Every eating plan has its benefits and disadvantages and carb cycling is no different. If you are considering carb cycling for weight loss or simply for better health,
Here are the basic pros and cons of carb cycling that will help you make an informed decision.
The pros of carb cycling
- Burns fat while building lean muscle
Carb cycling is the only eating plan that can do these things simultaneously. You are not left with a lot of wrinkly, flabby skin after you have shed the weight and with regular moderate exercise, your body stays toned and firm.
- Promotes healthy eating habits
The carb cycling diet allows you to eat a lot of healthy unprocessed carbs and “good” proteins and fats, with lots of fruits and vegetables. This balanced meal plan does not deprive your body of carbs, keeping you satisfied and less liable to cravings. Even better, you actually lose weight as well.
- It balances blood sugar and the hormonal system.
Restricting carbs in your diet has a direct impact on blood sugar levels and can cause hormonal imbalances. This is why the carb cycling diet is ideal for people with diabetes, as well as a great way to balance the body's overall internal functions.
- It reduces sugar cravings
People on restrictive diets often experience intense sugar cravings. But since you are allowed to eat starchy and sweet foods like sweet potatoes, bananas and other fruits – and even healthy versions of your favorite desserts, you will be less likely to crave sugar.
- It helps constipation
The healthy fiver from the whole grain carbs you eat will relieve constipation. In general, carb cycling balances and promotes digestion.
- It doesn’t really feel like a diet
Because you get to eat a wide range of satisfying foods and are not restricting carbs, carb cycling feels more like a flexible eating plan rather than a diet.
Psychologically, this can have a huge impact on your motivation and you are less likely to give up or binge eat.
