Instead of giving up carbohydrates completely, why not try the the Carb Cycle diet? This revolutionary new approach to healthy eating and weight loss appeals to many.
Everyone you meet wants to discuss one diet or another. While the goal is weight loss for most, some follow diets to help them control a health problem, such as diabetes, or high cholesterol.
The problem with the latter kinds of diets is that they generally involve some major sacrifice. Either they are no-carbohydrate or low-carbohydrate diets (Atkins diet or Ketogenic diet), or involve eating too much or too little of specific foods. Because they are so limiting and inflexible, they are hard to stick to, in the long-term.
Cutting out carbs is unhealthy
Cutting out carbohydrates completely from our meals is bad for the health. That’s because all carbohydrates aren’t “bad”. Cake and croissant may be zero in terms of nutrition. But fruit, vegetables and whole-grains fall into the “healthy” category, and are an important source of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and fibre.
Carb Cyle Diet is easy to follow
The Carb cycle diet advocates cutting back on carbs rather than total elimination. Advocates of this plan include bodybuilders, models and even athletes. Most people who have tried this diet plan say it’s hugely beneficial.
The body fares well on occasional carbohydrate restriction, say experts. Your energy soars and hormone imbalance reduces. Muscle mass is preserved, and waning declines.
Other advantages include weight loss and a reduction of hunger and binge eating. Maintaining a carbohydrate balance keeps the metabolism and blood sugar levels steady too.
#1 Carb Cycling is a way of eating that advocates carbohydrates only on certain days.
Supporters say this stimulates certain digestive and metabolic functions, leading to effective weight loss. You can plan the diet, varying foods based on their carbohydrate content. Your fat consumption will vary, based on carb intake.
#2 Although carbohydrate cycle plans should be personalized, most of them can be built into 3 days a week
High Carb Days: Call for 2 to 2.5 grams of carbohydrate per pound of body weight. These days are usually high calorie. You can still opt for healthier carbohydrates that are high fibre and nutritious instead of starchy and fatty sources.
Low Carb Days: Call for about 0.5 grams of carbohydrate per pound of body weight. These are your second highest calorie days. You can opt for more protein and less starchy vegetables. But do keep your consumption of rice and pasta at a minimal on these days.
No Carb Days: Call for eating less than 30 grams of carbohydrate per day. These are usually your lowest calorie days. Opt for eggs, cheese, yoghurt and other healthy protein sources on these occasions.
To learn more about the carb cycle diet, click here.