Knowing the best times to eat carbs is essential to any weight goal. Whether you’re on a bulking or cutting diet, your body needs carbs almost every day. If you’re carb cycling, you should not go longer than 2-3 days without carbs. Find out when to eat carbs and when you shouldn’t.
When Are the Best Times to Eat Carbs?
Why Do You Need Carbs?
Carbohydrates are one of the four essential macronutrients. Your whole body needs carbs because they are your body’s primary source of energy. Some diets ban the consumption of carbs with the promise of a flatter stomach. But if there aren’t enough carbs in your body, it may start to shut down and cause unwanted results, like:
- lack of energy
- hormone imbalance
- slower metabolism
- constipation
- slower brain activity
- increased sugar cravings
3 Best Times to Eat Carbs
1.Early in the Day
Eat carbs during your first meal of the day so that it can be used to fuel your body as you start your day. It’ll also help you deal with the stressors of the day.
Carbs can help your mind stay sharp throughout the day because it also fuels your nervous system. The brain uses up the most energy in your body because it’s filled with nerves and neurons. The glucose in the carbs act as its energy source and helps the brain work more efficiently.
2. Pre-Workout
Don’t eat right before you go to the gym because your body needs time to digest the food before you start your workout. Instead, eat 1-3 hours before your next gym session.
Eating carbs before a workout will fuel your body with calories, glycogen for your muscles, and glucose for the brain. This will help you perform longer and more effectively at the gym.
3. Post-Workout
Having carbs after your workout may be the best time to eat carbs if you didn’t eat any earlier. Your workout would have depleted your glycogen stores and your next carb intake will help your muscles recover.
Not eating carbs after the gym can lessen the effectiveness of your workout because your body won’t recover as efficiently. The carbs can also help boost your protein intake and muscle growth.
The Worst Time to Eat Carbs
While you’re asleep, your body will release growth hormones. These hormones affect your aging hormones, cortisol levels, and serotonin levels. But eating carbs right before bed will inhibit the production of these growth hormones and you will wake up feeling sluggish. At the same time, these carbs won’t be used as fuel and will be stored as fat.
Watch this video from our youtube channel V Shred to find out more about the best times to eat carbs:
Following the best times to eat carbs can have a major effect on the effectiveness of your diet and your workout sessions. Adjust your meal plan to include carbs every day. Make sure to choose complex carbohydrates to fuel your body longer. Consuming the right carbs at the right times can make a huge difference on your road to fitness.
What do you think of this list of the best times to eat carbs? When do you usually take your carbs? Share your thoughts and experience with us in the comments section below!