The concept of a carb-cycling diet is becoming more and more popular among those who follow ketogenic diets thanks to bodybuilders. But is it beneficial to you?
The consumption of carbohydrates has long been a contentious issue. Many effective diets limit carbohydrates, and others even completely forbid them. However, no macronutrient—including carbohydrates—is inherently evil. You should adapt your carbohydrate consumption to your unique needs. Some people now “cycle” their carbohydrates in order to alter their overall carb intake. Carb cycling is what’s meant by this.
There is some proof that low-carb diets, like carb cycling, may help with muscle growth and athletic performance. According to a 2017 study, bodybuilders who compete use carbohydrate refeeds, or times when they eat additional carbs, because they think it will help them lose fat. Refeed days with carbohydrates, according to study participants, enhanced glycogen storage. They also observed that these days improved their training results and assisted their mental recovery from their exercise regimens. There are certain advantages, and numerous studies are being conducted.
However, further study is required to determine the efficacy and safety of carb cycling. We at Specialty Care Clinics provide clarity to our patients and prescribe the dietary program that is most suitable for them.
CARB CYCLING : WHAT IS IT?
In a carb cycling regimen, a person consumes carbs in accordance with the number of calories needed for his or her daily activities, as well as in accordance with workouts and long-term objectives. For instance, a person can consume 200 grams of carbs for two days, 100 grams for the following two days, and 80 grams the following day.
The number of calories and necessary carbs are determined by the person’s diet plan.
The explanation is that high-carb days increase your metabolism while low-carb days put you in a fat-burning condition. “The body will believe that energy isn’t coming, thus fat will be burned. Both the stored fat and the glycogen will be transformed into energy, according to Dr. Nadar. On a carb-cycling diet, people can eat any nutritious meal they like as long as they don’t consume more carbs than their diet allows.
HOW DOES CARB CYCLING WORK?
The body is using the stored fat and even the toxins as scavengers because we are consuming fewer carbohydrates and fasting for a longer length of time. The body will rejuvenate, the digestion will get better, and you’ll lose fat. Since the body creates ketones, there will be a significant reduction in inflammation and the person will feel more energetic. These ketones serve as a source of energy for the brain.
WHAT ADVANTAGES ARE THERE?
Low carbohydrate eating and intermittent fasting will lower sugar levels, manage blood pressure, alleviate constipation and acid reflux, and keep blood pressure levels stable. Carb cycling is beneficial for cancer patients as well because it lowers the body’s toxicity levels. It is quite helpful for both morbid obesity and the lifestyle disorders of today.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN IT, AND WHO SHOULDN’T?
Diabetic patients cannot fast for extended periods of time, but they may be able to do so if properly advised by a doctor and depending on their age, as their eating patterns and blood sugar levels require continuous monitoring. Rest everyone may practice intermittent fasting and carb cycling.
WHAT SHOULD YOU EAT IN TOTAL?
Complex carbs are necessary for a low-carb plate. While complex carbohydrates have three or more sugar molecules, simple carbohydrates only have one or two. Starches like those found in cereal, beans, and potatoes are examples of complex carbohydrates. Consume whole grains, legumes, corn, and cereals. Fruits like apples, papayas, and kiwis are low in calories compared to bananas and mangoes, which are rich in calories. Purchase toned milk. Choose chicken and fish if you’re a non-vegetarian. Pulses are heavy in carbs and should only be consumed in moderation.
It can be challenging to select the best food strategy for weight loss. Specialty Care Clinics offer individualized meal programs and assist patients in learning more about their bodies. Call (469) 545-9983 to make an appointment.