So here it is......week 2 of Paleo for Athletes....not as bad as I thought but waiting for my body to fully adjust to getting it's energy from just protein and fat. Day two was brutal! With no carbs in my body...I struggled a bit with my intense workout. I took more breaks and fatigued a lot faster BUT...my mind was a lot stronger and I pushed through to make the week happen! Like research has stated...the first couple of weeks (2-3) are the hardest. Our body and mind are so used to carbs being the main source of fuel, that as soon as it's gone.....both are mind and body fatigue. I'll tell ya now...your mind definitely has to be strong and your determination to reach your goal has to be your main fuel. Mine is and here I am still following it.
First three days was an adjustment. Because of the intensity of my workouts I'm trying my best to stay at 1900 calories. As of last Thursday....I'm pretty darn close landing between 1700-1860. Incorporating more good fats such as avocado, olive and canola oils has helped tremendously as well as incorporating the much needed high glycemic fruits before and after my workouts. Furthermore, I have increased my lean protein intake to about 4-6 oz a meal (where I would try to keep it at 3oz). Week 2...I'm feeling a lot better than last week but still not at 100% but I KNOW I will be soon.
I've also really liked eating this way. My mind has been the one to tell me I need carbs, but all I do is self correct and it's back to Paleo eating! Have been surrounded by so much temptation this last week, but my self control and "eye on the prize mentality" has kept me on path. So what I've learned:
Paleo for Athletes eliminates any vinegar based food/condiment...vinegar has wheat!!! I had no idea!!! Recovery drink is HIGHLY recommended by Paleo for Athlete experts as this will help recovery time be shorter and muscle repair faster. High glycemic fruits and dried fruits are only to be consumed before and/or after a workout to help replace lost nutrients. Anything soy is also not allowed. Eating like this....NOT AS BAD AS I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE lol!! And...it's not as hard as I thought it would be to eat just lean protein, fruits, veggies, and good fats...they are everywhere and I choose to keep eating this way! Can't wait to see what else happens. Whether it's my mind or what...I am starting to see my mid section shred..woot woot....let's go Paleo..what else ya got ;p
Monday, July 30, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Getting ready....
After a bit of encouragement from two certain someones (ehem Maia and Flo lol)...I've decided to document my Paleo for Athletes eating regimen. I start Monday, July 23 and boy am I ready!!! Reason for this? I've been able to achieve so much healthwise and have only a little bit left....I know Paleo for Athletes will get me there! So I too will be taking my measurements, weight, body fat, etc come Monday!!!
Now I'm sure you've heard of the Paleo eating regimen...its' pretty simple really. All you eat is lean meats, plenty of fruits and veggies, and nuts. Now...for the most part I have eliminated everything from Paleo's "to avoid" list but grains from my current eating regimen (this includes quinoa which I love so this WILL be hard) but I am determined and NOTHING will stop me.
Now how is Paleo for Atheltes different from the regular Paleo regimen? Simple. Because the body is being pushed to the max....it will need a little more than what are our ancestors where use to eating. In other words, Paleo for Athletes experts recommend a manufactured recovery drink and high carb fruit after an intense workout and high carb fruit/veggies before your workout so muscle repair is faster and recovery periods are shorter. Our ancestors did not have the luxury of modern medicine and no amount of healthy, lean foods can completely give you all the elements you need to successfully recover from your workout like engineered and healthy recovery drinks. So for these reasons Paleo for Athletes experts recommend these two before and after meals to:
1. Replace expended carbohydrate stores - best taken in liquid form
2. Rehydrate to avoid dehydration - all that sweat you lost during the workout
3. Provide amino acid for resynthesis of protein tha may have been damaged during exercise - muscle
protein is used during exercise to create more glycogen meaning it has mostly likely been depleted!
4. Begin replacing electrolytes - these are the sodiums, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium
which are found in our body's cells includign our blood - this is critical for muscle contraction,
relaxation, and for maintaining fluid levels. These are all lost during sweating!!
5. Reduce the acidity of body fluids
Book I will be referencing and has been SUPER DUPER helpful - "The Paleo Diet for Athletes" A Nutritional Formula for Peak Athletic Performance. By Dr. Loren Cordain (author of The Paleo Diet) and Joel Friel.
Let's get it poppin......going grocery shopping this Friday :)
Now I'm sure you've heard of the Paleo eating regimen...its' pretty simple really. All you eat is lean meats, plenty of fruits and veggies, and nuts. Now...for the most part I have eliminated everything from Paleo's "to avoid" list but grains from my current eating regimen (this includes quinoa which I love so this WILL be hard) but I am determined and NOTHING will stop me.
Now how is Paleo for Atheltes different from the regular Paleo regimen? Simple. Because the body is being pushed to the max....it will need a little more than what are our ancestors where use to eating. In other words, Paleo for Athletes experts recommend a manufactured recovery drink and high carb fruit after an intense workout and high carb fruit/veggies before your workout so muscle repair is faster and recovery periods are shorter. Our ancestors did not have the luxury of modern medicine and no amount of healthy, lean foods can completely give you all the elements you need to successfully recover from your workout like engineered and healthy recovery drinks. So for these reasons Paleo for Athletes experts recommend these two before and after meals to:
1. Replace expended carbohydrate stores - best taken in liquid form
2. Rehydrate to avoid dehydration - all that sweat you lost during the workout
3. Provide amino acid for resynthesis of protein tha may have been damaged during exercise - muscle
protein is used during exercise to create more glycogen meaning it has mostly likely been depleted!
4. Begin replacing electrolytes - these are the sodiums, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium
which are found in our body's cells includign our blood - this is critical for muscle contraction,
relaxation, and for maintaining fluid levels. These are all lost during sweating!!
5. Reduce the acidity of body fluids
Book I will be referencing and has been SUPER DUPER helpful - "The Paleo Diet for Athletes" A Nutritional Formula for Peak Athletic Performance. By Dr. Loren Cordain (author of The Paleo Diet) and Joel Friel.
Let's get it poppin......going grocery shopping this Friday :)
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