Nutrition Thoughts
By
November 15, 2015
9 Minute AMRAP:
30 Double Unders
10 Ring Dips
5 Deadlifts (255/165)
Strength Cycle: Back Squat 5-5-5-5-5+ (@75% of 1RM)
We are in the initial stages of planning the January nutrition challenge. I am doing a lot of reading and researching, talking to other coaches and nutritionists, and surveying our Catacombs community around what you need for the next nutrition challenge. One thing that quickly becomes clear is that nobody has this completely dialed in. Nutrition is the bottom level (foundation) of our hierarchy around fitness and wellness yet there is no clear consensus on what or how we should be doing it. We all agree on the need for a balance between macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat) as well as that less processed foods are generally better. Most of us agree that lower carbs will yield faster weight loss, but probably at the expense of performance and quite likely making it very difficult to adhere to the plan over any length of time especially with exercise in the mix. My personal opinion is that any nutrition plan must also include a measure of reality. In other words, is it sustainable? And, can I live my life this way? Finally, I have not talked to a single person (high level athletes, nutrition professionals, and myself included), that feel they have their own personal nutrition completely figured out.
The week before Thanksgiving is an unpopular time to start talking about nutrition. It is however, a great time to start thinking about your longer term goals. We will be talking more about this in the days to come. I would like to encourage you to be thoughtful as you enjoy the food aspects of the holidays. Be mindful of what you are putting in your body and don't completely lose touch with the health and performance goals that you have for yourself. This can be done by choosing your indulgences wisely (Grandma's apple pie--yes; marshmallow salad--no); or, by keeping your portions in check (apple pie for dessert--yes; leftovers for breakfast and lunch--no). We all relax our standards a bit during this time and I believe that is healthy. Just don't dig yourself too big of a hole to try to get out of come January.
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