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Lets start with the basics: carbs are not the bad guy.
What is carb cycling?
During low-carb periods, protein intake will usually remain similar to other periods, but healthy fat intake increases.
Who is carb cycling for?
However, more research is needed on the subject.
As a discussion in the journalNutrientsput it, this kind of nutrient timing “is a nuanced topic.”
And McGregor says: “Youre better off fuelling your training well and letting the training do the adaptation.
That tends to have better outcomes than trying to decrease your carb intake.”
Does carb cycling work?
As already noted, more studies are required.
(What you may read on social media does not count as scientific research.)
She also points to the lack of research on the topic.
“Theres no real science behind this.
“However there are a lot of stipulations about how these sessions should be done.
And its very difficult to work out what that low intensity should be.”
And bear in mind that high-carb days does not mean packing in the muffins.
Most of your calories should come from complex carbs rather than simple carbs.
Theyre more filling, so theyre a good option if youre keeping an eye on your weight.
That said, McGregor has concerns that diets such as this raise the risk of disordered eating.
Should you try carb cycling?
As with any eating plan, you gotta be careful you are getting the right amount of nutrients.
And if you do try carb cycling, you will need to carefully track what you eat.
Overall, McGregor remains sceptical: “I dont think its necessarily a way to improve athletic performance.
I think there are much better ways to do it.
