After kids, I know you're out here looking for ways to keep your energy up, maintain or lose weight, and feel good in your body. If you’ve been eating healthy but feel stuck in a plateau, carb cycling might be something to consider. But is it right for you? And how do you do it correctly?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Carb Cycling?
Carb cycling is a strategic way of eating where you alternate between high-carb and low-carb days throughout the week. The goal is to fuel your body with carbs when you need them (on workout days) and reduce them when you don’t (on rest days) to encourage fat burning.
Instead of cutting carbs completely—leading to low energy and cravings—carb cycling balances hormone function, metabolism, and fat loss.
Why Moms Might Consider Carb Cycling
Many moms struggle with:
✅ Low energy – Running on fumes with kids, workouts, and life demands
✅ Weight loss plateaus – The scale won’t budge, despite healthy eating
✅ Hormonal changes – Postpartum and beyond, metabolism shifts
✅ Cravings & mood swings – Sugar crashes and emotional eating
Carb cycling can help regulate energy, boost metabolism, and improve fat loss without extreme diets. It’s especially useful if you’re active and need to fuel workouts without overdoing it on carbs.
How to Do Carb Cycling for Weight Loss
Carb cycling typically involves high-carb days (to fuel workouts and muscle recovery) and low-carb days (to encourage fat burning). Here’s a simple structure:
Sample 7-Day Carb Cycling Plan
Day | Carb Intake | Best For |
Monday | High | Strength Training or Cardio Workout |
Tuesday | Low | Rest Day or Light Activity |
Wednesday | Moderate | Yoga, Walk, or Light Strength |
Thursday | High | Strength Training* |
Friday | Low | Rest Day or Light Movement |
Saturday | High | Heavy Strength or Longer Workout |
Sunday | Low | Recovery, Walk, or Family Time |
*please note when I say strength training, I'm not talking about a 20 minute upper body workout and nothing else for the day, that would be a medium carb day, not high.
What to Eat on High vs. Low-Carb Days
🟢 High-Carb Days:
Quinoa, brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes
Lean protein (chicken, turkey, eggs, fish)
Veggies & fruits (bananas, berries, apples)
Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil)
🔵 Low-Carb Days:
Lean protein (salmon, chicken, tofu)
Non-starchy veggies (spinach, zucchini, bell peppers)
Healthy fats (coconut oil, avocado, nuts)
Limited carbs (small portions of quinoa, berries)
Do you notice anything? The difference here is the TYPE and quantity of carbs. Both days have lean protein, veggies, fruits, healthy fats, as these should be the underlying non-negotiable in your diet no matter what.
Is Carb Cycling Right for You?
✅ YES if: You want a balanced approach, need energy for workouts, carbs are life, but you struggle with weight loss plateaus.
❌ NO if: You have a history of disordered eating or need a more intuitive, stress-free eating style.
Carb cycling isn’t a magic fix, but it’s a smart way to eat for fat loss, energy, and balance without cutting out entire food groups. If you’re feeling stuck, give it a try—but always listen to your body and adjust as needed.
Would you try carb cycling? Let me know! 💬👇
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