Nutrition

CHOOSING YOUR NUTRITION PATH

 

At CrossFit Plett, we understand that making changes to your eating habits is a significant step towards improved health and fitness. To help you make informed choices, we’ve compiled information on three popular nutrition approaches: Paleo, Primal, and Zone. We’ve put together this resource to assist you in making a well-informed decision. Feel free to reach out to our coaches for more information, or book in for an In-Body body composition analysis, diet assessment and nutrition coaching session.

 

PALEO: Eat Like a Caveman

 

The Paleo diet focuses on consuming lean meats, fish, vegetables, some fruits, tree nuts (excluding peanuts), and seeds. It minimizes starch and eliminates sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, and corn. The philosophy behind this approach is to exclude foods that are commonly associated with allergies or digestion issues. White potatoes and corn, for example, are avoided because they convert into sugar.

For more information on the Paleo diet, you can visit:

 

• The Beginner’s Guide to the Paleo Diet
• The Paleo Diet

 

 

PRIMAL: A Slight Variation

 

The Primal plan aligns closely with the Paleo diet but allows for some dairy consumption. This includes creams, butter, Greek yogurts, and limited cheese. It offers a bit more flexibility while maintaining the core principles of a natural, unprocessed diet.

To explore the Primal eating plan, you can visit:

 

• The Definitive Guide to the Primal Eating Plan
• Getting Started with Mark’s Daily Apple

 

 

ZONE: Precision Nutrition

 

The Zone diet is a structured approach that involves weighing, measuring, and careful planning of every meal and snack. Each meal is divided into “blocks,” requiring meticulous organization. While some grains are allowed, many individuals choose to combine elements of Paleo and Zone, omitting grains and focusing on Paleo-approved foods. This approach is ideal for those who are highly organized and dedicated to tracking their nutrition.

To gain insights into the Zone diet, you can visit:

 

• Zone Diet Explained
• Zone Diet Meal Plans

 

 

ADDITIONAL NUTRITION RESOURCES

Here are some recommended resources for further reading on nutrition:

• The Last Days of the Low-Fat Diet

 

SNACKING MADE HEALTHY

 

For convenient, nutritious snacks, consider these options:

• Steve’s Club
• Cattaneo Bros (known for their delicious jerky)
• Paleo Snacks

 

DELICIOUS RECIPES

 

Experimenting with new recipes can make your journey more exciting. Here are some recommended recipe sources and cookbooks:

• PaleOMG
• PaleoPot (for crockpot recipes)
• CrossFit Mayhem Food Blog
  
  
  

  COOKBOOKS

  • Primal Blueprint Cookbook
  • Primal Blueprint Quick & Easy Meals
  • Paleo Comfort Foods
  • Paleo Food

 

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL 30-DAY CHALLENGE

 

If you’re considering a Paleo, Primal, or Zone 30-day challenge, here are some tips:

• Do your best to adapt to the new eating habits. Plan your snacks and meals.
• Paleo can help identify foods that might cause you issues. You can reintroduce items later if they don’t pose problems.
• Cravings may surprise you. Some participants find it easier to avoid cheat meals, while others opt for them to curb cravings.
• Get creative with recipes and try new approaches to familiar dishes.
• Strive to eat clean during the 30-day challenge, but if you have a rough day, start fresh the next.

 

Remember, our coaches are here to support and assist you. Feel free to ask us any questions, and let’s embark on this nutritional journey together. Best of luck!

 

 

Follow us: