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Carb Cycling

JB035
JB035 Posts: 336 Member
edited 5:27AM in Debate Club
Works or not?

Replies

  • Unknown
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  • JB035
    JB035 Posts: 336 Member
    Just speaking in general really. Can you lose doing it? Bigger question though.
    Can you gain muscle while having more control over fat gains?
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  • h2thesquared
    h2thesquared Posts: 7 Member
    I eat a bit more carbs during the first 2 weeks of my cycle and lift heavier weights (with shorter, more anaerobic workouts) then eat lower-carb the last 2 weeks, aiming for ketosis during the last week (progressing to longer, more aerobic workouts). Not sure how this would really work for a dude, though.....
  • h2thesquared
    h2thesquared Posts: 7 Member
    I guess I would just recommend trying to eat those starchy/sugary carbs post-workout along with your protein since exercise raises your insulin sensitivity
  • robs_ready
    robs_ready Posts: 1,488 Member
    JB035 wrote: »
    Works or not?

    Yeah it works, but is it necessary? That's a different question.

    Our modern diet consists primarily of carbohydrates, so what do you think happens when you remove it from your diet? Your basically limiting calories significantly.

    Never seen the point, if your lifting heavy much better to have glycogen available.
  • rollerjog
    rollerjog Posts: 154 Member
    most of the people that i know that are carb cycling are extremely lean for men 4% to 6% for woman 10% to 13% and are getting ready too jump on stage
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    JB035 wrote: »
    Just speaking in general really. Can you lose doing it? Bigger question though.
    Can you gain muscle while having more control over fat gains?

    I would say considering that carbs are protein sparing this isn't likely to be the case.
  • wgaston123456
    wgaston123456 Posts: 1 Member
    Studies have shown that it is good to keep the RMR (resting metabolism rate) up during cut. depending on your calorie deficit its good to do two consecutive days every two weeks to optimise weight loss whilst increasing RMR also
  • alicemargaret88
    alicemargaret88 Posts: 6 Member
    I think it can be highly beneficial for those of us who are trying to lose the last 5-10lbs and drop the last few body fat percentage points. There are some helpful online resources that discuss this topic (I enjoy the youtube channel of Christine Hronec from gaugegirl training).
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,426 MFP Moderator
    JB035 wrote: »
    Just speaking in general really. Can you lose doing it? Bigger question though.
    Can you gain muscle while having more control over fat gains?

    With calories and protein being equal.. no it won't help prevent fat gains. Calorie cycling is more directed to optimizing lifting gains and a little water weight manipulation. I carb/calorie cycle because I enjoy larger amounts of calories on my lifting days (I even struggle to get 320g of carbs on those days). And I low carb on my non lifting days; protein is the same both days. It has helped me with compliance and I have seen some increases in strength, but it hasn't accelerated any fat loss or anything. And I have yet to see any study that would suggest any other additional benefit.
  • trigden1991
    trigden1991 Posts: 4,658 Member
    Calorie intake (surplus or deficit) dictates your fat or muscle, loss or gain.

    Carb cycling is effective and may make all the difference for people that have their diet, activity, macros, training etc 100% dialed in. For the average person in the gym or looking to lose weight, I don't believe there is any real benefit.

    Anecdotally I have tried several variations of carb cycling (daily cycling, low carb mon-fri then refeeds, etc) and haven't seen anything special happen.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,426 MFP Moderator
    I should also note, that carb/calorie cycling (in the 8 weeks I have done it) has been great for compliance and getting more lean. I am actually 1 lb higher than my high school weight and only about 5 or 6% until I hit single digits.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    all things being equal I am going to say that it does not make a difference. If over a four week period you get the same amount of carbs that you would normally eat, then what difference can it truly make?

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