Drawing upon findings from recent medical journals, let's explore other impacts fasting can have on metabolism and performance.

Decreased Resting Metabolic Rate

Fasting has been shown to reduce resting metabolic rate (RMR), the number of calories your body burns at rest. A slowed metabolic rate can reduce overall energy expenditure across the day and potentially hinder weight management efforts.

Impaired Substrate Utilisation

Fasting shifts the body's fuel source from carbohydrates to fat, a process known as metabolic inflexibility. While this may seem beneficial for fat burning, it can impair the ability to utilise carbohydrates, which is essential for high-intensity exercise performance efficiently.

Altered Hormone Levels

Fasting can disrupt hormone levels involved in metabolism, appetite regulation, and energy balance. For example, prolonged fasting may lead to increased production of cortisol, a stress hormone that can promote muscle breakdown and increase fat storage.

Reduced Muscle Glycogen Stores

Fasting before exercise can deplete muscle glycogen stores, the primary fuel source for high-intensity exercise. Reduced glycogen supply can impair endurance, power, and overall performance during a run.

Slowed Recovery

Fasting can delay recovery by limiting the availability of nutrients needed for muscle repair and glycogen replenishment. Lack of critical nutrients can prolong muscle soreness and fatigue and impair subsequent training sessions. This further impacts your motivation to train consistently and burn calories.

Slows down metabolism

A slow metabolism is not good news for runners keen on losing weight. Our blog, Weight Loss for Athletes, may be helpful.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, fasting before a run can slow metabolism, impair substrate utilisation, alter hormone levels, deplete muscle glycogen stores, and delay recovery, ultimately compromising athletic performance.

To optimise metabolism and performance, it's essential to fuel your body with a balanced meal or snack before exercise. In a previous post, we discussed some of our go-to recommendations for pre-run snacks.

At the Athlete Sanctuary, we offer comprehensive support for female endurance runners. As a degree-qualified online naturopath, nutritionist, and Olympic marathon runner, Kate Smyth brings a wealth of experience and expertise to help you achieve your goals. For personalised support and tailored meal plans, visit www.athletesanctuary.com.au.

Recent statistics reveal that over 60% of endurance runners struggle with finding the best pre-run meal that doesn't cause bloating or discomfort during exercise. Additionally, studies have shown that female athletes, in particular, face unique challenges when it comes to sports nutrition, often requiring specialised guidance to achieve peak performance. Fasting has become popular in running culture but, sadly, has also led to many lost opportunities and poor performances. If you currently avoid eating before a run, you may be surprised by the impact fasting has on performance and your metabolism.

Key Tips for Pre-Run Nutrition

1. Timing is Everything: Aim to eat a light snack 30-60 minutes before you run.
2. Choose the Right Carbs: Carbohydrates are your body's primary fuel source during exercise. Aim to have at least 20 grams of carbohydrate before a run. Opt for easy-to-digest carbs low in fructose, like toast or banana, which are less likely to cause digestion issues.
3. Listen to Your Body: Every runner is different, so paying attention to how your body responds to foods is essential. Keep a food diary to track what works best for you and adjust your pre-run meal plan accordingly.

Based on findings from recent studies, here are guidelines for fueling your morning run tailored to various distances:

Easy 8km Run

• Consume a light carbohydrate-rich snack 30-60 minutes before your run.
• Opt for easily digestible options like a banana, a small bowl of porridge or Bircher muesli, or a slice of toast with honey.

Moderate 20km Run or Speed Session

• Aim for a balanced pre-run meal containing carbohydrates, a little (5-10 grams) protein, and healthy fats at least 60-90 minutes before you run.
• Consider options like granola and berries with milk, porridge + honey + banana, a smoothie with banana, spinach, and protein powder or two pieces of sourdough with almond butter and honey + a glass of orange juice.

Long Run 30km+

• Plan a substantial pre-run meal rich in carbohydrates, with moderate protein and a small amount of healthy fats, 2 hours before your run.
• Examples include those mentioned above for 20km but increase the serving size.

Incorporating these pre-run nutrition guidelines can enhance your performance and energy levels during your morning runs. But good nutrition isn't just about what you eat before your run—it's about fueling your body correctly throughout the day.

Daily Nutrition Matters

In addition to fueling your morning run, aim to maintain a balanced diet across the entire day that includes:

• Plenty of carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to fuel your runs.
• Adequate protein from sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, tofu, and legumes to support muscle repair and recovery.
• Healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil to provide sustained energy and promote overall health.
• Hydration throughout the day, aiming for at least 2-3 litres of water/fluids daily and electrolyte-rich beverages for longer runs or hot weather conditions.

By prioritising good nutrition across the day, you'll set yourself up for success on your morning runs and beyond.

For female athletes, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can impact energy levels and nutrient needs. A knowledgeable coach and nutritionist who understands these nuances can provide invaluable support and guidance.

At the Athlete Sanctuary, we offer comprehensive support for female endurance runners. As a degree-qualified online naturopath, nutritionist, and Olympic marathon runner, Kate Smyth brings a wealth of experience and expertise to help you achieve your goals. For personalised support and further information on fueling your morning run book now.

Recent Australian statistics reveal that many female athletes actively seek effective weight management strategies to enhance their performance. With 67% of runners expressing concerns about weight impacting their performance and 23% battling bloating and digestive issues, there's a clear need for tailored solutions that prioritise health and performance for endurance runners.

Safe weight loss tips

Embarking on a weight loss journey as an endurance runner requires a careful and evidence-based approach. Safe weight loss is not just about shedding kilograms rapidly; it's about achieving a sustainable balance that supports optimal performance and overall well-being. Based on recent medical research and expert guidance, here are guidelines on what safe weight loss looks like over time:

Set Realistic Goals:

Aim for gradual weight loss, typically around 0.5-1 kilogram weekly. This allows for a more sustainable and manageable approach, reducing the risk of negative impacts on performance and health.

Take an Individualised Approach:

Recognise that optimal weight differs for everyone. As the Journal of Sports Sciences (2021) highlights, a personalised assessment is crucial to understanding your body's unique needs and determining a realistic weight loss goal. Weight loss depends on many factors, including age, genetics, activity levels, nutrition, hormones, body type, muscle mass and state of health.

Preserve Muscle Mass:

Focus on losing fat while preserving muscle mass. The International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (2019) emphasises the importance of maintaining strength and power during weight loss, which is crucial for endurance athletes.

Make Gradual Changes to Nutrition:

Implement gradual changes to your nutrition. The British Journal of Sports Medicine (2020) recommends a steady approach to weight loss to avoid negative impacts on performance, health, and hormonal balance. Gradual changes also allow the athlete to incorporate necessary changes into their lifestyle, making them easier to adhere to and more sustainable.

Take a Holistic Approach to Wellness:

Embrace a holistic approach that goes beyond the numbers on the scale. Consider other factors such as digestive health, hormonal health and stress. The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2018) suggests these factors can impact training and competition experiences.

Consult with Experts:

Seek guidance from a qualified sports nutritionist and health professional. Kate Smyth combines naturopathy, targeted sports nutrition, and female-friendly coaching techniques based on her experience and the latest research.

Monitor Your Progress:

Monitor your progress regularly and make adjustments as needed. The Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport (2022) emphasises the role of ongoing nutrition optimisation in supporting endurance performance. Adjusting fuelling techniques, food volumes, and nutritional density helps to avoid issues such as REDs during a weight loss phase.

Listen to Your Body:

Pay attention to how your body responds to changes in nutrition and training. Consult a healthcare professional to adjust your plan if you experience any adverse effects or performance declines. Fuelling for performance is always better than restricting fuel for weight loss, which will likely impact performance.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished:

Ensure proper hydration and nourishment. Weight loss should not compromise your body's essential needs, and maintaining proper hydration and nutrient intake is crucial for overall health. Hydration has been a popular topic. Read some of our recent blogs on the topic of hydration and electrolytes.

Celebrate Non-Scale Victories:

Acknowledge and celebrate non-scale victories, such as improved energy levels, better sleep, and enhanced overall well-being. These indicators are just as important as the numbers on the scale.

Remember, safe weight loss is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and a commitment to your overall health and performance. By following these guidelines and consulting with experts, you can achieve your weight loss goals while optimising your endurance journey.

Learn More & Book Your Consultation:

Achieving weight loss as an endurance runner doesn't mean compromising your health or performance. At the Athlete Sanctuary, we're committed to helping you unlock your full potential through a holistic approach that addresses your unique needs.

Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Book an appointment to learn more about our approach to nutrition, and book your consultation today. Your peak performance and well-being await!

Recent Australian statistics shed light on the criticality of hydration in sports. According to the Australian Institute of Sport, dehydration can reduce athletic performance by up to 30%. Another study by Sports Dietitians Australia highlights that even 2-3% body weight loss due to dehydration significantly impairs endurance and cognitive function. These figures are a wake-up call for athletes to prioritise hydration in their training and competition regimes.

Hydration helps maintain balance

Hydration is more than just quenching thirst; it's about maintaining balance in your body. When you're well-hydrated, your heart pumps blood more efficiently, nutrients are transported effectively, and waste products are removed promptly. This harmonious state enables athletes to train harder, recover faster, and perform better.

But how much water is too much? This is a common question asked by athletes. Overhydration or hyponatremia is a real concern, especially in endurance sports. It occurs when the body's sodium levels are diluted. A sports nutritionist plays a pivotal role in guiding athletes to find their individual hydration balance—neither too little nor too much.

Ways to hydrate

Innovations like hydration gels and flasks have revolutionised how athletes hydrate during running and other endurance sports. A hydration gel provides a concentrated energy source and essential electrolytes, aiding in sustained performance. Similarly, a hydration flask is convenient for carrying fluids, ensuring athletes stay hydrated without interrupting their momentum.

Hydration and sports nutrition

But hydration is not just about water and electrolytes; it's part of a larger picture - sports nutrition. A well-designed nutrition plan, tailored by a sports nutritionist, can significantly enhance an athlete's performance. It integrates hydration strategies with energy needs, recovery nutrition, and overall health maintenance.

Dehydration headaches are a telltale sign of inadequate hydration. This symptom can impair physical performance and affect mental focus and decision-making skills, crucial in competitive sports. Recognising early signs of dehydration and responding promptly is essential.

Athletes must also consider specialised hydration packs, especially during long training sessions or competitions. These packs are designed to carry water and other essentials, enabling athletes to hydrate on the go. This tool is particularly useful in sports where stopping for a drink can mean losing precious time or momentum.

Your hydration plan should be tailored to your specific needs

However, hydration is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Factors like individual sweat rates, weather conditions, and the intensity of the activity all play a role in determining hydration needs. This is where consulting with a sports nutritionist becomes invaluable. They can help devise a personalised hydration strategy that aligns with the athlete's body requirements and sporting goals.

Book an appointment to explore how our personalised hydration strategies and expert sports nutrition advice can transform your athletic performance. Speak with Kate, our Olympic marathon runner turned naturopath and sports nutritionist, and take the first step towards achieving your sporting dreams! 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond meal
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder (for a chocolatey flavour without added sugar)
• 1/2 cup natural almond or peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons water (if needed for consistency)
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons collagen powder

Instructions:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond meal, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, raw cacao powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix evenly.

Wet Ingredients: Add almond or peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and collagen powder (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a sticky, uniform mixture forms. If the mixture seems too dry, add water, a tablespoon at a time, until it holds together easily.

Form Balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form bite-sized balls. If the mixture is too sticky, slightly wet your hands to make rolling easier.

Chill: Place the formed balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Storage: Once firm, transfer the protein balls to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Nutritional note: These tasty treats are packed with essential fatty acids, and nutrients such as fibre key for gut health, metabolism,  glowing skin and hormonal balance. Nut consumption is also associated with a 15% reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Research shows nuts are one of the natural plant foods with a unique profile high in beneficial unsaturated fats and low in saturated fatty acids (4-16%).

Contact the Athlete Sanctuary and learn how we can help you to increase health, wellbeing and performance.

The Magnesium-Bone Connection

Research suggests 20% of individuals constantly consume lower quantities of magnesium than recommended.  So why is magnesium so essential for athletes? The answer lies in the intricate relationship between magnesium and various bone-related processes:

• Mineralisation: Magnesium is a cofactor for the enzymes responsible for bone mineralisation. It helps convert vitamin D into its active form, which is crucial for calcium absorption, the primary mineral in bones. Lower levels of magnesium are related to osteoporosis in menopausal women. One study suggested 30–40% of women are deficient in magnesium.
• Bone Density: Athletes often put their bones under repetitive stress. Magnesium plays a vital role in maintaining healthy bone density and structural integrity. Low levels can decrease bone density, making athletes more susceptible to fractures.
• Bone Turnover: Magnesium helps regulate the balance between bone formation and bone resorption. This is crucial for athletes as it ensures their bones adapt to training demands without becoming brittle or porous.

For Athletes

Apart from its direct impact on bone health, magnesium offers several other benefits for athletes:

• Muscle Function: Adequate levels are essential for proper muscle function. It helps muscles contract and relax, preventing cramps and promoting efficient performance.
• Energy Metabolism: Magnesium is a co-factor for enzymes involved in ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, the primary energy source for athletes during exercise.
• Immune Support: Intense physical activity can temporarily weaken the immune system. Magnesium aids immune function, helping athletes recover from workouts and training stress.
• Recovery and tightness: Magnesium helps with restless legs, tight muscles, headaches and insomnia.
• Hormonal Balance: Magnesium helps reduce fluid retention, menstrual cramps, anxiety, mood swings and cravings related to the menstrual cycle.

Meeting Your Needs

As an athlete, meeting your nutrition requirements to ensure optimal bone health and overall performance is crucial. Here are some dietary sources of magnesium to consider:

• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, peanuts, cashews and pumpkin seeds are excellent.
• Dark Leafy Greens: Spinach and kale are rich sources to add to your diet.
• Whole Grains: Choose whole-grain options like brown rice and sourdough bread.
• Legumes: Beans and lentils are magnesium-packed additions to your diet.
• Cocoa and brewer’s yeast also contain magnesium.

Supplements can be considered in cases where dietary intake may fall short, but it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or sports nutritionist before taking any supplements.

Magnesium is an essential yet often overlooked mineral for bone health in athletes. From mineralisation to bone density and regulating bone turnover, magnesium is pivotal in maintaining strong, resilient bones, making it a crucial element in an athlete's nutrition regimen. So, next time you plan your meal, don't forget to include magnesium-rich foods to keep your bones strong and support your overall athletic performance.

Contact the Athlete Sanctuary and learn how we can help you increase your bone health, well-being, and performance.

Mushrooms are a great inclusion in your diet as they have many health and nutritional benefits. Mushrooms contain several B vitamins, including niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid and riboflavin. Mushrooms also provide antioxidants and essential minerals (selenium, copper and phosphorous), are easy to cook, and are low in fat, sodium, and kilojoules. When exposed to light they also contain vitamin D, which is important for bone health, hormones, and immunity.

Here we are exploring mycotherapy - the use of mushroom compounds for health. Medicinal mushrooms are included in many health and sports products.

Here we explore five medicinal mushrooms and their potential health benefits for athletes:

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis): Energy and stamina

Cordyceps have been shown to enhance cellular oxygenation to improve lung capacity and endurance and reduce fatigue during exercise.  You will find this medicinal mushroom in several sports products as it contains cordycepin, a compound that increases energy through ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. For the same reason, it may also help relieve chronic fatigue.

A 2022 study demonstrated that supplementation with 2 grams of cordyceps per day improves the aerobic performance of amateur marathoners over 12 weeks. We are hopeful that further research will also show this benefit for well-trained and elite athletes.

Cordyceps is antiviral, immune-modulatory, antioxidant, and effective in reducing cholesterol and blood pressure.

Tip: Add cordyceps to a customised herbal elixir for an all-around boost of energy.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Stress buster  

Reishi is referred to as the "King of Medicinal Mushrooms" because of its ability to support multiple systems in the body. Reishi is soothing for the nervous system and helps the body adapt to stress. It lowers the stress hormone cortisol and helps to stabilise insulin. This makes Reishi useful for low mood, sleep issues, anxiety, and recovery from physical and mental stress. With over 400 active compounds its benefits are extensive. Reishi strengthens the immune system by boosting white blood cells and the natural killer cells in your body. It is also useful for liver function, and libido in both sexes.

Tip: Add powdered reishi to your post-workout smoothie or snacks to help with recovery and sleep. We also encourage athletes and performers to focus on Reishi as part of their pre-race preparation to avoid illness impacting their performance.

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus): Brain function

Lion's Mane enhances cognitive function and memory, which can be beneficial for athletes' mental sharpness and focus. Study’s show Lion’s Mane’s active compounds hericenone and erinacine, reduce memory loss and are therefore of interest for use in patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

This fluffy white mushroom even looks like the nerves it helps to regenerate in the gut-brain axis. By doing so it helps regulate the nervous system and heal the gut making it useful for leaky gut and IBS.

Tip: Include Lion’s main powder or liquid tonic for mental clarity and digestive issues.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): Injuries and inflammation

Chaga has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness. It's rich in antioxidants, which can aid in overall health and recovery.

Tip: Chaga powder tastes nutty and can be a great additive to coffee or broth.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes): Immunity

Shiitake mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties. For athletes, a robust immune system is crucial for staying healthy and avoiding training interruptions due to illness.  If you struggle with ongoing infections, explore suggestions on building a robust immune system.  Shiitake is also used to enhance lung function, gut health and as an antioxidant.

Tip: Alongside reishi, we encourage athletes to use a medicinal mushroom blend with high quality shiitake as part of pre- and post-event preparation and for ongoing colds and infections.  Shiitake mushrooms can be found in most supermarkets and are great in stir-fried vegetable dishes and stews.

Summary

It's important to note that while these medicinal mushrooms offer potential health benefits for athletes, individual responses may vary. Athletes should consult with their naturopath before incorporating these mushrooms into their diet or supplement regimen, especially if they have underlying health conditions, allergies, or are taking medications. Additionally, athletes should use these mushrooms as part of a well-balanced diet and training program to maximise their benefits.

Want to know more? Contact the Athlete Sanctuary and learn how we can help you to increase health, wellbeing and performance.

Naturopathic practitioners (Naturopaths) aim to maintain optimal health through a balanced and yet comprehensive approach. Naturopathy complements other conventional medical and allied health practices.

Potential benefits of sports naturopathy for athletes include:

Holistic Approach: Sports naturopathy takes a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of an individual. A naturopath is trained in nutritional medicine, biochemistry, herbal medicine, pharmacology, and pathology. A scientific medicine and a complex holistic approach can be particularly beneficial for athletes as it addresses the whole person, rather than just isolated symptoms.

Individualised Treatment: Naturopaths create personalised treatment plans for athletes based on their specific nutritional needs, sporting goals, and health conditions. This facilitates targeted and effective interventions.

Nutrition and Dietary Guidance: Proper nutrition can enhance energy levels, prevent illness and nutrient deficiency, and enhance overall sports performance. A food first approach focusses on using food as medicine. A naturopath will also provide balanced and nutritious guidelines to meet an athlete's nutritional requirements.

Natural Solutions:  Heavily researched and synergistic natural solutions such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal medicines are used to support an athlete's health and performance. These supplements are chosen based on scientific evidence and matched to the individual's needs. We draw on the vast number of published research papers on global medical databases and carefully assess the integrity, quality, and validity of papers and underlying research projects.

Stress Management: Athletes can experience high levels of physical and emotional stress as part of living a very full life. Adaptogens are a category of natural medicines that modify stress hormones such as cortisol and support calming neurotransmitters like GABA. Adapatogens better equip the athlete to consistently perform well under pressure by adjusting the nervous system’s response to stress.

Injury Prevention and Repair: Naturopathic treatments promote healing of bone fractures, muscle, tendon and ligament damage, and underlying inflammation. Naturopathic anti-inflammatory medications and nutrition have been shown to have similar effects as non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications with limited side effects.

Detoxification: Where appropriate gentle detoxification approaches can help athletes maintain optimal organ function and overall health.

Pain Management: Sports naturopathy offers various natural solutions that ease pain as part of injury management, neurological issues, painful periods and headaches. These approaches may help athletes manage pain without relying solely on pharmaceutical medications.

Enhance Recovery: Poor recovery can be a sign of underlying health imbalances. Minerals and herbal medicines promote muscle relaxation and reduce inflammation. Sports naturopathy complements other recovery techniques such as water running, anti gravity, Normatec recovery systems, cold water and sauna therapy. A naturopath may also refer to massage, kinesiology, bowen, osteopathy, and myopathy.

Optimise Immune Function: Immune support is crucial for athletes who are prone to overexertion and increased susceptibility to illness. So often athletes get run down and sick right before competition and in the weeks following. A preventative approach including key immune boosting nutrients, wholefood medicines and herbs can be beneficial and well tolerated during times of high stress.

Digestive Health: Proper digestion and absorption of nutrients is a key foundation in sports naturopathy. Naturopaths work to resolve digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, and urgency, which are common issues.

Long-Term Wellness:. By addressing the root causes of health issues and providing preventive strategies, athletes can aim for sustained peak performance over time and minimise health issues.

It's important to remember that while sports naturopathy can offer these potential benefits, as with all medical interventions, individual responses may vary. Athletes should consult with a qualified sports-focused naturopath to create a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to their health and performance.

Runners often train fasted unconsciously as a morning run or gym session before breakfast.

This practice has gained popularity due to its potential effects on fat loss, and overall performance. However, it also comes with its share of pros and cons and is not for everyone. Here's a list of some of the potential pros and cons:

Pros of Training Fasted:

Weight management: Training fasted may increase the body's reliance on using stored fat for energy. Over time this aids fat loss and contributes to the maintenance of lean muscle mass, beneficial body composition and weight management.

Weight management: Reduced body fat contributes to the maintenance of lean muscle mass and beneficial body composition. This can be beneficial for athletes competing in weight categories or sports dependent on body composition such as body sculpting.

Insulin Sensitivity: It can improve insulin sensitivity. When you do eat after exercise, the body absorbs nutrients more efficiently, which is beneficial for overall health and weight management. This assists with blood sugar control, energy levels and management of insulin resistance and diabetes.

Hormonal Responses: Training fasted can lead to increases in human growth hormone (HGH) key to muscle growth. Muscle growth is important to athletes in strength and body sculpting related sports.

Metabolic Adaptation: Proponents will argue that training fasted makes them more efficient at using fat stores for energy. In recent times the belief has gained traction in the endurance running community (especially ultra running).

Cons of Training Fasted:

Performance Impairment: Fasting and then training can lead to decreased performance, especially for high-intensity workouts. Without readily available carbohydrates athletes experience lower energy levels during and post exercise. Recovery, strength, and endurance are also impaired.

A recent review of 46 studies concluded eating before exercise prolongs aerobic performance. The debate becomes clouded in practice as endurance athletes can feel ok during low-to-moderate intensity training when training fasted. A runner can feel good on an easy 6km recovery run but rubbish doing 1km reps.

Muscle Breakdown: Training fasted could potentially lead to increased muscle breakdown due to the lack of readily available energy sources. This is detrimental to muscle gain and repair.

Hydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: Fasting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can negatively impact workout performance and recovery.

Additional adrenal gland stress: It can increase adrenaline levels and cortisol levels. This is not a great scenario for those athletes with already high levels of stress.

Lower hormones: Reduces male sex hormones (androgens) and negatively impacts libido and metabolic health. This is non-beneficial for men but beneficial for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Training fasted does not appear to have any effect on estrogen or prolactin levels in women.

Training fasted may also reduce thyroid hormones -thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and T3- active thyroid hormones. This may contribute further to thyroid hormone imbalances.

Risk of Overeating Post-Workout: Some individuals compensate by consuming larger meals after exercise. Sugar and carbohydrate cravings increase as the day progresses. Poor food choices and excessive sugar intake peaks towards the end of the day. This can then result in disturbed sleep and reduced energy levels the following day.

Lack of Nutrients for Recovery: After exercise, your body needs nutrients for muscle repair, glycogen replenishment, and overall recovery. Fasted training can limit the availability of these nutrients at a critical time and delay recovery.

Individual Responses: Fasted training might be suitable for some individuals but not for others. Factors like genetics, training goals, and personal preferences can greatly influence the effectiveness and comfort of training fasted.

Increased Perceived Effort: For some athletes, training on an empty stomach can make training sessions feel harder. This can impact motivation and adherence to the training routine.

In summary, training fasted can have potential benefits such as increased fat loss and improved insulin sensitivity. However, training fasted also comes with potential downsides like impaired performance and muscle loss. Athletes are also at risk of reduce hormone levels, dehydration, and nutrient deficiencies with prolonged fasting.

Your training goals, preferences, and how your body responds to fasted training is important to observe. We always recommend seeking professional help from a sports naturopath or nutritionist to ensure training fasted aligns with your specific circumstances.

Sources:

Aird, T. P., Davies, R. W., & Carson, B. P. (2018). Effects of fasted vs fed exercise on performance and post exercise metabolism: A systematic review and meta analysis. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 28(5), 1476-1493.

Cienfuegos, S., Corapi, S., Gabel, K., Ezpeleta, M., Kalam, F., Lin, S.,  & Varady, K. A. (2022). Effect of intermittent fasting on reproductive hormone levels in females and males: a review of human trials. Nutrients, 14(11), 2343.

Kim, B. H., Joo, Y., Kim, M. S., Choe, H. K., Tong, Q., & Kwon, O. (2021). Effects of intermittent fasting on the circulating levels and circadian rhythms of hormones. Endocrinology and Metabolism, 36(4), 745-756.

Hackett, D., & Hagstrom, A. D. (2017). Effect of overnight fasted exercise on weight loss and body composition: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 2(4), 43.

Hansen, D., De Strijcker, D., & Calders, P. (2017). Impact of endurance exercise training in the fasted state on muscle biochemistry and metabolism in healthy subjects: can these effects be of particular clinical benefit to type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin-resistant patients?. Sports Medicine, 47, 415-428.

Vieira, A. F., Costa, R. R., Macedo, R. C. O., Coconcelli, L., & Kruel, L. F. M. (2016). Effects of aerobic exercise performed in fasted v. fed state on fat and carbohydrate metabolism in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Nutrition, 116(7), 1153-1164.

Zouhal, H., Saeidi, A., Salhi, A., Li, H., Essop, M. F., Laher, I.,   & Ben Abderrahman, A. (2020). Exercise training and fasting: current insights. Open access Journal of sports medicine, 1-28.

Want to know more? Contact the Athlete Sanctuary and learn how we can help you to increase health, wellbeing and performance.Â

About the Author: Kate Smyth is a Sports naturopath, nutritionist and female-centric running coach. She is the founder of the Athlete Sanctuary- a holistic healthcare clinic for athletes of all levels and sporting codes. Kate has a thirst for knowledge with two bachelor's and a Master's degree under her belt. She has been involved in sports for many decades and competed for Australia in the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games marathons with a personal best time of 2 hours 28 minutes.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

It’s vital for female athletes to recognise the intersection between their mental health and athletic performance, and acknowledge that working on mental health can positively impact their overall performance and condition.

SAD is suggested to be linked to the circadian rhythms (‘body clock’) adjustments at certain times of the year and in response to variations in exposure to sunlight. This is thought to impact the hormones melatonin and serotonin, which affect sleep and mood.

Those most at risk are younger females, those with a family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or SAD. The risk increases the further away from the equator. Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to SAD and people with SAD may produce less Vitamin D. As Vitamin D plays a role in serotonin activity, Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency have been associated with depressive symptoms.

SAD frequently co-occurs with other disorders including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), addiction, and eating disorders.

RECOGNISING SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

Awareness of Seasonal Patterns
Athletes experiencing SAD may notice seasonal patterns to their moods.

Winter
Common observations over winter include:

• Decline in mood, sadness and depression
• Fatigue without explanation
• Reduced motivation
• Hopelessness
• Social withdrawal
• Overeating and carbohydrate cravings
• Excessive sleeping

Summer
In summer SAD may look more like sleep issues, not feeling hungry, losing weight, and feeling agitated and anxious.

By recognising these patterns and symptoms, athletes can better anticipate and prepare for the potential impact on training and performance.

ADJUSTING TRAINING SCHEDULES

Athletes and coaches may need to modify training schedules to accommodate SAD symptoms. This could mean adjusting the timing of workouts to coincide with optimal sunlight exposure in the middle of the day, incorporating more indoor training during the darker months, or allowing for flexibility in training intensity to accommodate fluctuations in mood and energy levels.

USING SUPPORT NETWORKS AND RESOURCES

Communication
Openly communicate with coaches, supporters, friends and family about your experiences with SAD. By sharing your challenges and seeking understanding, you can foster a supportive environment that promotes positive mental health and helps alleviate the burden of SAD symptoms.

Seek Out a Mental Health Professional
Support from a mental health professional who specialises in sports psychology can be incredibly valuable. These professionals can provide tailored strategies to manage SAD symptoms, including cognitive-behavioural techniques, mindfulness practices and stress management tools.

In some cases your doctor may recommend light therapy.

SELF-CARE AND WELLBEING

Sunlight Exposure
Spend time outdoors during daylight hours, as sunlight exposure has a positive impact on vitamin D levels, sleep, mood and energy levels. Including outdoor activities, such as training sessions, walks and other outdoor hobbies, can help combat the effects of SAD.

Rest and Recovery
Prioritise sufficient sleep and establish consistent sleep routines to support your mental health and physical wellbeing.

Stress Reduction
Implementing stress reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or taking time with hobbies and people that bring joy, can help to alleviate SAD symptoms and promote overall mental wellbeing.

Vitamin D
We recommend athletes who suffer from SAD check their vitamin D levels every 6 months. Maintaining regular sunlight exposure and intake of vitamin D rich foods is essential to the prevention of deficiency. In many cases vitamin D supplementation is required.

Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder requires a comprehensive approach that integrates mental health and performance considerations. By recognising the unique challenges you face and implementing strategies such as adjusting training schedules, tapping into support networks and prioritising self-care, you can affectively navigate SAD while maintaining fitness and performance.

About the Author: Kate Smyth is a Sports naturopath, nutritionist and female-centric running coach. She is the founder of the Athlete Sanctuary- a holistic healthcare clinic for athletes of all levels and sporting codes. Kate has a thirst for knowledge with two bachelor’s and a master’s degree under her belt. She has been involved in sports for many decades and competed for Australia in the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games marathons with a personal best time of 2 hours 28 minutes. For more information visit our website.

References
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8. Psycom: Seasonal Depression
9. Way Ahead: SAD
10. Health Direct: SAD