
Carbohydrates are an important part of building muscle. The amount of carbs you need depends on your body weight, body fat and metabolism. For example, an individual weighing 150 pounds who exercises for an hour a day should aim for 340-475 grams of carbohydrates. The optimal macro ratio for muscle gains is 55/20/25 (protein/carbs/fat).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates in muscles | 0g |
| Carbohydrates to build muscle | 5-7g per kg of body weight per day |
| Carbohydrates to refuel after cardio | 4g of carbohydrate to 1g of protein |
| Carbohydrates to refuel after strength workouts | 2g of carbohydrate to 1g of protein |
| Carbohydrates for someone weighing 150 pounds | 340-475g of carbohydrates |
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What You'll Learn

Carbohydrates are needed to build muscle
For someone exercising about one hour per day and aiming to build muscle, it is recommended to consume 5-7 grams of carbs per kilogram of body weight per day. For example, an individual weighing 150 pounds who exercises about one hour daily should aim for about 340-475 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrate amounts vary even more based on individual body weight, body fat and metabolism.
The optimal macro ratio for muscle gains is 55/20/25. Protein/carb/fat. These can be tweaked within about 5% for the individual but unless already a pro level, carbs will always be the lowest.
After cardio sessions, it is recommended to have a ratio of 4 grams of carbohydrate to 1 gram of protein. After strength workouts, it is recommended to have a ratio of 2 grams of carbohydrate to 1 gram of protein.
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The amount of carbs needed depends on body weight, body fat and metabolism
The amount of carbohydrates your body needs depends on several factors, including body weight, body fat and metabolism. Carbohydrates are important for building muscle, as they help refuel the body, while protein helps repair tissues damaged during exercise.
For someone who exercises for about an hour a day and wants to build muscle, it is recommended to consume 5-7 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight per day. This can be adjusted depending on body weight and body fat. For example, an individual weighing 150 pounds should aim for about 340-475 grams of carbohydrates per day.
The optimal macro ratio for muscle gains is 55/20/25 (protein/carb/fat). This can be adjusted within 5% for the individual, but unless you are a professional athlete, carbohydrates will always be the lowest.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for carbohydrates is 130 grams per day, based on the amount required to provide the brain with adequate glucose. However, the daily value for carbohydrates is 275 grams per day when eating a 2,000-calorie diet. This can vary depending on your age, sex, body type, and activity level. For example, someone who eats 1,600 calories a day should consume about 200 grams of carbohydrates.
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The ratio of carbs to protein is important for muscle recovery
Carbohydrate amounts vary based on individual body weight, body fat and metabolism. For example, an individual weighing 150 pounds who exercises about an hour daily should aim for about 340-475 grams of carbohydrates. If you weigh more than 200 pounds, you need at least 40-55 grams of protein per meal. If you’re in the 150-190 range, that could come down to 30-35 grams.
For someone exercising about an hour per day and aiming to build muscle, Stephens recommends consuming 5-7 grams of carbs per kilogram of body weight per day. After cardio sessions, the ratio should be 4 grams of carbohydrate to 1 gram of protein. After strength workouts, the ratio should be 2 grams of carbohydrate to 1 gram of protein.
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Carb intake can be increased for more intense or longer workouts
Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body, especially during intense or long-duration workouts. When you increase the intensity or duration of your training, your body may require a higher carb intake to keep up with the demands of your workout routine.
For example, an individual weighing 150 pounds who exercises for about an hour daily should consume around 340-475 grams of carbohydrates, according to experts. This recommendation can be adjusted based on individual factors such as body weight, body fat percentage, and metabolism.
The optimal macro ratio for muscle gains is often suggested to be 55% protein, 20% carbs, and 25% fat. However, these ratios can be adjusted within a 5% range to suit individual needs. For instance, if you're aiming to build muscle, a higher carb intake of 5-7 grams of carbs per kilogram of body weight per day is recommended.
Additionally, the type of workout you're doing can also influence your carb intake. After cardio sessions, a ratio of 4 grams of carbohydrate to 1 gram of protein is suggested, while for strength workouts, a ratio of 2 grams of carbohydrate to 1 gram of protein is recommended.
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Carbs are needed to refuel after exercise
Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body, and they play a vital role in refuelling after exercise. While protein helps repair tissues damaged during exercise, carbs help us refuel and optimise recovery.
The amount of carbohydrates needed to refuel after exercise depends on a few factors, including body weight, body fat and metabolism. For example, an individual weighing 150 pounds who exercises for an hour daily should consume 340-475 grams of carbohydrates. This can be adjusted depending on the intensity and duration of the exercise.
The optimal macro ratio for muscle gains is 55/20/25 (protein/carb/fat). This can be tweaked within 5% for the individual, but unless you are a professional athlete, carbohydrates will always be the lowest.
It is important to note that muscles themselves do not contain any carbohydrates. However, consuming an adequate amount of carbohydrates is crucial for optimising recovery and performance after exercise.
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Frequently asked questions
The optimal macro ratio for muscle gains is 55/20/25. Protein/carb/fat. This can be adjusted by about 5% for the individual. Carbohydrate amounts vary based on individual body weight, body fat and metabolism. For someone exercising about one hour per day and aiming to build muscle, Stephens recommends consuming 5–7 grams of carbs per kilogram of body weight per day.
Yes, carbs play a vital role in building muscle. They help us refuel while protein helps us repair the tissues damaged during exercise and help prevent injury, illness, and muscle wasting while promoting overall recovery.
Muscles (1 cup) contain 6g of carbs.











































