Carb cycling – it’s kind of like riding a bike but with your diet. Okay, bad joke, but it’s a topic worth discussing! As a nutritionist, I work predominantly with women, and carb cycling is a tool I’ve seen great success with. It’s a way to optimize your carb intake throughout the week, tailoring it to your body’s unique needs.
So, what are some benefits I’ve seen in my clients who adopt carb cycling? Well, for one, it can help to keep blood sugar levels stable. This is especially important for those with insulin resistance or diabetes. By cycling your carb intake and being more mindful of the types of carbs you consume, you can avoid those mid-day crashes and sugar cravings.
By incorporating high-carb days strategically, you can boost your metabolism and prevent your body from adapting to a low-carb diet. Additionally, carb cycling can help to optimize fat loss. This can make weight loss more sustainable in the long run.
But let me tell you a personal story to illustrate the power of carb cycling. A few years ago, I decided to train for a fitness competition. It was intense – lifting heavy weights, hours of cardio, and a strict diet. And while I was making progress, I hit a plateau. No matter how hard I worked, my body wouldn’t budge.
That’s when my coach suggested carb cycling. Initially skeptical – I had always been told that carbs were the enemy. But I trusted her and decided to give it a try. And boy, am I glad I did.
By strategically incorporating higher carb days, my body could recover better and maintain my muscle mass. And, the best part? I could enjoy things like sweet potatoes and berries guilt-free. It was a game-changer, and I went on to win my competition.
Now, I don’t advocate extreme dieting or competition prep. But the lesson is that carb cycling can work wonders for your body and mind. It’s a way to find balance with your diet and fuel your body to support your goals.
So, let’s dive into how I teach carb cycling to my clients. First and foremost, it’s essential to establish your baseline. This means understanding how many carbs you typically consume in a day and what types of carbs they are. We can determine the optimal range for your carb cycling days from there.
For most women, I recommend incorporating higher-carb days in the second half of their menstrual cycle. This is when estrogen levels drop, and progesterone levels rise, making your body more insulin resistant. By bumping up your carb intake during this time, you can help to minimize cravings and mood swings.
But, again, it’s essential to be mindful of the types of carbs you consume. I recommend sticking to whole, nutrient-dense carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and fruit. And, on high-carb days, consume adequate protein and fat.
Carb cycling is a powerful tool for optimizing your health and fitness. It’s a way to find balance with your diet and support your body in a sustainable and enjoyable way. So, if you’ve carbs or have hit a plate with your weight loss goals, consider trying carb cycling. Who knows? You may find that it’s the missing piece of the puzzle.
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Summary of Transcript:
In the YouTube video, the speaker discusses the benefits of carb cycling and how it can be particularly beneficial for women. Carb cycling can help individuals stuck in a rut with their progress and struggling to transition from burning sugar to burning fat. The speaker recommends determining a baseline for carb intake through a carb quiz and then increasing carb intake by 25 to 50 grams per day during specific days in the menstrual cycle. The goal is to be metabolically flexible by burning sugar and fat at different times. They also emphasize the importance of being mindful and strategic about carb intake, opting for high-fiber, whole foods rather than processed, sugary options. Finally, the speaker notes that carb cycling can benefit everyone, regardless of whether or not they are menstruating.
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Summary of Description:
The content is about a video by Cynthia Thurlow regarding women’s health, wellness, and intermittent fasting. She emphasizes the importance of bio-individuality and consulting with medical practitioners before making health decisions.
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Source Description
#CynthiaThurlow #womenshealth #wellness #IF #intermittentfasting #fastingforwomen #bioindividuality #health
For more information, please visit me here: https://cynthiathurlow.com/
This video is for educational and informational purposes and is solely a self-help tool. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat health problems or illnesses without consulting your medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your medical practitioner and mental health provider about your specific health situation.
