You Are What you Eat. Abs Are Made in the Kitchen. Eat Clean; Train Dirty.

I’m partial to the later.  I think a healthy lifestyle balances both diet and physical activity.  The importance of nutrition, however is something that really can’t be ignored because another popular saying – you can’t out work a bad diet is mostly true with the exception of a few, but it all comes down to a healthy lifestyle and balance. 

Due to being part of the CrossFit community I was introduced to the Paleo and Zone diet.  Paleo is sometimes called hunter/gatherer and is a diet consisting of meat, vegetables, fruits and some healthy nuts and oils.  Zone is based on macronutrients and portions among some other really interesting internal happenings.   I’ll talk about both in greater detail, in a later post.

What I like about both Paleo and Zone is that they are anti-inflammatory.  Anti-inflammatory?  Like Advil?  Yea, kind of.  You are working hard and your body is reacting with some inflammation as part of the healing process.  Your joints are taking a bit more impact and those muscles have small micro tears (again, that’s okay for the most part) that are healing.  If you are able to reduce this inflammation than you can return to activity sooner, and in less discomfort.  You can even treat an achy knee or back in some cases.  Reducing the inflammation allows your body to focus its energy on healing and recovery. 

So what do you eat that causes inflammation in your body?  A big one is gluten.  Another is dairy.  Have you ever tried eliminating these and seeing how your body feels?  It’s worth giving it up for 30 days.  Sites like Whole9 have programs and ideas, not to mention countless recipes on sites like Cindy’s Table or Everyday Paleo.  It’s about smart choices.  Getting to know how your body feels at its best is an important thing to experience. 

Here’s the kicker.  This isn’t even taking into account intolerance, sensitivity or allergies that you may have.  Eliminating certain dietary ailments may help to determine what your body doesn’t really want or is able to process effectively any longer. After going without certain foods for 30 days you may realize you feel better.  Perhaps the same, but there is a chance you could address something that is preventing you from feeling your best.  Possible side effects: fat loss (oh, and sugar withdrawals)