Carb Cycling Days 3, 4 & 5

So far the carb cycling hasn't done much for me as far as I can tell. The scale has remained the same since the one lb loss and the food is a little restrictive since there has to be specific amounts of macros. So far I've been able to stay on track. I read that it takes a few weeks to see results; however, if something doesn't give me proof soon, I don't know how much longer I'll stay on the carb cycle.

Day 3 was a high carb day. It was great! Not gonna lie. I enjoyed eating carbs for every meal and snack. It made me feeling fuller, but because the calories are about the same as the low carb days, I did still feel a little hungry at times. The oatmeal wasn't the best and it took a lot to eat the majority of it, but I know it's good for me and not everything I eat has to taste great. I also had a killer workout at the gym focusing on legs. It is recommended that workouts be more strenuous on high carb days.

Day 4 was a little disappointing to have to go back to low carbs. I took my grandmother out to a restaurant to meet some friends for lunch and the waitress was very accommodating to my needs. I ordered a small piece of grilled chicken and a small salad with only vegetables. She asked what kind of dressing I wanted, and I politely said, "None, thank you. I brought my own." She said, "Ok." I appreciated the non-judgmental response to my order. Sometimes it's difficult to order what you need in a restaurant so when you find a place that will cater to you, it's like hitting the jackpot.

Day 5 was basically a repeat of day 1. I was home for most of the day, except going to the gym, so I was able to stay on schedule for the most part. I've had to fight off a few food cravings throughout the day but you have to remember it's a mental game. When you feed your body what it needs, it'll thank you. Be strong and keep yourself focused. Remember what you eat in private will show in public.

Carb Cycling Days 1 & 2

So far the carb cycling is going well. I was pleasantly surprised this morning when I got on the scale and I had lost 1 lb. I plateaued for so long that I almost forgot what it felt like to see a lower number - ALMOST! It's a great feeling.

Day 1 was pretty easy although I felt hungry from the calorie restriction that I haven't been used to lately. The gallon of water kept me full for the most part. I was able to keep on schedule and enjoyed all the foods.

Day 2 was a little more challenging with the schedule. I was busy during the set times to eat so I had to modify a little bit. As far as I can tell, it's ok as long as the meals and snacks are spread throughout the day to keep the metabolism going.

I'm excited for the high carb day tomorrow: oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta! YES! Stay tuned...

Carb Cycling

I've been looking for a way to get past this plateau in my weight loss and, after some research, I'm going to try carb cycling. For the most part, I do not eat many carbs in my daily diet just as a general rule. From what I read, after experiencing a low carb diet for an extended period of time, your body gets used to it and your metabolism slows as a result. So adding one day of carb loading after every two days of low carbs should jump start that metabolism again. It is important to keep the same amounts of protein everyday and add more healthy fats on low carb days. Here's what I'm trying for the next two weeks. Stay tuned for the results!

*Drink 1 gallon of water every day*

LOW CARB DAYS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:

Breakfast 7am - 2 egg whites with peppers and onions

Snack 10am - 1 apple and 1/4 cup almonds

Lunch 1pm - 4 oz grilled chicken, spinach salad with peppers, onions, 1/4 avocado and olive oil for dressing

Snack 4pm - 1 cucumber OR 1 tomato

Dinner 7pm - 4 oz grilled chicken OR 3 oz fish, carrots OR asparagus

HIGH CARB DAYS: Wednesday, Saturday

Breakfast 7am - 1 cup oatmeal with cinnamon, 1 cup strawberries

Snack 10am - 1 apple

Lunch 1pm - 1 cup brown rice, 4 oz grilled chicken, 1/2 cup black beans, 1/4 cup corn

Snack 4pm - 1 sweet potato

Dinner 7pm - 1 cup whole wheat spaghetti, 3 oz ground turkey, 1 cup traditional Ragu spaghetti sauce