Nutrition: The Topic of Conversation

Last night at Crossfit class the topic to open up our session was nutrition. I am not really sure how it came up, but our coach laid it on the line. If you are not eating properly, you are not going to get the results that Crossfit Promises. Will you lose weight ? Yes to a point, but you will not shape and tone your body to look its best if you are not monitoring what you eat.



Crossfit is designed around the "Zone Diet" which is designed to eat 40 % carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30%  fat. Your body needs all three. The purpose of eating this way is to keep blood sugar levels from spiking throughout the day. When blood sugar levels spike during the day from improper eating, your body produces more insulin. When the body produces more insulin, it triggers enzymes in the body to store fat.  Basically, when glucose is produced from insulin spikes, it is converted to glycogen which is stored in the liver for energy, when energy is depleted this is great. However, when energy is not depleted it is not stored in the liver, but into fat cells... not good. Its that simple; You don't need to store it if you don't need it. This is why there are increases in fat in the body and thus why we look like we do when we don't eat properly. A huge problem across America.

There were a lot of excuses last night, but the bottom line is you have to decide that nutrition is important and this is what you want to do. You have to make the decision to change it because it is a healthy way to live and it will make a difference. In the beginning you will have to measure things and weigh them to get a feel for how much you can have, but after a while you will know what a 1/4 of a cup looks like or three ounces of meat looks like. You may have to pack your lunch and snacks in a cooler which means taking time to plan ahead when you go to the grocery store. Getting ready at night instead of waiting until the mornings to pack your lunch helps relieve early morning rush. You may have to change your routine and just like starting a new exercise program it takes time to get into the habit. It is a habit worth developing. Will you mess up... absolutely. The goal is to eat right 80% of the time which allows for a few times to eat your favorites like Mexican or sushi. You can do it you just have to make time for what is important and nutrition is the most important.

There are several great websites that can  give you more information about the zone diet. I like http://crossfitimpulse.com/the-zone-diet-explained-edited which is specifically directed to people in the Crossfit Program. Check it out and be encouraged to know that you can do whatever you choose to do. Nutrition is a choice.