The D word
Back in February I attended the CrossFit Level 1 certification. The first session of the morning was dedicated to nutrition lecture. This was a good thing since I still couldn’t move my arms and legs from the prior day’s brutal training.
Our presenter, one of the “master” CrossFit trainers, was clearly chagrined at the prospect of his task. I got the impression he drew the short straw. Nutrition, he explained, is one of those touchy subjects; on par with religion and politics for some. Subjects that shouldn’t be discussed if you want the company to stay civilized. After all, some tout their diet of choice with the fervor of a religious zealot.
As a fitness professional I spend a significant amount of time reading about nutrition. It’s both a fascinating and frustrating subject area. The various camps take jabs at each other in an effort to establish their program as the program and their science as the most reliable and valid.
Only their athletes get stronger and faster. Only people who follow their plan are able to melt fat and achieve the body of their dreams.
Who’s right?
Do carbs make you fat?
Will animal protein cause heart disease and cancer?
Should I “eat like a caveman”, eschewing modern agriculture and subsisting on meat, fish, nuts and berries?
If I eat all of my calories in one sitting, like the “other” caveman will I have boundless energy and the strength of a warrior?
Does clean eating mean eating as much as I want without considering calories as long as my diet is “clean”?
Is eating raw the key to wellness?
Should I eliminate dairy?
Should I eliminate glucose?
Should I eliminate dairy and glucose?
All of these questions have been prompted by discussions with my trainer friends. To answer the questions that are swirling in my head and to educate anyone who’s reading this blog, I’ll be reviewing some of the most popular and controversial “diets” over the next few weeks:
- The Zone
- The Paleo Diet (the “caveman” diet)
- The Warrior Diet (the “other cavemen” diet)
- Mediterranean
- Weight Watchers
- Raw eating
Look for new posts starting next week.
The 30 Day Challenge
I haven’t had a Dove Chocolate square since last week. I don’t miss them either. Truth be told, I was still hungry last night after dinner, and jonesing for my chocolate square, but you can’t eat what you don’t have.
12/10
2 scoops Nectar protein powder
Steel cut oats w/ 1 tsp peanut butter and 1 tsp agave nectar
2 tbsp peanut butter
zucchini, kale, veggie burger (no bun) w/ cheese and mustard
hot tea w/ 1 tsp agave
1 tbsp peanut butter (poor planning)
seitan w/ mustard sauce, broccoli, Swiss chard
Greek yogurt w/ 6 blackberries and 1 tsp honey
Workout:
1 hr Pilates
12/11 (so far):
Steel cut oats w/ 1 tsp almond butter and 1 tsp agave nectar
2 tbsp peanut butter, 2 scoops Nectar protein powder
Egg and cheese on 1 slice whole grain toast
Broccoli and “chicken”
Greek yogurt w/ blackberries and 1 tsp honey
Sugar free Chai Latte
Note: I have to cut down on the peanut butter!