Best Time of the Week for a High-Carb Day?

[GoalGetter]

So I was wondering what the majority of you serious dieters who eat to fuel your workouts, think about this:

If you cycle your carbs throughout the week, depending on when you have your harder workouts (leg days, etc.), do you take your high carb day(s) on the day(s) OF or the day(s) BEFORE your harder workouts?

If the goals are to get or stay leaner, but still have strength, which is a better strategy?

 

[The13ig13adWolf]

mine are the day of.

 

[CowPimp]

I would logically assume the day of, and I have seen many diets consistent with this, but I don't know for sure.

 

[Emma-Leigh]

I think before and/or the day of are both fine depending on how things pan out....

I would not do it the day before if you follow your high days with no-carb days (unless you did some kind of funky TKD type thing on that day too)... Just because recovery would be hindered.

But as long as you are ensuring good pre and post workout nutrition for the workout you want to focus on then you should be fine either way.

Personally - I have my higher days on the days I want to focus on (build me a butt please oaties...) and on that day I make sure I have more of the carbs pre and post workout.

 

[Jodi]

I find the day before works best for me for glycogen storage/energy wise in the gym. However, for keeping fat at bay then I'd suggest the day of.

 

[Dale Mabry]

Performance-wise the day before. Over the long term I don't think it would make a difference with fat accumulation, but keep in mind you are going to be puffy the day of your workout from glycogen storage and since that is probably the most time anyone spends in front of a mirror, you will think you are getting fat.

 

[LAM]

IMO, high carbs the day of or after leg or back day