CrossFit, and indeed all intense athletic training, is just as concerned with nutrition as it is with intense exercise. The reason is simple-- intense, focused exercise needs constant support from nutritionally intense, focused food. For many, this means adhering to the popular Paleolithic diet.
Although there are plenty of technical and nutritional aspects to the paleo diet, the major tenets are easy to remember.
- Eat mostly dark green vegetables, along with plenty of fruit
- Eat only lean cuts of properly raised meats, and some nuts
- Never eat processed carbohydrates
- Avoid sugar, salt, and unprocessed grains
The paleo diet differs from other low-carb diets in that it recognizes the need for fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, proponents of the diet claim that, fats, grains, and processed carbohydrates provide energy, but nutritionally empty calories.
When they eat meat, paleo diet adherents consume only lean grass-fed beef, and other low-fat, properly-raised stock. Cows and many other animals are not meant to eat corn. Forcing them to eat corn may make them fatter faster, but it also means the resulting meat will be unhealthy.
Dr. Cordain, one of the founders of the paleo diet movement, says in his book and on his website that these vegetables, fruits, and meats are nutritionally dense, and capable of providing everything needed to recover from an intense CrossFit workout.
If you have any questions about CrossFit workouts or finding a gym in your area, read this article about finding one in Atlanta. Although the article focuses on Atlanta and the metro area, the information is helpful in other cities, as well.
Comments