Locations:
Search IconSearch

What Is Carb Cycling?

The eating plan is ideal for fueling high-intensity activities (but not for weight loss)

A bowl of oatmeal topped with apples

The “carb cycling” diet is all about building energy. It’s well-tailored for anyone in the midst of high-intensity training or competition. If that’s not you … well, maybe pass on that second bowl of pasta.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

The short-term diet is especially good for endurance athletes who want to maintain or lose weight while optimizing their energy. It’s all about eating carbohydrate-rich food that provides the right fuel at the right time for peak performance.

As you might have guessed, carb cycling is NOT a weight-loss program. It shouldn’t be on the table for casual fitness buffs, either, says sports health dietitian Kate Patton, RD, LD.

So, who can benefit from carb cycling and how does the plan work? Let’s find out.

Benefits of carb cycling

For marathoners, triathletes and other serious athletes, carb cycling can be an effective way to train, says Patton.

The reason? Carbs equal energy in the world of athletic performance. Your digestive system breaks down carbs into glucose, or blood sugar. Your body absorbs glucose and uses it to fuel to power muscles.

“When you’re an athlete, your body is more efficient and your metabolism is pretty high,” explains Patton. “If your workouts are high intensity, you’ll need the extra fuel. You’ll burn through these extra carbs.”

The carb cycle diet

Carb cycling can be adjusted to training schedules, says Patton. There’s no one way to do it.

Some may opt to try a scripted five-day plan. With this method, you eat a low amount of carbs for three days (averaging about 100 grams [g]–125 g each day) then follow with two high-carb days (175 g–275 g) and increased physical activity.

Advertisement

Others take a simpler approach: Just eat more carbs on big workout days to optimize energy and minimize fatigue. On lower-intensity days, dial down the carbs to keep your weight in check.

And in regard to weight, be aware that you might gain pounds on high-carb days even with the increased physical activity due to increased carbohydrates stored in your muscles. “Again, though, carb cycling isn’t meant for losing weight,” notes Patton. “It’s about fueling your body.”

What can you eat while carb cycling?

The same rule of thumb about eating good carbs and avoiding bad ones pertains to carb cycling, too, says Patton. Focus on eating complex, nutritious carbs that help sustain energy and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Good carbohydrates are high in fiber content and slow to digest. They’re also usually unprocessed, meaning they still include natural ingredients.

Foods that contain good carbs include:

  • Whole-grain starches.
  • Oatmeal.
  • Sweet and white potatoes with the skin.
  • Fruit.
  • Legumes such as beans, lentils and split peas.
  • Vegetables.

Bad carbs are typically found in highly processed food that’s also low in fiber. Items that fall in the “bad carb” category usually include white flour and/or sugar. (Examples of foods to avoid include white bread, sugary cereal, cakes and cookies.)

How to count carbs

Many fitness-tracking devices allow you to track your daily food intake and count calories.

Or you can use one of the many apps available online. Patton says Cronometer™, MyFitnessPal™ and Lose It!™ are helpful.

“There’s nothing dangerous about carb cycling in the short-term,” says Patton. “But it’s important to also follow an overall nutritious diet so your blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels remain in a healthy range.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person holding white bowl of healthy berries and oats, with spoon
September 13, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Friedreich’s Ataxia and Nutrition: Should You Modify What You Eat?

One of the best things you can do if you have FA is follow a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins

Person eating while looking at certain date circled on calendar
August 30, 2024/Nutrition
What To Know About the 5:2 Diet

It’s a type of intermittent fasting that restricts calories two days per week

Tofu and vegetables in enamel serving skillet
August 27, 2024/Nutrition
What You Need To Know About the Ornish Diet

This low-fat, plant-based eating plan includes lifestyle changes, such as exercise, stress management and social support

Assorted fruits, nuts and seeds in bowls and on table
August 23, 2024/Diabetes & Endocrinology
Thyroid Issue? Here’s What To Eat and What To Avoid

No diet can cure hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, but some foods and supplements can cause trouble

Hands scooping pomegranate seeds from bowl onto fruit bowl
August 22, 2024/Nutrition
Is a Whole Foods, Plant-Based Diet Right for You?

Eating foods derived from plants can lower your risks of heart disease, diabetes and obesity

A plate of baked cod and vegetables
August 21, 2024/Diabetes & Endocrinology
A Healthy Hypothyroidism Diet: What To Eat, Avoid and Why

Foods high in selenium, like Brazil nuts, cottage cheese and some fish, can help support healthy thyroid function

Two cakes of tempeh on black cutting board, with lime and knife
August 7, 2024/Nutrition
Is Tempeh Just Tofu? Not Exactly — But Here’s Why It’s So Good for You

With plenty of protein, probiotics and nutrients, tempeh may be the meat replacement you’ve been looking for

Two happy kids in lifejackets climbing ladder to top deck of boat
August 5, 2024/Wellness
Boat Safety: How To Stay Safe on Open Water

Watch the weather, keep lines of communication open and make sure everyone on board has access to a personal lifejacket or flotation device

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad