Carb Cycling and a Recipe!
Now, what is carb cycling? Sperlazza states "Carb cycling... allows you to take advantage of all the keto benefits, like appetite suppression, fat burning, boundless energy, and laser focus, without wrecking the systems that need some amount of carbohydrates to function properly. Carb cycling helps you to avoid the negative impact some people experience when they restrict carbs long-term." We have all heard of the Keto Flu. Perhaps some of you have even gone through it. When I experimented with the diet for a week, I didn't experience many of the symptoms. This is likely due to the fact that I was already eating low carb as it was. But man, my dad sure did. He used to love his spaghetti. Don't even mention fried matzos, pastries, or sugary Starbucks delights! The first week of his ketogenic journey was nothing short of miserable; he was fatigued, and suffered from irritability, dizziness, and poor focus. Granted, these symptoms evaporated eventually, and it was worth it, but that first week was absolutely brutal. I know this is the case for lots of people. They give up on a diet that can change their lives because it hurts a lot. That's why I'm so intrigued by the concept of carb cycling. Sperlazza elaborates that one should consume some carbohydrates from the right sources, such as sweet potatoes, squashes, and fruits, while staying in the ketone burning range. Once you have reached your goal in regard to keto, it appears that carb cycling could convert the "fad diet" into something more sustainable. Let's face it: it's pretty much impossible to abstain from carbohydrates for an entire lifetime. They are freaking delicious. We just need to ensure that we are moderating our intake and selecting higher-quality sources.
The website Travel Strong has more information of carb cycling: "While it has a fancy name, carb cycling simply means eating more carbohydrates on some days and less on others.
High carb days promote muscle growth and help you perform at your best, while low carb days encourage fat loss (or at least, minimize fat gain). You get the best of both worlds." Who doesn't want the best of both worlds? Carbohydrates get a bad rap. Even I give them a bad rap; however, my philosophy is that while carbs are necessary for a balanced diet, they are not as good for you as fats and protein. The site also explains that higher carb days should be those in which you have an intense workout session planned. This way, your body will be able to burn the carbs quickly, and they are less likely to be stored as fat.
Are you as interested in carb cycling as me? May as well try it out! My recipe below for a loaded sweet potato is not only delicious, but is an excellent source of nutrient-rich carbs. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Maya's Loaded Sweet Potato - Serves 1
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato or yam
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp almond butter, or nut butter of choice
- A sprinkling of chia seeds, ground flax seeds, and/or shredded coconut
Execution
Wash your sweet potato or yam thoroughly, and pat dry with a paper towel. Microwave the root vegetable on high for 6-8 minutes, or until it is hot and soft to the touch. Remove from the microwave very carefully. I recommend using an oven mitt, as it will be very warm. Cut the potato or yam with a sharp knife, and then open up. Place butter on top and mash into the root with a fork, until very soft and smooth. Spread almond butter on the potato. Sprinkle with your toppings, and enjoy! Be sure not to burn your tongue!
"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure!" - Rowena Ravenclaw
Be curious, always!
-Maya
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