Flex F_UK_2018_April | Page 123

** If this individual had a higher calorific requirement- for example 3,000 calories, we would simply add the extra 300 calories to their fat intake. This is because they have hit the protein and carbohydrate requirements that I deem sufficient during adaptation, hence why a straight set of fixed percentages may not always be the best option. This would mean their 3000-calorie set up would have the fat intake increased to 262g from the 229g as stated above. How many meals do I need to eat per day on keto? The number of meals you break these macros into is a matter of personal preference. Most athletes are typically used to 4-6 meals per day. However, on keto, digestion tends to be slower and blood glucose levels very stable so generally I find 3-5 is sufficient with most people, moving to 3 larger meals and two snacks once adapt- ed. I don’t suggest changing too many variables at the start. So, if you’re used to 5 meals, it may be wise to set up with 5 meals per day. Using the 2700 calorie example above, this would mean 5 meals consisting of: 28g protein / 4g carbohydrate / 46g fat I want to try keto but I hear I will feel tired and my training will suffer. Is this true? During adaptation, some people do suffer from what has been named as ‘keto flu’. This is a real ‘thing’, whereby the body initially struggles for 1-5 days on average, as it is getting used to not having carbohy- drate there as its primary fuel source whilst switching its metabo- lism to becoming a fat burning machine. Some common symptoms of ‘keto flu’ are; dizziness, brain fog, poor concentration, nausea, irritability, lethargy and possible digestion issues. If you experience any of these, don’t worry because there are ways of managing or preventing this. APRIL 2018 | FLEX 121