Founded by Greg Glassman, CrossFit is a complete fitness program which involves a combination of different workouts that include cardiovascular exercises, functional strength training, and intense athletic movements. The Paleo diet is basically a set of dietary guidelines which are based on the historical Paleolithic period. Consumption of refined carbohydrates, legumes, processed foods and dairy products are not allowed in Paleo diet. It is common and a highly recommended practice to use CrossFit and Paleo diet together. With some small modifications, the Paleo diet becomes more beneficial to CrossFit athletes. Go through the following piece of read for more on Paleo Diet for CrossFit.
What is CrossFit Nutrition?
Along with being an exercise program, CrossFit also has its own dietary guidelines. According to CrossFit experts, 30% of the total calorie intake should come from protein, 40% from carbohydrates, and 30% from fats. The basis of the CrossFit diet is lean meats, vegetables, seeds and nuts. CrossFit experts believe that high carb diets raise insulin levels, which promote chronic disease and obesity. Thus, they advise people to follow a reduced calorie diet since calorie restriction can decreases the risk for heart disease and cancer; and promotes longevity.
What is Paleo Nutrition or Paleo Diet?
Before the existence of modern agriculture, grains like wheat did not form a part of the human diet. Being a hunter-gatherer, man ate berries, wild animals, seeds and nuts. Paleo diet experts believe that this way of eating can help reduce the risk of disease, optimize the overall health and promote weight loss. In a Paleo plan, the diet contains high amount of protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, potassium, minerals, antioxidants and phyto-nutrients. The guidelines and principles of both the CrossFit diet and Paleo diet are the same.
The Connection Between Crossfit and Paleo Diet
The recommended CrossFit diet is almost like the Paleo diet. The caveman or paleolithic model is ideally consistent with the CrossFit prescription. However, there are certain minor modifications, which can greatly benefit CrossFit athletes and other athletes too. Although it is possible for athletes to recover from intense workouts on the strict Paleo diet, but recovering quickly can be a difficult task. Thus, before, during, and post training modifications can be made in the Paleo diet.
What Modifications Can Be Made In Paleo Diet With Regards To Crossfit?
Consuming moderate glycemic index carbohydrates at least 2 hrs prior to prolonged exercise can help fuel the CrossFit workout. Having high glycemic index carbohydrates, like sports drinks, is recommended during workouts which last for more than an hour. Paleo Diet also recommends having a drink containing both carbohydrates and protein in a ratio of 4 or 5:1 just after a workout. For instance, one can have fruit juice mixed with protein powder just after sweating it out. According to Paleo diet, the otherwise “not-allowed” foods like breads, rice and pasta, if consumed during the few hours following a workout, can aid in extended recovery after CrossFit. According to Paleo diet pros, sweet potatoes, potatoes, raisins and yams are some of the best carbohydrate-rich foods.
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