Want to look sharp on the beach this summer? Carb-loading might do the trick

It only takes a few days, but it can make quite a big difference when it comes to your muscles, skin, and even your fluid balance.

Let’s Be Honest

Whether we’re married, in a long-term relationship, single, or somewhere in between, we all want to look our best when we’re wearing very little – like when we’re on the beach in a bikini or swim shorts.

Too Late for a Major Diet

Losing fat takes time, and if your goal was to get lean for this summer, that ship has probably already sailed.

But there is a way to “cheat” your way to looking slimmer and more toned – and the secret lies in carbohydrates.

Carb-Loading

We’re often told that carbs are the enemy when it comes to weight loss. But if you want to look sharp, you can actually use carbohydrates to your advantage by carb-loading.

It’s short for “carbohydrate loading” – and that’s exactly what you’ll be doing.

Fuel for Your Muscles

Carbohydrates are stored in the body as glycogen, primarily in the muscles.

By topping up your glycogen stores, your muscles can appear fuller and more defined – at least for a short period.

A Trick Used by Athletes and Bodybuilders

This method has been used for decades by endurance athletes, to maximise energy, and by bodybuilders looking to make their muscles appear bigger and more sculpted before competitions.

Dehydration and Heatstroke

Another benefit is that carbohydrates help retain water in your muscles.

That means your body has more fluid available, and in theory, carb-loading could help reduce your risk of dehydration and heat-related issues.

Healthier Looking Skin

Carbs can also improve the appearance of your skin. The extra water in your body helps prevent dryness, giving your skin a softer, smoother look.

Carbohydrates also boost insulin production, which helps deliver nutrients to skin cells.

Makes the Skin “Tighten” Over Muscles

When your muscles grow – especially quickly – the skin can appear tighter around them, helping you look more toned and athletic.

Could Even Make You Look Younger

Some claim that carbs can give your face a softer, fuller look – which may help create a more youthful appearance.

How to Do It

In the final 1–3 days before you want to look your best, cut back on training and dramatically increase your carbohydrate intake.

Aim for around 10 grams of carbs per kilogram of body weight per day. So, if you weigh 70 kg, that’s about 700 grams of carbs a day.

Cut Down on Fat and Fibre

Fat is important for your health, but with such a high carb intake, it’s a good idea to reduce fat to avoid unnecessary weight gain.

Also, go easy on the fibre – many report digestive discomfort during carb-loading if fibre intake is too high.

And don’t forget to drink plenty of water!

A Word of Caution

You won’t magically transform your body in a matter of days, and if you have any underlying health issues, this kind of dietary tweak isn’t advisable.

But if you’re healthy and feeling curious – there’s no harm in giving carb-loading a try!