. 2015 Nov 9;45(Suppl 1):33–49. doi: 10.1007/s40279-015-0393-9

Table 5.

Scenarios or explanations for testimonials/observations of enhanced performance following change to a low-carbohydrate high-fat diet

Scenarios favoring adaptation to LCHF diet	Other explanations for anecdotal reports of performance benefits from switching to LCHF diet
Individuals or events involving prolonged sub-maximal effort where there is no benefit or requirement for higher-intensity pieces Individuals or events in which it is difficult to consume adequate CHO to meet goals for optimal CHO availability (e.g., gastrointestinal upsets, logistical difficulties with accessing supplies during the event) Individuals who are carbohydrate sensitive and likely to be exposed to low CHO availability	Switch to LCHF has been associated with loss of body fat and increase in power-to-mass ratio Previous diet and training were sub-optimal, and switch has been associated with greater training and diet discipline Order effect: natural progress in training and maturation in age and sporting experience Previous program did not include accurate measurement of performance: awareness of performance metrics just commenced Placebo effect/excitement about being part of new idea/culture Athlete is not actually adhering to LCHF diet, due to misunderstanding of its true composition or own ‘tweaking’ activities, such that eating patterns include sufficient CHO around key training sessions and competition to promote high CHO availability

Scenarios favoring adaptation to LCHF diet

Other explanations for anecdotal reports of performance benefits from switching to LCHF diet

Individuals or events involving prolonged sub-maximal effort where there is no benefit or requirement for higher-intensity pieces
Individuals or events in which it is difficult to consume adequate CHO to meet goals for optimal CHO availability (e.g., gastrointestinal upsets, logistical difficulties with accessing supplies during the event)
Individuals who are carbohydrate sensitive and likely to be exposed to low CHO availability

Switch to LCHF has been associated with loss of body fat and increase in power-to-mass ratio
Previous diet and training were sub-optimal, and switch has been associated with greater training and diet discipline
Order effect: natural progress in training and maturation in age and sporting experience
Previous program did not include accurate measurement of performance: awareness of performance metrics just commenced
Placebo effect/excitement about being part of new idea/culture
Athlete is not actually adhering to LCHF diet, due to misunderstanding of its true composition or own ‘tweaking’ activities, such that eating patterns include sufficient CHO around key training sessions and competition to promote high CHO availability

CHO carbohydrate, LCHF low-carbohydrate high-fat diet