The Zero Calorie Ultra

Would you run 100 miles without eating? Some athletes have tried — but should you?

In this episode of Your Diet Sucks, we explore the history and science of fasting for endurance athletes. From early experiments in “train low” strategies to the modern hype around intermittent fasting, we dig into why runners and athletes are drawn to the idea of doing more with less fuel. We break down the potential benefits of fasting — fat adaptation, metabolic flexibility, and simplicity — alongside the risks and downsides, like reduced performance, higher injury risk, and impaired recovery.

If you’ve ever wondered whether fasting can actually help your running or if it’s just another diet trend, this episode gives you the evidence-based answers.

Melin A, Tornberg ÅB, Skouby S, Møller SS, Sundgot-Borgen J, Faber J, Sidelmann JJ, Aziz M, Sjödin A. Energy availability and the female athlete triad in elite endurance athletes. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2015 Oct;25(5):610-22. doi: 10.1111/sms.12261. Epub 2014 May 30.

Fensham NC, Heikura IA, McKay AKA, Tee N, Ackerman KE, Burke LM. Short-Term Carbohydrate Restriction Impairs Bone Formation at Rest and During Prolonged Exercise to a Greater Degree than Low Energy Availability. J Bone Miner Res. 2022 Oct;37(10):1915-1925. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.4658. Epub 2022 Aug 10.

Vilaça-Alves J, Muller F, Rosa C, Payan-Carreira R, Lund R, Matos F, Garrido N, Saavedra FJ, Machado Reis V. Cardiorespiratory, enzymatic and hormonal responses during and after walking while fasting. PLoS One. 2018 Mar 1;13(3):e0193702. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193702. PMID: 29494664; PMCID: PMC5833199.

Roche, D. (2021, June 11). Fasted training may have long-term risks, especially for female athletes. Trail Runner Magazine. https://www.trailrunnermag.com/training/trail-tips-training/fasted-training-may-have-long-term-risks-especially-for-female-athletes/

Oakes, John. The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and Promise of Doing Without. United States, Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster, 2024.

The works of Benjamin Franklin, Vol. xi letters and MISC. writings 1784-1788: Online library of liberty. The Works of Benjamin Franklin, Vol. XI Letters and Misc. Writings 1784-1788 | Online Library of Liberty. (n.d.).

Sandip T Gaikwad, "Apprehending Concept, Canons and Types of Fasting in Buddhism", International Journal of Innovative Research and Creative Technology vol. 2, issue 4, pp. 164–168. 2017.

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What the Science Says About Athletes and Alcohol

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Why Athletes Fall For Diet Bullsh*t