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Posted by u/marathonmom_42·

How's carb cycling affected your lifting performance by day type?

I've been on a carb cycling plan for about 60 days now and I'm curious about how it's working for others, especially regarding lifting performance on different days. I'm a busy mom of three and between running marathons and balancing family life, it's been a wild ride trying to manage my nutrition alongside my workout schedule.

On high-carb days, my energy levels feel through the roof, especially when I hit the weights. I can push for those last few reps with more ease. It's like my muscles are saying, "Yes, please!" But then I have low-carb days where I'm doing lighter lifting or recovery runs, and I find myself feeling a bit sluggish. It's like I have to mentally prepare myself to dial back the intensity and listen to my body. I do notice that on low-carb days, I focus more on form and technique, which has its own benefits.

I've also been experimenting with nutrient timing, trying to eat carbs around my workouts for that extra boost. It seems to help me maintain performance better. I wonder if anyone else has played with the timing of their carb intake and how that's impacted their lifting performance. Any tips or personal experiences to share?

It can be a challenge to balance everything, but I'm learning to enjoy the process and find what works best for me. Let's share some insights and see how carb cycling is treating us!

16 comments

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u/calisthenics_only·

I've been on a calisthenics kick, but I think carb cycling can still work for bodyweight training. I usually adjust my intake around my workouts, so I'm not sluggish when I'm doing pull-ups or muscle-ups. Just feels more efficient that way.

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u/thecraftychef·

Meal prepping is super helpful for staying on track! i usually make a big batch of lentil soup loaded with veggies for my low-carb days. It's filling and keeps me energized while I recover. Plus, it's easy to reheat when things get hectic!

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u/runningfromcardio·

Ngl, I tried carb cycling for a hot minute and it was a mess. I'd forget to eat and then just eat everything in sight. So, now I just lift and eat what I feel like. But hey, if it works for you, go for it!

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u/squat_or_die·

Yep, high-carb days make squats feel so good. Just lifting those weights with energy is a blast! i do love a good squat session after a good carb load. Feels like I'm defying gravity!

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u/recipequeen44·

Nutrient timing can be a game changer! On my high-carb days, I always time my intake around workouts. I love making a sweet potato and chicken meal post-lift. It's a go-to for recovery! If you're into cooking, mixing in some quinoa or brown rice can really pack a punch on those high-carb days.

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u/midwest_lifter·

I can see where you're coming from, but not everyone has to follow strict macros to succeed. Some people thrive on intuition. It's all about what works for you. Plus, not everyone can stick to tracking everything.

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u/6footdadbod·

This is why I stick to dad life and lifting. On low-carb days, I just hit the bench and tell the kids to stay away! It's a bit of a struggle balancing everything, but you gotta make it work, right?

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u/marathonmom_42·

I've been carb cycling for a bit too, and I feel you on the energy levels. My high-carb days feel like I could lift a car! It's great that you're noticing how your body responds to different carbs and workouts. With my kids running around, I've learned to meal prep on weekends so I don't have to stress during the week. It helps keep me on track.

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u/nurseliftsheavy·

I totally agree with the need for carbs around workouts. When I don't have enough fuel, my lifts suffer. I found that using an app like MacroFactor really helps me dial in what I need, especially on high-intensity days

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u/midwest_lifter·

Facts. High-carb days really do boost performance. It's like you're firing on all cylinders. I usually do heavy squats after a good carb load, and my numbers just shoot up.

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u/powerliftingpaul·

Honestly, you need to hit your macros to see results. On high-carb days, I'm hitting PRs, but low-carb days can really mess with your strength. I follow a strict 5/3/1 program and notice a difference when I don't fuel properly. Carb cycling can be tricky if you're not consistent.

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u/justliftingstuff·

It's cool to hear everyone's experiences! Carb cycling isn't for everyone, but the more we share, the better we understand what works. Just gotta find your own groove.

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u/justliftingstuff·

I keep it simple. Just hit my daily protein and then I adjust carbs based on my workout. I prefer tracking everything manually in a notebook, feels more personal. You might find that helps you too.

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u/briankoel·

I've had my ups and downs with carb cycling. Sometimes it helps me with endurance, other times I just feel drained. I try to listen to my body, and if I'm feeling weak, I adjust accordingly. It's a work in progress, really.

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u/lactoseintolerantlifters·

I'm lactose intolerant, and the last thing I want is to mess up my lifts with a bad meal! I stick to carbs that agree with me on workout days. Just remember to read labels, because some sneaky things have dairy in them!

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u/nurseliftsheavy·

I totally get that sluggish feeling on low-carb days. I find that drinking a good amount of water helps me feel a bit better. Sometimes, I sneak in a protein bar that has some carbs for that extra lift during workouts. Plus, on those days, focusing on form is super crucial, so you're not losing out on anything.

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