This is a great question that delves into the fascinating biochemistry of different metabolic approaches! The idea that carbohydrates are essential for flooding glycogen back into the body post-exercise is primarily based on studies and recommendations for individuals consuming a standard Western diet, which is typically rich in carbohydrates. For carnivores (and humans following a very low-carb or ketogenic diet, which mimics some aspects of carnivore metabolism), the situation is different. Here's why: * Gluconeogenesis is Primed: Carnivores, by nature, consume very few carbohydrates. Their bodies are highly adapted to produce glucose (and thus, glycogen) from non-carbohydrate sources. This process is called gluconeogenesis ("new glucose creation"). * Precursors: The primary precursors for gluconeogenesis in carnivores are amino acids (from protein) and glycerol (from fat). Fatty acids, for the most part, cannot be directly converted into glucose, but glycerol can. * Liver's Role: The liver is the primary site of gluconeogenesis, constantly producing glucose to maintain blood sugar levels, especially for tissues like the brain and red blood cells that preferentially use glucose. * Muscle Glycogen Replenishment: While carbohydrates are the most efficient and rapid way to replenish muscle glycogen, carnivores' bodies can and do replenish glycogen from protein and fat via gluconeogenesis. * Slower Rate: This process is generally slower than direct carbohydrate ingestion. So, for high-intensity, glycogen-depleting activities, a pure carnivore might experience slower recovery of peak performance if they rely solely on endogenous glucose production for immediate, rapid glycogen "flooding." * Adaptation: Over time, individuals on a strict carnivore diet become "fat-adapted," meaning their bodies become highly efficient at utilizing fat for fuel, even during exercise. This reduces the reliance on glycogen stores for many activities. * The "Myth" Aspect: The "myth" part comes in if one believes that it's impossible for a carnivore to replenish glycogen without consuming external carbohydrates. It's not impossible; it just happens through a different metabolic pathway. Considerations for Carnivores and Exercise: * Type of Exercise: * High-Intensity, Short-Duration (e.g., sprinting, heavy weightlifting): These activities rely heavily on anaerobic glycolysis, which rapidly depletes muscle glycogen. While gluconeogenesis can eventually replenish this, the immediate post-exercise "window" for rapid repletion is most effectively leveraged by carbohydrates in typical diets. Carnivores would rely on the constant gluconeogenesis to top up these stores over a longer period. Some might find their peak power output or repeated sprint ability slightly less without direct carbohydrate intake. * Low-to-Moderate Intensity, Long-Duration (e.g., endurance running): These activities rely more on fat oxidation for fuel. Fat-adapted carnivores excel here, as their bodies are already efficient at burning fat. Glycogen is still used, but at a slower rate. * Protein for Recovery: Regardless of diet, protein intake after exercise is crucial for muscle repair and synthesis. Carnivore diets are inherently high in protein, which supports this aspect of recovery effectively. * Individual Variation: Metabolic flexibility varies between individuals. Some people adapt to very low-carb diets for exercise better than others. In summary: * Do carnivores need carbohydrates to flood glycogen back into the body? No, not directly from external sources. Their bodies can create glucose and replenish glycogen from protein and fat through gluconeogenesis. * Is it a myth that they can't replenish glycogen without carbs? Yes, it's a myth that they cannot at all. They do, but through a different, potentially slower, mechanism. For optimal, rapid glycogen repletion, especially for athletes engaging in daily high-intensity, glycogen-depleting exercise, exogenous carbohydrates are generally considered superior due to the speed of the process. However, a well-formulated carnivore or ketogenic diet allows the body to adapt and utilize alternative fuel sources and endogenous glucose production for energy and recovery.
30 Comments
you'd eat deep fried food if your goal is regression rather than recovery
We used to get sausage,beans and mash.
Want to be a soccer player but the fact you get free sushi Iβm start practicing to become the next Messi
Should be selling their manure.
Chocolate milk and sushi. Mmmmm
Eat like kings. Thereβs me with me beans on toast πβ€
This is a great question that delves into the fascinating biochemistry of different metabolic approaches!
The idea that carbohydrates are essential for flooding glycogen back into the body post-exercise is primarily based on studies and recommendations for individuals consuming a standard Western diet, which is typically rich in carbohydrates.
For carnivores (and humans following a very low-carb or ketogenic diet, which mimics some aspects of carnivore metabolism), the situation is different. Here's why:
* Gluconeogenesis is Primed: Carnivores, by nature, consume very few carbohydrates. Their bodies are highly adapted to produce glucose (and thus, glycogen) from non-carbohydrate sources. This process is called gluconeogenesis ("new glucose creation").
* Precursors: The primary precursors for gluconeogenesis in carnivores are amino acids (from protein) and glycerol (from fat). Fatty acids, for the most part, cannot be directly converted into glucose, but glycerol can.
* Liver's Role: The liver is the primary site of gluconeogenesis, constantly producing glucose to maintain blood sugar levels, especially for tissues like the brain and red blood cells that preferentially use glucose.
* Muscle Glycogen Replenishment: While carbohydrates are the most efficient and rapid way to replenish muscle glycogen, carnivores' bodies can and do replenish glycogen from protein and fat via gluconeogenesis.
* Slower Rate: This process is generally slower than direct carbohydrate ingestion. So, for high-intensity, glycogen-depleting activities, a pure carnivore might experience slower recovery of peak performance if they rely solely on endogenous glucose production for immediate, rapid glycogen "flooding."
* Adaptation: Over time, individuals on a strict carnivore diet become "fat-adapted," meaning their bodies become highly efficient at utilizing fat for fuel, even during exercise. This reduces the reliance on glycogen stores for many activities.
* The "Myth" Aspect: The "myth" part comes in if one believes that it's impossible for a carnivore to replenish glycogen without consuming external carbohydrates. It's not impossible; it just happens through a different metabolic pathway.
Considerations for Carnivores and Exercise:
* Type of Exercise:
* High-Intensity, Short-Duration (e.g., sprinting, heavy weightlifting): These activities rely heavily on anaerobic glycolysis, which rapidly depletes muscle glycogen. While gluconeogenesis can eventually replenish this, the immediate post-exercise "window" for rapid repletion is most effectively leveraged by carbohydrates in typical diets. Carnivores would rely on the constant gluconeogenesis to top up these stores over a longer period. Some might find their peak power output or repeated sprint ability slightly less without direct carbohydrate intake.
* Low-to-Moderate Intensity, Long-Duration (e.g., endurance running): These activities rely more on fat oxidation for fuel. Fat-adapted carnivores excel here, as their bodies are already efficient at burning fat. Glycogen is still used, but at a slower rate.
* Protein for Recovery: Regardless of diet, protein intake after exercise is crucial for muscle repair and synthesis. Carnivore diets are inherently high in protein, which supports this aspect of recovery effectively.
* Individual Variation: Metabolic flexibility varies between individuals. Some people adapt to very low-carb diets for exercise better than others.
In summary:
* Do carnivores need carbohydrates to flood glycogen back into the body? No, not directly from external sources. Their bodies can create glucose and replenish glycogen from protein and fat through gluconeogenesis.
* Is it a myth that they can't replenish glycogen without carbs? Yes, it's a myth that they cannot at all. They do, but through a different, potentially slower, mechanism.
For optimal, rapid glycogen repletion, especially for athletes engaging in daily high-intensity, glycogen-depleting exercise, exogenous carbohydrates are generally considered superior due to the speed of the process. However, a well-formulated carnivore or ketogenic diet allows the body to adapt and utilize alternative fuel sources and endogenous glucose production for energy and recovery.
That locker room must be stinking of sweat and rugby boots, and yet they eat there!π₯΄
Keep eating fat!! π¨π΅π¨π΅ππ
The chefs and staff are amazing!!! I hope theyβre appreciated accordingly
Ours was a beer and a ciggy
Having choc milk is pretty unhealthy π’
I can't even drink juice after Football Match π
This makes me what to play rugby
posh food for posh public school boys
Is this a joke? π
Dang. They drinking sodas too? Dang, their bones must be sore lol
See Hollywood itβs not brown rice and broccoli
Did u wash your fkn hands i bet all the money u worth to my 500 dollars u didnt
Boy (any boy) + food = happy boy
He did the food dance π
γε―ΏεΈγ«γγγγγ«ι€ζ²Ήγ€γγ‘γγγ‘γ γπ
Is he not aware that the carbs maybe delaying the healing process?
So funny. Compare this to a South African locker room. Replace all this junk with MEAT (or what we call braaivleis).
I do this too but without the rugby
I would be happy being on the bench for the whole match and the last one to leave the dressing room
all that food is shit….full of seed oils and soy kills your nuts. Protein is the only thing they need.
And now we know why England sucks
Really interesting. I was hoping youβd show this. Someone would need to keep an eye on me to stop eating ALL the sushi π
Looks great lads