Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍
In this episode of the Run Smarter Podcast, Brodie sits down with world-renowned sports dietitian and researcher Professor Louise Burke to clear the air on one of the most debated topics in endurance sport: low-carb vs high-carb diets.
After receiving listener pushback from a previous episode on low-carb nutrition, Brodie brings in Louise — who has decades of elite-level experience and research — to explore:
- The theory behind fat-adaptation and low-carb, high-fat diets
- Whether the science supports keto for endurance performance
- The trade-offs between fuel efficiency, oxygen use, and high-intensity output
- What recreational runners should consider when planning their fueling strategies
Louise also shares:
- When keto may be appropriate (hint: not for everyone!)
- How to train your gut to tolerate more carbs
- The dangers of extreme diet restriction
- Why individual response should guide your nutrition plan
- Her concerns around misinformation, particularly in female athlete nutrition
🧠 Key Takeaways:
- Yes, keto increases fat burning, but it can impair high-intensity performance due to reduced oxygen efficiency.
- Carb periodisation—adjusting intake based on session intensity—is a smart strategy for most runners.
- Carbohydrate source and quality matter just as much as quantity.
- Training the gut is essential if you're increasing carb intake for race day.
- Avoid extreme rigidity in diets. Nutrient density, food range, and enjoyment are critical for long-term success.
💬 Quotes to Remember:
“It’s not about choosing sides — it’s about choosing the right strategy for
your sport, goals, and physiology.”“Everyone’s an expert in nutrition… because everyone eats. But not everyone interprets the science correctly.”
Follow Prof Louise Burke on Twitter (X)
For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃♂️📚
- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
- The Run Smarter Book 📖
- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨
