The cons of carb cycling
- Water retention
Some carb cyclers report that they tend to actually gain weight on high carb days due to water retention. The water is quickly eliminated on the following low carb days, however. In fact, you may urinate more frequently on low carb days as your kidney expel the extra water. Other than feeling a bit bloated, there are no risks.
- Headache
You may experience headaches for the first week or so until your body adapts to your new eating plan. If you continue to experience headaches for more than 10 days, you should stop carb cycling as it just might not be for you.
- It can develop carb cravings
On low carb days, some people may find themselves craving their usual “carb fix”. And when high carb days, they feel depressed. Over time, this may develop into an unhealthy relationship with carbs. However, this can be said of every other diet. The solution lies in your resolve and willpower.
- May not be for everyone
Carb cycling is generally safe for everyone but it may put a strain on certain body organs like the kidneys and liver. Therefore, it may not be for every physique or every age. The best advice is to consult a health practitioner if you have any issues that may be heightened by carb cycling.
Conclusion
Carb cycling is an eating plan that provides more flexibility and variety compared to most other diets. But like other diets, it has its upsides and downsides.
These were the basic pros and cons of carb cycling.
Now, it's up to you to decide whether the pros outweigh the cons and if it could be the right weight-loss method for you.
