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This article was written by one of our qualified writers, and fact-checked by our experts. The numbers in parentheses (e.g. 1, 2, 3, etc.) throughout the article, are reference links to peer-reviewed studies.
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Carb Cycling Calculator

Carb Cycling For Weight Loss: Calculator And Beginner's Guide To Find Carb Cycling Macros Easily.

Matthew Magnante

Written by Matthew Magnante

Last Updated onJanuary 4, 2023

Carb Cycling Calculator

Carb Cycling Calculator

Use our carb cycling calculator to accelerate weight/fat loss and reach your goals faster…

Carb Cycle Calculator
Please fill out the form correctly
age
weight
height

Activity Factor
Body Type
Goal

Carbohydrates, along with protein and fat, are macronutrients that must be consumed in large quantities to sustain basic life functions. But carbs are mainly responsible for supplying the body with energy and 1g contains about 4 calories. 

Quality carbs are an essential part of a balanced nutritional regime but it’s one macronutrient that is most often adjusted in the diet when the goal is weight loss, physical performance, and even overall health. But today, we’re going to talk about carb cycling or alternating carbohydrate intake for weight loss…

Note: Carb cycling is not for everyone and especially those with a pre-existing medical condition (e.g. blood sugar issues) that can be affected by dietary choices. So, always make sure to consult with a medical professional before considering implementing any drastic or different nutritional habits to ensure you maintain optimal health.

What is Carb Cycling?  

Carb cycling involves manipulating carbohydrate intake to provide the body with adequate fuel for certain activities but also minimize carb intake when the body doesn’t need as much of it.

It’s common to cycle on a daily, weekly, or even monthly basis depending on the goal. [1]

Here are a few reasons why one may choose to carb cycle…

  • Limit fat gain – Carbs supply the body with energy but if too much is consumed and not used up during physical activity, the body can store it as fat. That’s why people consume more carbs on training/active days, and fewer calories on less active days.
  • Weight/fat loss – You either lose or gain weight depending on your overall macronutrient intake. But carbs are typically the macronutrient that’s most often adjusted as it can play a significant role in body composition. 
  • Improved/longer performance – The longer and more intense a physical activity, the more carbohydrates will be needed to fuel the session as your body needs glycogen stores to tap into in order to sustain the activity.
  • Competition/special occasions – Bodybuilders tend to carb cycle and carb load prior to a competition to fill out the muscles. But this method can be used by anyone to achieve the same effect.
  • Overall health – Carbohydrates can greatly affect blood sugar and insulin levels. Insulin is the hormone that helps the body to transport glucose/energy to the blood.

Fat is the other macronutrient commonly adjusted to accommodate the lack of or abundance of carbs as fat is also a source of energy although it’s important for other bodily functions as well. But fat is higher calorie (about 9 calories per gram) which is why you really have to know how much of each macronutrient you’re consuming on a daily basis.

Protein is usually kept moderate to high as it’s the macronutrient that builds muscle tissue which is needed in sufficient amounts even in an energy deficit where the goal is losing weight/cutting.

Try our top picks for Strongest Pre-Workouts and Best Tasting Protein Powders.

Carb Cycling Benefits

Carbs play a role in many processes of the body and as you’ve probably guessed by now but there are certainly benefits to cycling between low and moderate/high carb intake.

Ripped Crossfit

Hunger

Carb cycling can contribute to hunger hormone (ghrelin and leptin) regulation, therefore, contributing to more weight loss. And research shows that a high-protein and high-fat meal has a more favorable postprandial satiety and appetite hormonal response when compared to a high-carb meal. [2, 3, 4, 5]

Glycogen replenishment and insulin health

Glucose is important for maximally restoring glycogen levels in the muscles in combination with protein as both act synergistically on insulin secretion. This is why it’s ideal to consume more carbs on the days you’re more active. [6]

But speaking of insulin, one study found that just a modest reduction in carbs has positive effects on glucose metabolism, in addition to fat distribution, and body composition. [7]

This is useful information for overweight/obese individuals and those with Type 2 diabetes. Although extreme dieting is not recommended and advice from a medical professional should always be sought prior to attempting to self treat any serious health condition. 

Burn more fat

Another benefit of carb cycling is that low carb, moderate to high fat days allow the body to burn fat more efficiently as it becomes the more prominent energy source. This is otherwise known as ketosis where the body produces ketones in the blood which are often referred to as ‘super fuel‘. [8]

But this is typically achieved when daily carb intake is 50g or less. 

Check out these 10 best keto shakes.

Now, we could all agree that the average American’s diet is carb-heavy with all of the delectable goodies. But cutting out carbs can also drastically reduced overall calories consumed which can help big time with losing weight. Although, this goes for any of the macronutrients as well. [9]

It’s also important to note that the hormone insulin stores fat in the body but a low-carb diet can actually lower insulin levels which allows for the body to more easily utilize these fat stores.

This is also why you tend to lose water on a low-carb diet as well because it causes your kidneys to rid excess water. [10, 11]

Performance

Carbs are also very important for physical performance such as high-intensity training and short duration run performance according to one scientific review where subjects underwent testing. [12] 

In fact, while protein and fats can be a viable source of energy in some instances, carbs are the only macronutrient that can be broken down quickly enough to sustain maximal performance during high-intensity activities according to one 2018 scientific review. [12]

Other benefits of manipulating carb intake are improved cholesterol (raises HDL and improves LDL) and research shows low-carb diets are as effective as low-fat diets for weight loss and metabolic risk factors. [13, 14]

Example Carb Cycling Routine

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to anything related to diet and nutrition. Well, carb cycling is certainly not an exception. 

But there are a few different ways to implement carb cycling which will be dependant on goals. 

Here’s an example weekly routine…

Day 1: Weight training – high carb, low fat

Day 2: Active recovery/ cardio – moderate carb, moderate fat

Day 3: Weight training – high carb, low fat

Day 4: Weight training – high carb, low fat

Day 5: Rest – low carb, high fat

Day 6: Weight training – high carb, low fat

Day 7: Rest – low carb, high fat

Of course, this can be manipulated based on your actual schedule. But you can also do high or low carb for as long as you want and then switch it up once in a while based on how you feel, your lifestyle, and how you’re progressing.

Low-carb days (not keto) typically consist of anywhere from 50-150 grams whereas higher-carb days can consist of anywhere from 130-400+ grams per day. But again, there are several factors that will determine an appropriate daily carb intake. 

Good Carb Sources To Eat

High carb days and most of your carb consumption should consist of healthy, nutritious food sources that provide quality, complex (slow-digesting) carbs in addition to a few fast-digesting carbs like some fruits too. Good carbs provide lasting energy sure but they also provide necessary vitamins and minerals, plus fiber to support digestion and bowel health. 

Carb Cycling
Carb Cycling

But if you’re not sure which foods are best for your goals then here’s a list of quality options…

  • Vegetables (leafy greens, cauliflower, carrots)
  • Tubers (sweet potatoes, potatoes)
  • Grains (oats, rice, quinoa)
  • Fruits (berries, bananas, apples, kiwis)
  • Legumes (chickpeas, lentils, black beans)

There are, of course, more options but these foods are nutritious and healthy for your fitness goals. Low carb days should consist of more non-starchy carbs such as greens, onions, tomatoes while the high carb days can consist of starchy carbs like potatoes, legumes, corn, etc.

How To Use The Carb Cycling Calculator

Here’s a step-by-step for using the carb cycling calculator…

  1. Choose your gender
  2. Type in your age, weight, and height
  3. Select your activity factor from the dropdown (Choosing BMR implies you’re mostly sedentary)
  4. Choose whether or not you’re sensitive to carbs
  5. Choose your fat loss goal

You’ll then get your results which includes your basal metabolic rate (calories burned at rest) and a carb cycling routine with recommended calories and macronutrients that you can use which is based on the 7-day week.

And that’s pretty much it. You have the knowledge and now the tools to hopefully benefit from a carb cycling regime and feel free to adjust as needed according to your progress and goals. 

Other similar Calculators 

  • TDEE Calculator
  • Intermittent Fasting Calculator
  • Weight Gain Calculator
  • Macro Calculator
  • Body Fat Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is carb cycling?

It’s basically manipulating your carb intake in alternating fashion with the goal of achieving a certain outcome.

For example, if your goal is weight loss, you’ll want to alternate high and low carb days in a way that optimally allows you to benefit from the weight loss effects of low-carb dieting while also supplying the body with sufficient carbs on more active days.

What's the best way to carb cycle?

There are many different ways to do carb cycling and there’s no single formula that will work best for everyone. But you can follow a basic, weekly carb cycling routine for a few weeks and see how it works for you. This way, you can make any necessary adjustments based on how you feel, your goal/s, and how your body responds.

This is where the carb cycling calculator comes in handy because it does most of the work for you and gives you a plan to follow.

What are the best foods to eat when carb cycling?

You always want to make healthy, nutritious foods a main part of your diet. But you want to make sure you’re accurately tracking your carb intake to ensure your eating the right amounts of each food.

Here are some smart carb choices…

  • Vegetables (leafy greens, cauliflower, carrots)
  • Tubers (sweet potatoes, potatoes)
  • Grains (oats, rice, quinoa)
  • Fruits (berries, bananas, apples, kiwis)
  • Legumes (chickpeas, lentils, black beans)

What are the benefits of carb cycling?

Cycling carbohydrate intake can limit fat gain, increase fat loss, improve metabolic risk factors, insulin, and cholesterol, in addition to maximizing physical performance.

Can carb cycling cause side effects?

Changes in carbohydrate intake can result in feelings of dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, mood changes, irritability, lack of energy, constipation, etc.

However, this varies between individuals and for most people, these side effects tend to subside after a week or so once a normal routine is established and overall nutrition is sufficient to support healthy functioning.

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Matthew Magnante

Matthew Magnante

Matthew has had a passion for fitness since elementary school and continues to research and learn how to build muscle effectively through training and diet. He also loves to help others to achieve their fitness goals and spread the knowledge where needed. Matthew's other passions include learning about mindfulness, strolling through nature, and always working to improve overall.

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Comments 10

  1. Avatar Michelle H says:
    2 years ago

    With this calculator, I’m assuming the macros and calories listed already take into consideration calories burned, so, I can unlink my smart watch from calorie/macro tracker?

    Great article.

    Reply
    • F.V. Team F.V. Team says:
      2 years ago

      Yes 🙂 based on your “Activity Factor” our calculator calculate the macros.

      Team F.V.

      Reply
  2. Avatar john says:
    2 years ago

    Hi Dear admin
    This content is awesome and informative. Step by step discussion makes this content easier to readers. In my opinion, Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fiber – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. Foods containing lots of fiber can help keep anyone feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. One should use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into his/her daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan.

    Reply
  3. Avatar Jill says:
    2 years ago

    Hi, This is the first time I’ve heard about carb cycling. I get asked about diets all the time in my profession, so like to know what’s out there. I’m just commenting to point out a big typo in case you want to correct it. The error is when the article talks about low carb days consisting of 50-150 grams per pound of body weight…etc. Not sure what it’s supposed to say instead, perhaps it’s just supposed to say 50-150 grams per day?

    Reply
    • Matthew Magnante Matthew Magnante says:
      2 years ago

      Hi Jill. Thank you very much for bringing that to our attention, it was definitely a typo and you’re correct, it’s grams per day 🙂

      Reply
  4. Avatar Drew says:
    2 years ago

    Thank you!
    Are the grams given to the right meant to be macros per meal, until you reach the calories?

    Reply
    • Matthew Magnante Matthew Magnante says:
      2 years ago

      Hi there, you bet! The numbers on the right are the recommended total grams per day for each macronutrient. Hope that helps 🙂

      Reply
  5. Avatar Lindsay Sims says:
    2 years ago

    Is this based on Net Carbs or Total Carbs in the calculation?

    Reply
    • Matthew Magnante Matthew Magnante says:
      2 years ago

      Hi there, it would be net carbs because they digest and convert to glucose and as a result affect the carb cycling process.

      Reply
  6. Avatar Shaina says:
    1 year ago

    I teach an intensive spin class (usually burn 600 ish calories) and am wondering if that would be a good day to be moderate carb or high carb? I also teach HIIT a couple days and we do a lot of lifting and Pilates another. I know Pilates would be a good day to be low carb as it uses less energy. I really want to give this a try! I think the protein would be a struggle for me as I’m vegan, so getting in 144 grams will be interesting 🙂

    Reply

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