When is it a good time to eat carbs?

dmiivanov

Hi experts, and experienced dieters!
I'm 6'2'' weighting about 210 lb, maintaining a 500-1000 kcal deficit per day, on average.
I came across a question: how to save as much muscle as possible, while losing 1.5 - 2 lb / week. So I cycle carbs: 100 g on non-workout days and 200g on workout days. During the workouts I lift as heavy as possible, doing typically 5 sets of 2 on compound lifts. I heard lifting this wayhelps in keeping the muscle when you are dieting.
But when is it the right time to eat those carbs?
I've tried lifting in a fasted state, and then protein and carbs afterward. It gave certain results. Then I tried drinking 2.5 servings of Gatorade ( 52 g of carbs) 15min before and continued during the workout but it didn't make the workout any more intense than in the fasted state. Why is that? Is it better to eat ( low GI) carbs hours before working out instead?

beautifulwarrior18

Honestly, I think it depends on the person. I don't know that Gatorade is a good choice as it's pure sugar. It's has more negative impacts than positive impacts on your body overall. I've heard after a workout is the best time to eat carbs. Not really sure if this is true or if it really matters all that much. For me, I eat carbs with every meal and I workout in the evening so I have two full meals before training. It works for me. I don't think I could do no carbs for part of the day. I have a slight obsession with fruit and I want it all the time.

Cherimoose

Do you lift in the morning? Most people have less energy when lifting in a fasted state, but for some people it doesn't matter, especially if they lift in the morning and they're a "morning person", due to higher cortisol then (causes a spike in carbs). Anyway, do whatever feels best for you. But personally, i would do more reps per set to maintain mass.