Let's face it, if we're not pushing our bodies to the max, we feel like we're not going hard enough.
Eat clean, train like a machine
Let's face it, if we're not pushing our bodies to the max, we feel like we're not going hard enough. We eagerly anticipate the WOD and set about nailing it. After all Crossfit isn't for the weak willed, it'll challenge even the most elite of athletes.
Nailing the WOD
WOD's are not only physically challenging, it's a test of our mental strength too. We need to draw on every last bit of energy to complete that last pull up, so it's important to know how to create the best sources of it, so we're conquering the WOD time and time again.
Energy creation
Without bamboozling you with too much science, during exercise our bodies are able to use 3 different types of fuel: ATP, Anaerobic Glycosis & Aerobic Glycosis.
ATP - the universal fuel, from creatine phosphate - makes energy instantly but we don't have much of it!
Anaerobic Glycosis - makes energy from glucose in the absence of oxygen, can be sustained for about 5 minutes before lactic build up forms (cramp is a common occurrence)
Aerobic Glycosis - key to long term energy use. It's this energy source that we're most concerned with, as it lets you burn any of the three major macronutrient fuels (carbs, fats or protein).
Fat, your most important fuel source
We know the Paleolithic lifestyle advocates a typically 'healthy' plate, but let's also consider the kilocalories that each yields:
- Paleoloithic Plate - 30% Protein (lean & varied) 40% Carbs (low GI) 30% Fat (monosaturated).
- Both protein and carbs yield 4Kcal/gram.
- Fat yields 9 Kcal/gram - more than twice the amount.
Transitioning from being a carb burner to a fat burner
The Alliance for Natural Health's Food4Health Plate is a well-researched alternative. We're not suggesting that you go crazy and eat every fat you can find. We recommend that around 10% of the daily weight of food is comprised of healthy high-fat foods, there are also plenty of fats in the other food groups. So, if you calculate the contribution of each macronutrient to energy, you get a split, in terms of energy contribution, that looks like this: 24% protein, 46% fats and 30% carb. Don't shun the fats, they could become your most important fuel source, that will help you push through that last burpee.
Pushing your body to it's limits
When you're working out this hard, there's no doubt some healthy sweat involved, your lungs are trying to get in more oxygen and your muscles are under a lot of strain. If we don't then consume enough protein and antioxidants, we suffer oxidative stress, which, among other things, actually speeds up the aging process, none of us want that! This is where what we feed our bodies really matters.
All essential protein
Protein is the essential food group we need to counteract muscle damage. Before you think about anything else, you need to think about getting some protein back into your body, not always an easy task if you're out and about, on a restricted diet or watching what you put into your body.
Nuzest's Clean Lean Protein is 100% natural, made from the highest quality pea protein, free from any preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colours or common allergens. It's 100% vegetable, yet has all the potency (and then some) of other proteins. It's low in carbs and easy to digest, super-charged with all the essential amino acids your body needs and a pH of 7.8 (the perfect alkaline). Oh and did we mention it's Paleo Friendly. There couldn't be a more perfect way to repair muscle damage after nailing your WOD.
Cell rehydration
Dehydration can be very common if you don't replenish properly, especially when you're working out at such a high intenstity. Water may quench your thirst but it wont fully rehydrate you or your cells. To counteract oxidatitive stress and ensure our bones, muscles, brain and other tissues stay in prime condition it's important that the cells are refuelled with the right minerals and nutrients.
Nuzest's Good Green Vitality is a superblend of 75+ nutrient-rich greens, vitamins, minerals, fruits, vegetables, herbs and plenty more that, put simply, it packages the very best nutrients in a body ready form into one great-tasting product! What's more, it includes prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, antioxidants. All the things any Crossfitter could ever need, in a completely natural nutritional supplement.
We believe great nutrition is at the core of feeling your best every day. We make nutrition easy by offering the best quality nutritional supplements, in the most body ready, convenient form… naturally. Together we can ensure you're feeding your body to conquer your goals each and every time.
WOD. Bring it. We're ready for you. Look out for us at a Crossfit Box near you soon.