Carb Cycling FAQ
Hey friend!
I'm sure you've heard me talk about carb cycling, and how much I love it ... but are you still wondering what all the hype is about? Or maybe you have some questions about it?
I have implemented carb cycling into my life for the past year and a half. In the process, I have learned to LOVE the lifestyle. I’m eating more carbohydrates and calories than ever before while seeing great results. My midsection and hips are slimmer, and I feel stronger and more toned. I wanted to take the time to answer some frequently asked questions about carb cycling!
What is carb cycling?
Carb cycling is a nutrition plan that alternates lower carbohydrate days with higher carbohydrate days. Workouts are planned to correspond with your carbohydrate intake to give you the best results. High carbohydrate days are typically done in conjunction with higher intensity strength training days. High carb days create an insulin response that delivers nutrients into your muscles, which causes them to grow, all while replenishing glycogen stores that fuel your muscles. You should pair low carbohydrate days with sprint training to rev up the fat-burning process. Low carb days help deplete your glycogen stores to effectively burn more fat. On low carb days, you are eating lots of protein and healthy fats to help fuel your body.
Why carb cycle? What are the benefits?
The benefits of carb cycling are immense. Our bodies need carbohydrates for energy and to function properly, but too many carbs can cause our body to store fat. Carb cycling allows us to eat plenty of carbs while making our body a fat-burning machine at the same time. Carb cycling:
- Facilitates fat burning
- Promotes lean muscle growth
- Increases our receptiveness to insulin
- Places an emphasis on healthy carbohydrates, which promotes solid, wholesome nutrition
When carb cycling is implemented in a healthy way, the benefits are extraordinary. Not only does it allow for fat loss and muscle growth, but it promotes longevity of life and protects against harmful disease. It’s truly one of the most natural ways we can be fueling our bodies to help us best reach our health and fitness goals, along with improving our overall health.
Is carb cycling restrictive?
Not at all! In fact, I'm eating more calories and carbs when carb cycling than ever before. Carb cycling has taught me how to fuel my body in the most effective way possible to help me feel my best and deliver results.
Can breastfeeding moms carb cycle?
Absolutely! I always recommend consulting your doctor first if you're concerned, but I personally don't see any issues with it. I, along with many of my clients, have implemented carb cycling while breastfeeding with great success. Depending on how often you’re breastfeeding your baby, I’d recommend increasing your calorie intake by about 200-500 calories. (For example, if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, you’ll want to increase closer to 500 calories. But, if you’re only breastfeeding 1-2 times per day, you’ll increase closer to 200 calories.) Be sure to drink plenty of water and keep an eye on your milk supply to ensure that your body is getting adequate calories and fluids.
Can I carb cycle when on vacation?
Most definitely. It'll take a little planning on your part, but it's absolutely doable! The key is to be prepared with healthy snacks and the right foods for corresponding days (high carb days and low carb days).
Don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions regarding carb cycling! My 6 Week Fat Loss Cycle and VIP training programs will guide you to fit it into your lifestyle. Email me at contact@ashleylwiseman.com to see if there are any current openings! I'd love the opportunity to work with you.