Keto, protein, lifting, exercise day question

Starting lifting, am eating keto. Eat a bit more and have a protein shake on days I lift.
I understand that about half of extra grams of protein that exceed daily need can be turned into glucose, and I'm thinking too much of that and I can exceed the low carbs needed to maintain ketosis.
I lift for about an hour, not heavy weights but since I'm starting they are heavy to me.
How many extra grams of protein will my body actually need on lifting days?

Replies

  • AmZam05
    AmZam05 Posts: 130 Member
    I also lift low carb, it's always cool to see others that do it too. I tend to do right around 0.8 grams protein per pound of bodyweight. It's a little higher than recommended for keto, but the recommendations are usually for people who do little to no exercise, let alone intense exercise like lifting. You may find that ratio is too high to you, if you find it knocks you out of keto then lower it by 5-10 grams until you find the "sweet spot." Good luck!
  • Lucille4444
    Lucille4444 Posts: 284 Member
    But I am thinking that I should eat a different amount of protein grams on lifting day?
  • AmZam05
    AmZam05 Posts: 130 Member
    I mean, you can eat a little more if you want, but in general macro ratios are set up so they are consistent day to day. Remember your body will need to use that protein on your off-days too while your muscles repair themselves. I don't think it's necessary to change your protein to be dependent on lifting, no. But it's best to try a few different things (for at least a week at a time, one or two days won't make much difference) and see what you prefer.
  • Lucille4444
    Lucille4444 Posts: 284 Member
    Thank you! Do you use .8 per your actual body weight or .8 per pound of lean muscle mass?
  • AmZam05
    AmZam05 Posts: 130 Member
    Actual body weight. My weight fluctuates between 155-160lbs and my protein is set to 135g. Some days I'm a little over, some days I'm a little under. I can't personally attest to how that ratio will affect ketosis for you because I'm actually carb cycling (for strength gains/recomp) and not trying to be in ketosis. When I do go into full keto mode in January, I'll be doing closer to 1g per pound of lean mass, or around 120g. But again if you can get away with slightly higher protein and still be in ketosis, I think it will only be beneficial.
  • N200lz
    N200lz Posts: 134 Member
    ...... just a suggestion: I would avoid a weight workout that lasts longer than 60 min. That seems to be the magic number. Once you exceed that the cortisol levels take a nasty swing upward and that starts breaking down that lean muscle tissue you have been working to build.

    I wouldn't sweat the protein levels. The low-carb/keto type lifestyles are going to create the energy sources the muscles require from other non-carb sources, be that protein, stored fat or dietary fat.

    Good luck!
  • Lucille4444
    Lucille4444 Posts: 284 Member
    Thank you both.
    Thank you for the one hour recommendation.
  • Yi5hedr3
    Yi5hedr3 Posts: 2,696 Member
    I believe it's 10 grams more.