Carb cycling

#1

Can someone explain carb cycling.
Why to do it, when and how to do it.

(Chris) #2

The theory is replenishing glycogen in the muscles. Most find that its a theory that looks better on paper than in reality. Many people never fully become fat adapted so every low carb period is just like your first and it sucks.

(Chris W) #3

Why??? can’t answer honestly

As far as when is a debate I am sure, someone who is a high end athlete in particular that does anaerobic may benefit, possibly.

How typically is to consume fast acting carbs under an hour before or after intense exercise.

(Karen) #4

Yep, I’d love to carb cycle, but NOT worth it too me. Fighting tooth and nail for every pound. Some guys can, sometimes it’s suggested for women for hormones, but if you try it go small…1/4 sweet potato at your last meal of the day. You are heading into a fast. See how it goes.

K

(Ken) #5
(Chris W) #6

And as ken points out there are different variations on the theme I think they all have uses so it depends upon your goals and current status as well.

(Eric) #7

Well I’ve been doing my own experiment on myself? I was experiencing very slow weightless while being strict keto combined with if I know it’s best to shake things up, so I started doing a very mild carb up once every 2 weeks I have a small amount of carbs. Now I don’t do added sugar I don’t do gluten. Usually I will have 75 grams of carbs through beans or whole milk following a weight lifting routine. I’ve only done it twice now but both times have lost several pounds the next day and no problems going 24 hours until I eat again and go straight back to my normal routine. It’s working for me and my metabolism though I do have some uncomfortable bloating the next day.

I don’t particularly enjoy it but I am dropping weight better than before

(Chris W) #8

Do you feel you are getting more energy at work out time?

(Eric) #9

Well I actually carb up after my workout I workout fasted for the mitochondrial benefits.

(Eric) #10

Also I’m only weight training once per week at 72 hours fasted.

(Empress of the Unexpected) #11

I thought everyone became fully fat adapted, even if it took years

#12

I think he means that carb cycling prevents many people from ever getting fat-adapted, sort of kicking them back to square one each time, so that might be a good reason not to do it.

(Empress of the Unexpected) #13

Oh. Ok that makes sense.

(Alec) #14

There’s a book available called Keto Cycle by Siim Land that explains all this. I read it and wasn’t convinced, but you could google the book and have a read if you are interested.

I have thought about carb cycling to fuel my running, the idea being to become metabolically flexible. However, I don’t think the body ever has a problem burning carbs, so the challenge to always work on is being and staying fat adapted. So far, I have only got quicker and ran better on keto than on carbs, so I don’t need the carb cycling right now.

Given all the health implications of burning carbs, I am not sure I want to go back there.
Cheers
Alec