Can’t stop binging carbs after I’ve started heavier strength exercises?

[nannyo12]

Title is pretty explanatory. (20yo/F/5’6/160lbs) I track my calories and macronutrients and I was trying to cut 300 calories but college has me stressed so I’m taking it easy by eating my maintenance calories. I’m not doing as much cardio because my asthma is reacting to the changing of seasons, so I’ve increased strength exercises. I normally do stuff at home or only use a couple machines, but now I spend a good 45 minutes or so working upper and lower body. I just started this Monday and I haven’t been able to stop craving carbs?? Bread, chips, cereal, etc. I usually only eat 80g of carbs a day, I’m allergic to gluten so no wheat, and I stay away from processed food. Now, that’s all I want to eat! My period isn’t due for 9 days so I don’t think it’s PMS, but is it normal to crave carb and starchy things when you increase strength exercises? (If so I’ll gladly stick to my gluten free rotini )

Edit: ok I ate some of the carbs I’ve been craving before my workout today and noticed I had a LOT more energy. My inclined jog was sustained easier. Post workout, instead of only two hard boiled eggs, I also had 6 Jimmy Dean turkey sausage patties and I haven’t had any cravings 6 hours later. Thank you, everyone, for replying!!!

 

[fishinmagician]

@nannyo12 Try a protein enriched carb

Like I love the kodiak cakes muffins

Yeah its got some carbs but one fills me up and I get the protein and the flavor I want

 

[nannyo12]

@fishinmagician Ok the kodiak brand is SO good! Their pancakes and waffle mixes are perfection. I completely forgot. Thank you!

 

[fishinmagician]

@nannyo12 Np

 

[allbutnone]

@nannyo12 Try eating the carbs you end up craving before you workout,

 

[nannyo12]

@allbutnone You’re speaking my love language!

 

[ayeesha]

@nannyo12 Makes sense! Stress can def trigger these cravings, plus carbs are the natural/go-to energy source for us so also makes sense that you're wanting more now that you've increased the amount of work your muscles are doing!

 

[alberto_candelaria]

@nannyo12

but is it normal to crave carb and starchy things when you increase strength exercises?

you use carbs to restore glycogen in ur muscles

so when u lift even heavier u need more carbs

and if u need to make space for more carbs in ur caloric intake limit then cut fats instead

and focus on complex carbs cuz they keep energy levels for longer while white carbs works in short spikes

 

[nannyo12]

@alberto_candelaria Appreciate it!

 

[thecigarlady]

@nannyo12 Just replace unhealthy carbs with good carbs like brown rice and whole grain wheat bread instead of white bread and white rice.

 

[peace2014]

@nannyo12 80 grams of carbs a day is really too little.
Its just enough to not give you enough energy, but too much for you to be in ketosis (where you burn fat instead if carbs for energy). So my advice is to eat a little more carbs, especially before working out!