CARB CYCLING FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions...
1. What is Carb Cycling?
Carb Cycling is a nutrition strategy that allows you to burn fat and build muscle simultaneously. Our approach to Carb Cycling is flexible and non-restrictive. Carb Cycling is not a one-size-fits all approach and can easily be tailored to YOUR body and goals.
2. Who should Carb Cycle?
Carb Cycling is a great nutrition lifestyle for many people. You can adjust your carb cycle according to your goals, so it is a flexible option that can help you get and stay healthy and fit. If you have any sort of health issue, concern or condition, we always recommend getting your doctor's go-ahead before using any programs.
3. Can I eat bread and pasta while carb cycling?
We suggest that you eliminate all processed carbs including breads, flour, and gluten (this includes whole wheat). If you can’t live without bread, we suggest choosing a minimal amount of sprouted grain bread, like Ezekiel bread. See your main manual for the best carbs to eat while carb cycling!
4. What do I cook my foods with?
We suggest eliminating vegetable and grain oils, but cook all of your food in either: grass fed butter or coconut oil (unrefined). Kerrygold is the most popular kind of grass fed butter and can be found at places like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
5. What drinks can I have?
If you want to be really focused in getting the fastest results, we suggest to not drink your calories. This means avoid sodas (even diet sodas), fruit juices, sports drinks, alcohol etc. Focus on drinking lots of water as your main source. Black coffee (with optional 1-2 teaspoons heavy cream), sparkling water, and unsweetened teas are also ok. If you are trying to build a balanced lifestyle, figure out one or two times per week that allows you to enjoy a drink or two that you really enjoy, just avoid going overboard!
6. How many days per week should I workout while Carb Cycling?
We recommend working out a minimum of 3 days per week. You can absolutely work out more, but make sure you get at least 1-2 days of rest per week to allow your body to recover.
7. I'm confused about Low Carb Day and High Carb Day, and when I should be eating healthy fats...
Low Carb Days: Eat lower amounts of carbs and higher amounts of fat...
High Carb Days: Eat higher amounts of carbs and lower amounts of fat
8. How much should I eat per day?
Eat when you are hungry and until you are satisfied. If you find yourself getting really hungry between meals, you are not eating enough. You can always eat a snack if you find that you are hungry between meals. Keep in mind, with Carb Cycling, we are NOT cutting calories, we are simply focusing on eating the right foods.
9. What spices can I use?
You can use whatever spices you would like that are one-ingredient spices! If you choose to use other spices with multiple ingredients, just be sure they are no added ingredients beyond spices. For example, Lawry's Season Salt, it's second ingredient is sugar and fifth ingredient is cornstarch. You don’t want to have added sugars, corn starch, oils, etc.
10. What is a Flex Meal or Flex Day?
A flex meal or day is what many people refer to as a “cheat day.” We choose the language of “flex” because eating foods you love that aren’t in the every day meal plan isn’t “cheating,” it is planned and should be enjoyed! They are days where you are and should more flexible in your nutrition. You shouldn’t have a guilty connotation when you prepare for and plan to eat delicious foods that you love!
11. When can I have a flex/cheat meal?
This will depend on your goals. This can be slightly different for everyone. In your main manual, you will see where your Flex Day is recommended!
12. I have a sweet tooth. Where's the dessert?
As a general lifestyle, we recommend avoiding lots of extra sugars, artificial sweeteners and processed treats. This doesn't mean you can NEVER have treats, but in everyday life we suggest some alternatives for more regular consumption and having the other treats on flex days. Some great dessert options are: dark chocolate, fruit, nut butter (try nut butter and honey on a rice cake!), protein shakes (which is basically a healthy milkshake!), just to name a few!
13. Can I use alternative sweeteners?
We suggest sticking to natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup in small quantities. We recommend staying away from any sort of artificial sweetener Many people ask if they can use Stevia, Truvia or other alternative sweeteners. Stevia comes from plants, but is 200 times sweeter than sugar, which can lead to on-going or increased cravings for sweets. Our opinion is that if you love Stevia, just use very small amounts to avoid on-going sweets cravings.