There is always a new diet popping up in the wellness community, and it can be hard to keep track of them all. In the past few years, carb cycling – a low-carb diet alternative – has become increasingly popular. But what exactly is carb cycling, and how do you know if it is right for you?
What Is Carb Cycling?
The carb cycling diet alternates between higher carb intake days and lower carb intake days, aligning with different levels of activity. Higher intensity workouts fall on high-carb days, and lower intensity workouts fall on lower carb days, according to Healthline. This dieting method is often used by athletes “to optimize fat loss, muscle gain and/or athletic performance,” according to USA Today.
Benefits of Carb Cycling
Carb cycling can be beneficial when training for extreme sports, for those running long distances or for intensive activities. Consuming larger amounts of carbohydrates gives your body the energy necessary to excel at these activities by having more glucose. Glucose acts as “fuel to power muscles,” according to Cleveland Clinic. It may also help increase focus and make post-workout recovery easier, according to Business Insider.
Downsides of Carb Cycling
In an article for Business Insider, “fitness and nutrition nerd” Gabby Landsverk wrote about her experience carb cycling. She mentioned that in the first two weeks, she felt severe brain fog and fatigue. She noted that she felt less focused, and she would want to go back to sleep even after starting work. While these issues did clear up, she mentioned she stopped carb cycling after a month because it was restrictive. She had to cut out many healthy foods that she enjoys such as apples, yogurt, almonds and protein shakes, all which contain many more carbohydrates than one might think.
Should You Carb Cycle?
According to Cleveland Clinic, carb cycling should not be used as a weight loss program and should only be used during periods of “high-intensity training or competition.” This means that unless you are training for a marathon, triathlon or other event where larger amounts of energy are needed, then this diet probably isn’t right for you. Healthline also notes that this may not be best for those seeking general weight loss or muscle growth. These can be achieved through calorie deficits and consumption of enough protein, respectively. Additionally, carb cycling is not meant to be a long-term dieting method, according to U.S. News & World Report. Instead, it is used during short periods of training, and a normal diet is resumed following the event.
It is important to know your personal health and dietary needs when thinking about starting a new diet. If you are interested in trying carb cycling, speak with a nutritionist or doctor to see if it might be best for you!
Always seek medical advice before trying a new diet.
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