The Carb Cycling Diet for Beginners: 30 Days of Carb Cycling Recipes (2024)

Looking for a new way to lose weight? Consider the carb cycling diet! It’s one of the most popular diets for a reason. You still get to eat your favourite good-for-you carbs, but cycle with low-carb days so you lose weight too! It’s the best of both worlds! If you’re looking into the carb cycling diet, here are 30 days of recipes for beginners.

What is the Carb Cycling Diet?

The carb cycling diet varies your carb intake, allowing you to lose weight without giving up your favourite carb-rich foods. You vary your carb consumption between high and low intakes on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. For example, you would eat a low-carb diet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and a high-carb diet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Or, you can cycle three low carb days followed by 2 high carb days. Low carb days help with fat loss, while high carb days help muscle growth and performance.

How and Why Does Carb Cycling Work?

Carb cycling works because cycling low carb and high carb days offers your body different benefits. High carb days stimulate an insulin response that helps your muscles grow. High carb days also replenish your glycerin stores that fuel your muscles and make you feel energized! Low carb days trick your body into burning fat for fuel (instead of sugar from carbs), promoting fat loss. As you can see, the cycling increases your muscle and decreases your fat, making weight loss quick and sustainable.

6 Carb Cycling Diet Rules

1. Eat 5 to 7 times a day
2. Don’t drink your calories
3. Eat lots of vegetables for fibre (try to have veggies in every meal)
4. Be prepared! Meal planning will ensure you don’t snack on bad foods
5. Perform intensive full-body weight lifting workouts on high carb days
6. Do cardio or rest days on low carb days

Foods to Eat on the Carb Cycling Diet

Whole Grain Bread
Whole Grain Pasta
Brown Rice
Beans and Lentils
Quinoa
Couscous
Butternut Squash
Sweet Potatoes
White Potatoes with Skin
Oatmeal
Fresh Beets
Carb Rich Fruits like Blueberries, Bananas, Pineapple, Peaches, Oranges, Plums, and Mango
Starchy Vegetables like Corn and Peas

Foods You Cannot Eat on the Carb Cycling Diet

White Bread
White Rice
White Pasta
Tortillas and Wraps
French Fries
Pizza
Cookies
Muffins
Pancakes
Pastries
Cakes
Refined Cereals

RELATED: Chris Powell’s 7-Day Carb Cycle Solution

30 Carb Cycling Diet Breakfast Recipes

1. Creamy Bacon Egg Cups | Whole Lotta Yum
2. Mexican Breakfast Bowls | Keto Connect
3. Sausage Ball Puffs | Kasey Trenum
4. Savory Breakfast Cookies | Amee’s Savory Dish
5. Keto Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting | Broke Foodies
6. Oven Baked Eggs | Savor + Savvy
7. Low Carb Breakfast Casserole | The Diary of a Real Housewife
8. Sausage Egg Muffins | Joy Filled Eats
9. Coconut Low Carb Breakfast Porridge | Low Carb Yum
10. Keto French Toast | Kasey Ternum
11. Cauliflower Hash Browns | Keto Connect
12. Low Carb Bagels with Almond Flour | Wholesome Yum
13. Breakfast Chili | Jones Dairy Farm
14. Herb Baked Eggs | Dragon’s Kitchen
15. Cream Cheese Pancakes | Wicked Stuffed
16. Keto Berry Mug Cake | Keto Diet App
17. Blueberry Pancakes | Keto Cooking Christian
18. No Bake Cinnamon Vanilla Breakfast Protein Bites | Cotter Crunch
19. Bacon and Guacamole Fat Bombs | Keto Diet App
20. Noatmeal | Screwed on Straight
21. Low Carb Pumpkin Waffles | Noshtastic
22. Chorizo and Pepper Egg Muffin Cups | Keto Cooking Christian
23. Cheesy No Egg Sausage Mushroom Breakfast | Kalyn’s Kitchen
24. Low Carb Breakfast Pizza | Not Feed Daily
25. Baked Tomato and Egg Breakfast | Fed + Fit
26. Kale and Chives Egg Muffins | Paleo Flourish
27. Baked Eggs in Avocado | Pop Sugar
28. Baked Eggs in Sweet Potato | Inspired Edibles
29. Chicken and Apple Sausage | PaleOMG
30. Baked Eggs in Ham Cups | Oh Snap! Let’s Eat!

30 Carb Cycling Diet Lunch Recipes

1. Avocado Bacon Crustless Quiche | The Wholesome Dish
2. Keto Fathead Pizza – BBQ Pulled Pork | How to This and That
3. Sweet Potato Basil Soup | The Keto Diet Cafe
4. Chickpea, Spinach and Sweet Potato Brown Rice Bowl | Green Evi
5. Green Healthy Salad with Chia Seed Dressing | As Easy as Apple Pie
6. Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Bowls | Fox and Briar
7. Grilled Salmon Kebabs | SkinnyTaste
8. Avocado Chicken Salad | Family Fresh Meals
9. Asian Edamame Salad | Ambitious Kitchen
10. Salmon Noodle Bowls | The Blond Cook
11. Crustless Spinach Bacon Quiche | Low Carb Maven
12. Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats | The Wholesome Dish
13. BLT Spring Rolls | White on Rice Couple
14. Shrimp and Cauliflower Salad | I Breathe, I’m Hungry
15. Soy-Free Sushi | Mel Joulwan
16. Shawarma Chicken Bowls with Basil Lemon | The Iron You
17. Thai Stuffed Avocados | Eat, Live, Run
18. Paleo Stuffed Peppers | My Paleo Life
19. Buffalo Chicken Wraps | Ella Claire Inspired
20. Shrimp Salad Cabbage Coups | Kalyn’s Kitchen
21. Vegan Nori Wraps | My Fresh Perspective
22. Tempeh Sandwich | Margaret’s Dish
23. Crab Salad-Stuffed Tomatoes | Nom Nom Paleo
24. Asian Cabbage Stir-Fry | Diet Doctor
25. Stuffed Pepper Soup | Glue Sticks and Gumdrops
26. Cauliflower Fried Rice | Amuse Your Bouche
27. Zucchini Pad Thai | Homemade Interest
28. Broccoli Cheese Soup | Erren’s Kitchen
29. Cucumbers Caesar Salad | Kayln’s Kitchen
30. Asian Chicken Zoodle Soup | Almost Supermom h

30 Carb Cycling Diet Snack Recipes

30 Carb Cycling Diet Dinner Recipes

1. Low Carb Hamburger Sausage Broccoli Alfredo | Just a Pinch
2. Deconstructed Pizza Casserole | Kalyn’s Kitchen
3. Low Carb Vegan Ramen | Meat Free Keto
4. Low Carb Noodle Bowls with Creamy Curry Sauce | Healthful Pursuit
5. Cream of Mushroom Soup | Wholesome Yum
6. Sweet Potato Black Bean Vegan Burritos | Kim’s Cravings
7. Mini Bell Pepper Loaded Turkey Nachos | Skinny Taste
8. One Pot Teriyaki Chicken Zoodles | Life Made Sweeter
9. Whole Grain Penne with Spinach, White Beans and Garlic Oil | The Joy of Eating
10. Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken | Skinny Ms.
11. Garlic Mushroom Quinoa | Damn Delicious
12. Pizza Cauliflower Casserole | Peace, Love and Low Carb
13. Baked Chicken with Spinach and Artichokes | Diethood
14. Spinach Cilantro Meatballs | Savory Lotus
15. Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti Squash | It’s Cheat Day Every Day
16. Deconstructed Gyro Salad | Mel Joulwan
17. Mediterranean Zucchini Noodle Pasta | The Roasted Root
18. Cauliflower “Cous Cous” with Leeks and Sundried Tomatoes | A House in the Hills
19. Spaghetti Squash Quiche | I Food Real
20. Low Carb Beef Satay | Low Carb Maven
21. Veggie Mini Meatloaves | The Natural Nurturer
22. Keto Chicken Casserole | Diet Doctor
23. Pork and Broccoli Stir-Fry | Glue Sticks and Gumdrops
24. Grilled White Fish with Zucchini and Kale Pesto | Diet Doctor
25. Spaghetti Squash with Kale, Hazelnuts and Chickpeas | My New Roots
26. Low Carb Tacos | Homemade Interest
27. Keto Lasagna | Diet Doctor
28. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken | The Recipe Critic
29. Chicken Enchilada Bowl | Hey Keto Mama
30. Pesto Chicken Casserole | Diet Doctor

30 Carb Cycling Diet Dessert Recipes

1. Keto Butter Tarts | I hacked Diabetes
2. Chocolate Fudge Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting and Salted Caramel | Keto Incognito
3. Low Carb Cinnamon Roll Cake | Mouthwatering Motivation
4. Flourless Peanut Butter Muffins | My Whole Food Life
5. Paleo Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread | Bakerita
6. Sugar Free Brownies | The Sugar Free Diva
7. Low Carb Pumpkin Cupcakes | Keto Cooking Christian
8. Low Carb No Bake Chocolate Coconut Bars| Primavera Kitchen
9. Keto Chocolate Zucchini Muffins | Keto Summit
10. Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies | Wholesome Yum
11. Low Carb Lemon Cheesecake | The Sugar Free Diva
12. Chocolate Avocado Mousse | Keto Cooking Christian
13. Keto Chocolate Donuts | Sugar Free Londoner
14. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars | Peace, Love and Low Carb
15. Ricotta Lemon Poppyseed Muffins | Two Sleevers
16. No Bake Chocolate Cake | Keto Diet Channel
17. Paleo Apple Fritters | Forest & Fauna
18. Jello Pops | My Life Cookbook
19. Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse | Keto Cooking Christian
20. Banana Bread Muffins | Gimme Delicious
21. Fudgey Brownie Cookies | Mouthwatering Motivation
22. Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies| Seasonly Creations
23. Sugar-Free Tiramisu | Broke Foodies
24. Carrot Cake with Cheesecake Filling | Simply So Healthy
25. Strawberry Vanilla Muffins | Divalicious Recipes h
26. Maple Pecan Pie | All Day I Dream About Food
27. Low Carb Creme Brulee | Wholesome Yum
28. Strawberry Shortcake Mug Cake | Keto Cooking Christian
29. Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes | All Day I Dream About Food
30. Pumpkin Pie Pudding | Two Sleevers

If you’re just getting started with carb cycling, here are 30 days of recipes to get you on the right track!

This post contains affiliate links.

Did you love this post on the carb cycling diet? We’d love if you shared it on Pinterest!

And if you want more diet tips and tricks, make sure to follow our Health Board on Pinterest!

The Carb Cycling Diet for Beginners: 30 Days of Carb Cycling Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is a carb cycling plan for beginners? ›

You may include a "no-carb" day, when you have fewer than 30 grams of carbs for the entire day. Another option is to follow a plan where you spend 3 days eating a low amount of carbs: about 100-125 grams each day. Then, you spend 2 days eating a high amount of carbs (175-275 grams) on days you are more active.

Does carb cycling help you lose weight? ›

If people consume enough calories for their body weight, if they are a moderate weight, or have a slight calorie deficit if they have a high BMI, carb cycling may help them lose weight or maintain a moderate weight.

Discover More ›

How long does it take to see results from carb cycling? ›

“It helps them mentally and emotionally feel like they're never deprived of foods they can't have on a typical diet,” she says. On this and other cycles, individuals will feel results in about a week, and start to see them in two weeks, says Powell.

Explore More ›

What are the best foods for carb loading cycling? ›

Items such as pasta with chicken and broccoli, porridge with fruit and honey; bagels with peanut butter and jacket potatoes can all provide significant amounts of carbohydrate, without being heavy on sugar, fats or processed ingredients.

Get More Info ›

Can I eat fruit while carb cycling? ›

5-Day Carb-Cycling Meal Plan

Skip refined, sugary foods and go for whole foods like sweet potatoes, oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, fruit and quinoa. These starches are high in fiber and have a more complex carbohydrate structure, requiring your body to burn a bit more energy to break them down.

What is carb cycling for belly fat? ›

A simple way to cycle carbohydrates is to eat low carb for three days followed by two higher carb days. The low carb days will help with weight loss and insulin sensitivity. The high carb days aid in recovery, replenish glycogen, and support muscle growth.

What does 50 carbs a day look like? ›

Starchy vegetables: Eating around 250g of cooked sweet potatoes or 330g of cooked white potatoes provides around 50g of carbohydrates. Quinoa: Around 185g of cooked quinoa contains around 50g of carbohydrates. Couscous: Approximately 160g of cooked couscous provides around 50g of carbohydrates.

Learn More ›

Is intermittent fasting better than carb cycling? ›

People can eat whichever healthy and balanced food they want on a carb cycling diet, as long as they do not exceed the amount of carbs their plan allows. Carb cycling and intermittent fasting are slightly different. In this scenario, a person has to fast for a longer period of time.

Get More Info ›

What are the disadvantages of carb cycling? ›

Carb Cycling Cons:

1. Carbs are a great source of energy, and “low” carb days can be difficult to get through, leaving you with a feeling of being exhausted. 2. If done improperly, carb cycling in your diet can lead to loss of muscle mass, since muscle is made up of proteins and glycogen, a long-chain form of carbs.

See Details ›

What is the carb trick for weight loss? ›

Carb cycling is a dietary approach in which you alternate carb intake on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. People may use it to lose fat, maintain physical performance while dieting, or overcome a weight loss plateau.

Discover More Details ›

Is carb cycling healthier than keto? ›

When carb intake is tailored to your metabolic rate (7), activity levels, and health goals, you're more likely to experience the benefits of optimized weight loss, better energy levels, and feeling healthier. Keto or generic one-size-fits-all diets often miss the nuanced needs of an individual.

Explore More ›

What is the best schedule for carb cycling? ›

The classic carb cycling schedule alternates between high- and low-carb days, six times a week, saving the seventh day for reward meals. Depending on your health and fitness objectives, however, you might want to alter your setup for the week.

Read The Full Story ›

Does the VShred program work? ›

VShred Reviews: Final Verdict

VShred offers opportunities to tailor your weight loss journey, from customized workouts to meal plans and supplements. While not effective for everyone, it feels like a great way to kick it off and remain motivated regardless of your weight loss, muscle gain, or wellness goals.

Explore More ›

What is a carb cycling cheat day? ›

While not as precise, a cheat meal or refeed day can help prevent adaptation by changing your normal carb intake. To do this without hindering your weight loss, eat low carb for several days before. Then, on the cheat or feed day, eat high carb—or between five and 10 times higher than your typical intake.

Explore More ›

When should I eat carbs when cycling? ›

They say you should tailor the timing, total and type of carbohydrates to the demands of your training session or event. For example, 1-1.5g per kg two hours before should suffice for a 90-minute training ride. Three hours before a challenging 100-mile ride, you might want to ingest 3-4g per kg.

Show Me More ›

What is the best high carb food for cycling? ›

Carb-based drinks are one of the most efficient ways to reach energy targets and stay hydrated. Energy gels are rapidly absorbed so they provide a ready source of fuel, pieces of banana, cereal bars and jellied sweets may also help to offset fatigue.

Discover More ›

When should I eat more carbs during my cycle? ›

The premenstrual phase, which happens just before you start your period. Hormones decline sharply, with the inflammatory response causing PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) symptoms. Near the end of this phase, your body switches from fats to carbs for fuel, so up your carbs.

Discover More Details ›

Should you eat protein or carbs cycling? ›

Carbs will restock glycogen, but adding some protein will help resynthesize muscle glycogen while helping to repair and maintain lean muscle mass. There are many ways to handle post-ride nutrition. You don't always have to drink your post-ride nutrition.