There are many diets out there that promise the world, and many that simply do not deliver the desired results. A good portion of staying fit is a healthy diet and the CrossFit diet is just that. There are numerous benefits to this highly praised training, and having a decent diet when training crossfit is no different. A decent CrossFit Diet consists of thirty percent lean protein, thirty percent monounsaturated fat, and forty percent low-glycemic carbohydrates
CrossFit diet:
Most CrossFit trainers suggest cutting out highly refined carbohydrates, grains, sugar, and all processed foods. Foods that are recommended are mostly natural foods, the majority being; fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean meats, eggs, fresh fruit, shellfish, and fish. Along with following a healthy eating regimen, this diet puts large emphasis on a steady exercise routine. It uses a strength and conditioning routine that police academies and armed forces have been known to use to train and keep their members in shape.
This diet is very heart healthy and serves to lower bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and at the same time, it increases the good HDL cholesterol. A lot of CrossFit diets have been compared to the Paleo diet (Paleolithic diet) , another suggested diet which is based on wild plants and animals that our ancestors have been presumed to eat (hey there were no Mcdonalds back then)
Caloric restriction has been linked to a decline in heart disease and cancers, and an increase in life-expectancy. CrossFit dieting is about controlling caloric intake and practicing a steady workout routine to stay healthy, fit, and happy. There a few other diets that people training CrossFit might use that have been suggested to maintain a healthy lifestyle and here we’ll discuss them.
Paleo diet:
This diet, sometimes known as the Stone Age diet or the Caveman diet, is based on a high intake of fat, moderate in protein, and low to moderate in carbohydrates. This is a diet where calorie counting is discouraged and portion control is key.
The Paleo diet is the way we were presumed to have eaten long before processed foods and other artery clogging junk food was introduced to the world. Healthy animal proteins are encouraged in this diet and include; poultry, red meat, eggs, pork, and various animal organs like the kidney, heart, and liver. Fish and shellfish are also very healthy animal proteins. Frozen vegetables are encouraged to be eaten raw or cooked. Starchy vegetables are also a good source of carbohydrates.
When using the Paleo diet as a basis for your CrossFit diet, the Paleo cuts out grains and legumes, and all sugar. It also eliminates dairy products (besides heavy cream and butter), soft drinks, packaged products, and fruit juices. This diet also is big on getting an ample amount of sleep. Sleep is vital to the restoration of the body, without it the body cannot perform at its best.
This diet also discourages over-exercise, or over-stressing the body in any way. The less stress a person puts their body through, the better health they are able to maintain. So, it is good to eliminate as many stress factors as possible. It is also never a good idea to skip a meal, so it is important to eat three healthy meals a day.
Zone diet:
The Zone diet, popularized by biochemist Barry Sears, is also a highly suggested diet, and is about consuming calories from protein, carbohydrates, and fat in a balanced ratio. It promotes hormonal balance while eating each specially prepared meal. The balance ratio to strive for in this diet is forty percent carbohydrates, thirty percent fat, and thirty percent protein.
You will eat foods that control the body’s insulin production, and therefore keep the body in the utmost health. Besides the obvious weight-loss that will occur on the Zone diet, the benefits are many. A person can expect enhanced health, improved mental clarity, and more energy. It is obvious to the person seeking a healthy lifestyle, that a good choice would be the zone diet.
A small amount (the size of your palm) of protein is allowed at every meal on this diet and at each snack throughout the day. Carbohydrates like lentils, vegetables, most fruits, and whole grains must be twice the size of the protein. Dairy products are not forbidden on the Zone diet, but they are not looked favorably upon. If dairy must be eaten, low-fat or no-fat milk and cheeses, and egg substitutes are encouraged.
“The Zone” coined by Barry Sears, is suggested to be the 30:40 ratio of protein to carbohydrates, and this triggers anti-inflammatory chemicals to be released into the body when insulin and glucagon levels are not too high and not too low. This diet strives to get the body into “The Zone” so that weight loss and a healthy lifestyle can be achieved. This is the zone diet.
The benefits to each of these diets are vast and should be a good reason to get fit and start feeling good, no matter which path to health is chosen. Will you choose a diet for your CrossFit training nutrition that will give you the best results possible?
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