Primer on Gym Nutrition Terms

It's likely that at one point or another you will have heard something in the gym about eating healthy. There's Zone, Modified Zone, Primal, Paleo, Modified Paleo... the list goes on. If you're new to these terms, it's a little confusing to keep everything straight, here are a couple links to get you started. Numerous people in the gym have done one, both, or a combination and will readily attest to the benefits of following them. If you need help understanding anything, feel free to ask any of the trainers for help and resources.

 

 

Primal / Paleo Eating Plans

Primal/Paleo eating plans typically encourage individuals to cut out processed foods and go for fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, tubers and roots, and lean meats. One aspect that differentiates these from other eating plans is that they discourage the consumption of grains, legumes, and sometimes dairy. The primary goal of these is to eat optimally for optimum health (eat healthy, be healthy).

 

The Definitive Guide to the Primal Blueprint: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/definitive-guide-primal-blueprint/

The Definitive Guide to the Primal Eating Plan: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/definitive-guide-to-the-primal-eating-plan/

Fats: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/fats/

Grains: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/definitive-guide-grains/

Paleolithic Diet: http://paleodiet.com/

Son Of Grok: http://www.sonofgrok.com

MarksDailyApple.com has a ton more resources, including recipes, workout ideas, and articles on healthy living

 

 

Zone Diet

The Zone diet structures your food consumption so you eat a specific ratio of carbs, fats, and proteins according to your calculated lean body mass, average daily activity level, and body composition or athletic performance goals.

 

Quick Start Guide: http://www.zonediet.com/Tools/QuickStartGuide/tabid/108/Default.aspx

Body Fat and Zone Block Requirement Calculator: http://www.zonediet.com/Tools/BodyFatZoneBlockRequirementCalculator/tabid/159/Default.aspx

Zone Nutrition: http://www.bruemedia.com/crossfitflood/CrossFit_Journal_21.pdf

Glycemic Index: http://www.bruemedia.com/crossfitflood/Glycemic_Index.pdf

ZoneDiet.com has a lot of resources to help you get started and stay on the Zone.

 

-Cameron

Comments

[Roxanne]

A key concept to remember with Paleo is Quality over Quantity.

Although I tend to follow Zone portions loosely, weighing and measuring are not necessary when consistently consuming reasonable portions of whole, healthy foods and cutting out the sugar and processed junk.

I like the Zone but I'm pretty sold out for Paleo.

Thanks for the great posts Cameron! Love the concept yesterday of focusing on the journey.

[Cameron]

I'm in a similar boat as Roxanne. I go for the quality over the quantity and do a very loose form of Zone proportions.

When I started the Zone almost 10 months ago the most radical change was eating more vegetables on a more consistent basis. Now I look for good sources of fiber in things that are green (veggies and fruit) instead of brown (bread and cereal). I'm only keeping zone measurements more at the back of my mind when I try to portion out a meal.

Whether I'm on a strict Zone diet or just eating better (Primal), I feel better overall and I tend to perform and feel better in the gym.

[BrianF]

Some great articles and links here. I've been studying Paleo since September and ate a loose Paleo diet since then. I never ate vegetables and primarily ate fruit at every meal as my Carbs. I definitely noticed a difference once I cut out the grains and gluten, my performance increased significantly.

My current results on the strict Paleo I've been following since Monday have been even more impressive. Sure it has only been 4 days but I've been able to do multi-WOD days 2 of the past 3 days and feel fine. I have another long CFE WOD that I'll be doing tonight and I know that the strict Paleo is fueling my recovery very efficiently.

[Tank]

I am still going strong with the Paleo. It feels good to be back on track...now to get the consistency in the workouts.

Tank

[Roxanne]

Good day yesterday. I started a food log which I do every few months for a week or two. I recommend it to anyone who wants to dial in their nutrition- identifies unhealthy/healthy patterns and helps eliminate absentminded snacking.

*Cutting down a bit on caffeine but not eliminating it- I've read too many conflicting reports on the effects of caffeine. Drinking coffee in the morning then switching to tea/tracking the h20.

[Chiropractic in Chicago]

I've being researching about nutrition and reading your blog, I found your post very helpful :) . I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog!

[keylogger Mac]

Thx for the info