Welcome back, I’m here to break down and finalise why carnivore is not the best choice for athletes and gym-goers, or even overall health. While cutting carbs might sound appealing, the science shows that performance, recovery, and long-term health can take a serious hit without carbohydrates.

We cover:

• Endurance athletes: Why glycogen—not fat—is the limiting factor in high-intensity exercise.
• Combat athletes: The role of carbs in repeated explosive bursts, recovery, and making weight safely.
• Hormonal health: How low-carb diets can reduce testosterone, raise cortisol, and increase risk of RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), especially in female athletes.
• Micronutrient gaps: What carnivore diets often miss (Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, polyphenols).
• The verdict: Performance needs carbs!
  

If you train hard, fight, or push endurance limits, this episode will give you the tools to understand why fueling with carbs isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

References:

• Burke LM, Hawley JA. Carbohydrate availability and training adaptation: effects on performance and metabolism. J Sports Sci. 2018.
• Thomas DT, Erdman KA, Burke LM. Nutrition and Athletic Performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016.
• Mountjoy M et al. Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S): Clinical Implications for Health and Performance. Br J Sports Med. 2018.
• Helms ER et al. Strategies for Sustainable Strength Training and Nutrition in Athletes. Sports. 2019.
• Jeukendrup AE. Carbohydrate intake during exercise and performance. Nutrition. 2004.