Zone 2 Training & Fat as Fuel: Should You Eat More Fat to Perform Better?

About this episode

This episode explores the role of fat as fuel during Zone 2 training and its implications for endurance performance.

Zone 2 training is often labeled as “fat burning,” but what does that actually mean in real-world performance? Should athletes, hunters, and endurance enthusiasts be eating more fat during long efforts? Or is the body primarily relying on stored energy systems regardless of what you eat? In this episode of the Valley to Peak Nutrition Podcast, we break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in endurance nutrition: fat as fuel. We explore whether the body is using dietary fat or stored body fat during low-intensity exercise, how carbohydrates still play a critical role, and why it’s never as simple as “fat vs carbs.” You’ll learn how energy systems actually interact during Zone 2 training, multi-day efforts, and long-duration mountain objectives—and why relying on a single fuel source can limit performance. If you’ve ever wondered how to properly fuel Zone 2 training, ultras, backcountry hunts, or long mountain days, this episode will give you the clarity you need. Download the cheat sheet Check out Valley to Peak and other Resources. In this episode: What “fat as fuel” actually means in Zone 2 training The difference between stored body fat and dietary fat How the body…

People in this episode

Host: Kyle Kamp

Topics covered

• Zone 2 training
• fat as fuel
• endurance nutrition
• energy systems
• carbohydrates
• performance

Keywords

• Zone 2 training
• fat burning
• endurance
• dietary fat
• stored body fat
• carbohydrates
• energy systems
• performance
• muscle glycogen

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Valley to Peak

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