My Take on Paleo

 Paleo is not hard...and it is simple...I have been getting a lot of questions about this Paleo Challenge that I am on...and is it hard..that other couldn't do that...why are am I doing it...etc.

If you follow the basic principles of Paleo it is not that hard...use the flowchart on the side when eating...it is simple...since being paleo I do not miss dairy or wheat (besides beer ha)...

Here is my take on Paleo...follow the flow chart...follow the principles...and do what I do...keep it organic...NO SUGAR...read the ingredients...do you know everything that is in the product? Shop as fresh as possible and limit frozen or can (try to avoid can all together)...if you want to splurge and have a cookie or something you enjoy not Paleo...have in once every two week...some people's stomachs are different...might cannot handle much anything not Paleo anymore...so I try to stay away from anything with gluten/grain in it...but Paleo is not a diet to me...it is a lifestyle that goes along with my CrossFit training and performance output...even better Paleo has helped my mom and her stomach issues that she has had before doing the challenge...so really Paleo is easy, there is a lot of food and creative choices out there...try it out!!

I Am not Gifted with A Hot Bod (haha)

This picture was taken in August before I did anything close to Paleo...yea me your coach...I know to some this may be a bad example...and I respect your opinion...but I have had a hard time losing weight and toning due to genetics all my life...but I could perform...and that is all that mattered to me...but I made a decision to make a change...to lead by example...so I dove into Paleo/Zone (again) and began to train harder then most of my athletes to show that it is possible...that I know the struggles...I been there...I am not a naturally gifted coach with six pack abs, big chest, V shape body...etc...but I can help you towards your goals...I can make you a better athlete...I care. I will work side by side with you to help achieve our goals...I will talk to you about the struggles because I truly know how it feels...I love being a coach and working with my athletes...seeing your faces glow after doing a PR, doing a rope climb, after a WOD, or even when you walk through the door of the box makes it all worth it!! So let's work together...

Find What Motivates You

Sometimes in life we lose sight of our goals, our passions...and we begin to question why we are doing what we are doing and think negatively. This happens more often then we think to you, to me, to everyone. Can't deny it...some days are not as good as others. But, it is important sometimes to step back, reflect, and think of why we do what we do...what drives us...what are our goals. If our motivation is totally lost then we need to seek outside advice...we need to dig deep within ourselves to discover what makes us motivated or how can we become re-motivated. We need to find the real essence to what we have passion for and never lose sight...sometimes there are ups and downs, and during the downs we must keep our head up and stick it through...there is a reason for everything and a plan for all of us...just need to trust it. Something I learned from a close friend is every morning write down 5 things that you are...begin by writing, "I am...' followed by something positive about yourself. Put these 5 things on a note card and carry with you in your pocket throughout the day to help remind yourself why YOU are awesome!

2 Weeks into the Paleo Challenge

It has been 2 weeks now since CrossFit FTF and I have started the Paleo Challenge...first day I weighed in at 206...a couple of days ago I weighed in at 196...I have lost 10lbs!! My goal is to get down to 190 or even 185...lean but strong...my strength has NOT gone down...that is what I was worried about. Since starting the challenge I have noticed a lot more energy through out the day and I over just feel GOOD...I had some say that I am "glowing" haha...Something that has been nice about the challenge is that it forces me to cook and really become aware of what I am eating...what I am putting in my body...and that nutrition really is the foundation to the fitness pyramid.

I have read a few books about the Paleo diet and the one thing I am still not use to but has been warned in everything I read is eating FAT...I mean yes they are good fats, but I am still so use to the 'old' idea that we need complex carbs from grains and milk makes strong bones and fat is bad...but heck, I have been eating clean and lots of fat and I am losing weight and toning...so it is a nice reminder to keep going. What is up with all the pictures on Facebook? There is a couple of reasons that I take pictures of my food and post on Facebook...one to track what I eat...two motivation for myself and everyone else who is doing the challenge...and final to share with the world about the challenge and the benefits of eating like a 'caveman!' 

The only thing that has been hard is not having beer...I know that sounds bad...and YES I can survive without beer...but before the challenge I drank beer maybe 1-2 times every 2 weeks...not a lot right...so why do I miss it? Because I drink beer like others drink wine...I drink beer to taste beers...I love dark hoppy beers and talking about it with others...I actually enjoy the science behind the brewing...etc...I don't really miss much other then that...some nights I have craved 'bad' foods but it is easy to fight the urge...

I believe that after the challenge I will go about 95% Paleo...the 5% being beer and random dinner nights with Amanda (my love) or friends...but I still think my food choices will be very close to Paleo...and if not it will be in small portions because my stomach will not be able to handle the grains fully...which I am okay with...I am excited to see my 'after' photos.

Mental Approach to a WOD—Becoming a Stronger Athlete

21-15-9; 20 minute AMRAP; 5 rounds for time; filthy fifty; 3, 2, 1….GO! Your mind goes blank. This happens to many athletes before a MetCon because at times we worry so much about the outcome and not the process of the performance. It is important that athletes take the pre-WOD very important because this is the time that can enhance the results by how you mentally prepare. Athletes who tend to come out on top are not always the strongest, fastest, or most skilled, but truly understand the importance of the mental game. They have an edge over their opponents. I want you to try something next time you are about to do a WOD…look at the MetCon…ask yourself:

-What is my goal?

-What energy system is this MetCon targeting?

-How will I pace myself?

-What are my strengths, my weaknesses in this MetCon?

-Where is the best place to save energy?

-When can I make my best move to help my time?

Etc., begin to see yourself in the MetCon…the movements…the pain…your heart beat…take a deep breath and say, “Okay, I am ready.” Begin to experiment with the Pre-WOD…see what works best for you…to help you become more aware of the process and not fully focus on the end result…you can’t cross the river with one giant step…it takes stepping stones…one at a time…

Paleo Challenge

I have been about 80-85% following the paleo diet. On Monday, January 2nd, myself and many others from CrossFit FTF will be doing a month long paleo challenge. I will keep everyone updated about how each day is going. I have bought three cook books to help prepare myself to be better at eating paleo. Also I think having support from others will help keep me on track. Keep checking back!!

www.paleotable.com
www.ftfpaleo.blogspot.com

The Next Best Thing

After having a lunch date with a former professor from grad school and a good friend of mine, the idea of whats next in life was brought up. The idea about working on the "Next best thing." Not worry so much about the future, but working on the small things, the next best thing. My good friend and I took this to heart as now we meet every week for 2-3 hours to work on the next best thing in our life. Him and I have been talking about writing a book for a year now...and now we are starting on it...this is the next best thing for us because it is our experience and expertise on fitness and performance training. It is also just good that we make the time to sit and "talk shop," really keeping a open mind set and growing and learning each and every day!