effects, there is more to the choice than simple weight-loss. Tyson Fury, former heavyweight world boxing champion, chose the keto diet as the first step toward making a comeback. When asked about the benefits, Fury’s nutritionist, Greg Marriott noted that “a happy fighter is a dangerous fighter.”