Carb Cycling

Carb cycling is a dieting method that involves alternating between high-carb and low-carb days, typically in a weekly cycle. The idea behind carb cycling is to maximize the benefits of carbohydrates, while minimizing the negative effects of high-carb diets. This method is often used by bodybuilders, athletes and fitness enthusiasts to optimize their performance, lose weight or build muscle.

How it works

On high-carb days, you would consume more carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores in your muscles and provide your body with energy. On low-carb days, the goal is to limit your carb intake to force your body to use fat as a source of energy. By cycling your carb intake, your body is less likely to enter a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy, but it still benefits from the positive effects of a low-carb diet.

Examples

One common carb cycling cycle is the 3:1 cycle, where you have three days of low-carb followed by one day of high-carb. Another cycle is the 5:2, where you have five low-carb days followed by two high-carb days.

Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms

• Synonyms: Carbohydrate Cycling, Carb Rotation
• Antonyms: High-Carb Diet, Low-Carb Diet
• Related Terms: Ketogenic Diet, Intermittent Fasting, Macronutrients, Glycogen

Confused with

Carb cycling is often confused with the ketogenic diet, which is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to induce ketosis. While both diets restrict carbs, the ketogenic diet is much more restrictive and may not be suitable for everyone.