Ever since I started CrossFitting I have become so much more aware of my diet. I have always tried to eat pretty healthy, but I never ate "clean". Growing up I was always active. I was a competitive swimmer plus I played multiple other sports. I spent at least two hours in a pool a day. That means I burned a massive amount of calories. I could eat whatever I wanted. It also helped that I was a teenager....stupid teenager metabolism. Anyway, I was never super skinny, but I was never what anyone considered overweight. I was healthy, active and enjoyed food. Now as I get older I notice more and more that my body is reacting differently to food. I don't swim two hours a day anymore, I'm not sixteen and I spend a good majority of my day sitting. Thank goodness I still love to be active, love to run and swim and more importantly, freakin love to CrossFit!
Even when we started to CrossFit I kept telling myself I could still eat a lot of what I wanted, but within reason. I have never been a proponent of denying myself a treat every now and then. I'm a girl...I need my chocolate. About a month before the CrossFit games qualifier, I started to Zone pretty hard core. It was amazing. I felt the best I have ever felt. Within one week I saw a huge difference. More definition everywhere and tons of extra energy. Once the qualifier was over I decided to "give myself a break". Of course that means I abandoned a lot of my great Zoning habits. I indulged. I still try to eat with in the Zone parameters, but I make exceptions. I rationalize. Bad.
It is time for an overhaul in the way I eat. I am beyond motivated. After talking with a lot of people, reading obsessively on multiple CrossFit nutrition related websites and hearing about wonderful success stories, I am announcing my dedication to a 30 day Paleo challenge.
Oh Paleo. No grains, no dairy, no sugar. It is based around lean meats, veggies, fruit and nuts. It sounds rough. I could live off of grains and dairy. However, I have been swayed by research and I'm not afraid to try anything once. It is going to be hard, but I am excited about the outcome. I'm excited to see how my body really reacts to certain foods after the 30 days are over. I'll be able to learn what grains and dairy I can handle and which ones I can't. I'm not starting today. I know the best way to do it is to just jump in, but I have a plan. Kody will be gone all of August and I will have the house to myself. I'm cleaning out my pantry and fridge and filling both with Paleo only foods. No cheating. No way. I'm ready to see amazing improvements in my fitness and in my energy levels.
Why the sudden motivation? I'm tired all the time and I don't sleep well. Food is boring me. My body needs a change. I'm not doing this to lose weight. Although if I lose some weight I won't mind as long as I maintain my muscle. Kody is on board as well. He is anxious for me to start and fully plans on implementing it when he gets home. Actually it is quite funny, I brought it up to him last night at my birthday dinner and he told me he was about to talk to me about the same thing. We are so in love.
I'll be posting about my experience. I'll keep you updated on my preparation in the week before the big day. I'm so excited. I can't wait. Bring it on.
4 comments:
Don't worry Ginny! I promise to eat all the carbs and sugar you will be putting aside.
Ok, now I do actually have a serious comment. What about eating out? Paleo seems very strict so I am curious if you are planning to not eat out for the month or if you had some options in mind.
if you want to loose some weight you can come help me scrub my kitchen floors, it's a good work out, I'm exhausted!
Good for you--you could stand to lose a few pounds :) Kidding! If it makes you feel better then go for it! I'm kind of a wuss and a pig so I couldn't do it! Definitely keep us updated!
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