The Cyclical ketogenic diet is an effective approach for weight loss and muscle and bone density. It involves consuming high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrates (30g or less per day). This shifts the body into ketosis, where it burns stored fat for energy. While the traditional ketogenic diet can be challenging to stick to, the cyclic keto diet offers a solution. It alternates between strict keto days and higher carbohydrate intake days. This article explains the benefits, drawbacks, and steps to follow the cyclic ketogenic diet for long-term weight loss. Backed by scientific research.
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15. The CKD Restores Glycogen Levels
The cyclical ketogenic diet involves strategic high-carb “feed” days to restore glycogen levels in the body. Glycogen is the stored form of glucose used for energy. Low glycogen can cause fatigue, loss of muscle mass, and poor athletic performance.
Periodic carb feed days on a CKD quickly replenish glycogen stores in the muscles and liver that get depleted on the ketogenic diet days. This gives you an energy boost for intense workouts while following a ketogenic diet most other days of the week.
On the high carb days, you can consume carbohydrate-rich foods like sweet potatoes, brown rice, oats, beans, lentils, and quinoa to top off glycogen. The strategic glycogen loading improves physical performance, endurance, and recovery from exercise when paired with the fat-burning state of ketosis.