Peter Defty comes back on the show to talk with Debbie out how to train, fuel and perform as a fat adapted low-carb athlete. 

How is it possible to be a fat adapted athlete?

Benefits of being Fat Adapted include:

1. OFM starts by building the cardiovascular system to its potential. Cardio has gotten a bum rap. Because we humans are always looking for convenient, quicker ways to get things done many athletic camps have adopted the idea Cardio development is not necessary and some even believe cardio is ‘bad’ or ‘unhealthy’  without questioning the science.

Our results-based work with athletes has given us a completely different viewpoint on cardio, which got me questioning the science and thinking why some camps dismiss cardio…..they actually have a valid reason to question ‘chronic cardio’ and here is why: 

2. Increased Mitochondrial Biogenesis which increases mitochondrial density & size. 

In doing so the cell’s capacity for aerobic energy production is increased. This means the cell can burn more fat at higher intensities.

In doing so, REDUCED oxidative stress and production of ROS (Free Radicals), and Lactate load caused by metabolizing a lot of sugar (as glucose). Your cells & mitochondria will love you for this and you will be rewarded through increased performance and minimal damage to your cells and mitochondria. 

3. Arterial distensibility (compliance):

Arterial distensibility is an all-encompassing term for the ability of the the arteries, veins, capillaries and micro-capillaries to distend to increase their volume and capacity to increase blood flow. Again, this allows more oxygen, energy and nutrition to move to the cells thus mitochondria for aerobic energy generation and remove CO2, waste products and heat out which not only increases performance but health. 

On the other hand, high blood sugar and the resulting insulin response create an inflammatory response which stiffens arteries, veins, capillaries and micro-capillaries thus limiting the potential for blood flow, increasing blood pressure and limiting blood perfusion from the soft tissue to the muscles and organs. 

-Peter Defty, OFM