Unveiling the Truth About the Keto Diet

8. Short-Term Decrease in Performance

People undertaking moderate to high levels of exercise while converting to the keto diet may see short-term changes in performance abilities. Female athletes especially could experience decreased fitness for the first few weeks, as well as general fatigue. This is generally due to a depletion of the glycogen stores in the muscles -- the stored fuel that comes from consuming dietary carbohydrates. After several weeks, however, performance should return to normal. Many endurance athletes see increased benefits over the long-term by following the keto diet rather than carb-loading before competitions.