Why Zach Bitter Went High Carb After 14 Years of Low Carb Fueling

What if the fueling strategy you’ve followed for years is no longer the one that best supports your performance?

In Episode 131 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m joined by elite ultrarunner and coach Zach Bitter for a thoughtful conversation about his experience with both low and high carb fueling.

After following a low carb diet for 14 years, including when he broke the World and American Records in the 100-mile distance, he decided to change course and try high carb fueling. It's been 8 months now of experimenting with more carbs, and so far, he’s had a very positive experience.

Zach and I discuss:

• Why he originally went low carb as a younger ultrarunner
• What his particular flavor of low carb fueling looked like in practice
• What motivated him to dramatically increase his carb intake last year
• How high carb fueling has influenced his recent training and racing
• Why you shouldn't make one single diet your whole identity
• The importance of curiosity and flexibility for long-term health and performance

This episode is full of nuance, and underscores the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all diet. As Zach says in the episode, don't be afraid to try something new, because if it doesn't work out, you can always go back to what you were doing before!

🎧 Tune in to learn more!

Links & Resources

• Follow Zach Bitter on Instagram and visit Zach’s Website
• Interested in comprehensive, in-depth 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry form (limited spots available)
• Join my membership, Fuel for Life Crew for just $39/month (cancel anytime)
• Grab my Nutrition Mini Guide Bundle (a collection of 6 mini guides, worksheets, and a bonus supplement resource)
• Check out my free nutrition downloads
• Support the podcast by shopping all my affiliate links (e.g. Skratch, Tailwind, Momentous) and joining my Patreon community
• Get in touch at [email protected] 

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Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical or nutrition recommendations.

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