31st
August
2008
Sunday Aug. 31, 2008 BC-8
posted in Discussion |
“The Zone Challenge”
Now that we’ve started our Burpee Challenge, I’d like to put out the idea of a Zone Challenge. CrossFit’s diet of choice is The Zone and we have a few clients that follow it. If you are wanting to get more out of your training or see more dramatic results in your fitness goals, you should be on The Zone.
Lets discuss a challenge to try and get more people on board. When should it be? How long should it last? Those of you who’ve done The Zone, is it worth it? Post thoughts to comments.
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Thank you Coaches for treating us to a GREAT party, our whole family enjoyed ourselves!
I just wanted to quickly comment on the Zone Diet. I for the most part I follow its principles and love it. It did take me some time reviewing the book (several actually), learning the method, eye balling portions, and also incorporating supplements. When I don’t follow the Zone, I do find a huge difference in my strength, how I feel at home and my performance in the workouts. The Zone is for sure worth it! And it’s not difficult to feel the difference when a person takes a day or 2 off…it’s huge….
Ya thanks for a fantastic time guys!! And I left my camera there again, pick that up on Monday…
As for zone eating I have been on that program for almost a year now. I follow it methodically and now it is just how I eat. And, I agree with Natasha, the benefits are huge. Not just in terms of the obvious like energy and athletic performance, but even in things like sleep patterns and emotions. A person is as balanced as their diet allows them to be. And I fully credit zone eating with what kept my weight stable and my body composition from changing too much when I was so completely inactive after injuring my back.
Gotta go do my burpees now!!
I started on Zone almost a year ago-really strict at first, and not as strict as times. Since training for this half marathon and incorporating cf endurance training into my regular xfit wods, I’m back on really strict again.
I had/have been a vegetarian for 16 years, and along with diet, have led a very healthy lifestyle for most of my life. For myself, and for a role model to my patients as a chiropractor. I think it’s important to walk your talk. However, Zone completely took my nutrition, energy, performance in xfit, practice life and personal life to a whole new body.
I initially dropped about 12 pounds, and have gotten a lot more lean. I have much more energy, have some wod’s that surprise me (I do well, even if I don’t feel that way going into it), and just know that this is it more me. I teach an Advanced Nutrition workshop for our patients every 2 months, and have since incorporated Zone into it. I use mostly the cookbooks, and we’re fortunate enough to have someone cook zone meals for us 4 days a week (lunch and dinner) simply due to our busy schedule. Following the recipes definitely makes it easier, and extremely important to have 2-5x the fat blocks when doing crossfit.
What no one has touched on yet, is the health benefits beyond xfit, energy, etc. You need to really read some of the Zone books to understand what a pioneer that Dr. Barry Sears is, and how ahead of his time he was when zone came out, and even still is for all the zealots that push all the non-fat/low fat, food pyramid, etc. outdated models of nutrition. The research in how Zone prevents type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, other degenerative diseases, etc. is in my mind, groundbreaking. And the lies we have been fed to believe that fat makes you fat. Fat is fuel. He explains it all in the books. Also, tons of great info on the websites. Amazing post on crossfit.com recently with Rob Wolfe talking about the new diabetes type 3, and that increase in brain insulin leading to Alzheimers. Disease, in most instances, does not just happen to us. We produce it. But in the same respect, we all have the ability (in most instances)to prevent it.
When to start this-the sooner, the better. Probably 8 weeks (to avoid some of the xmas season).
Yes, Zone is hard at times, but 3, 2, 1…go!
I read some great quote, that went something like..the pain of discipline is far less than the pain of no discipline.
I really encourage everyone to at least consider zone, and experience what we’re all raving about!
I have tried the Zone and really like the concept behind it. I do find it hard to stick to when trying to feed a family. I could use “easy” Zone ideas. I mean I am willing to put effort in but my creativity in making it interesting is lacking. I am what I consider myself to be a lazy eater in that I’ll eat what’s around so I need a lot more help with the snacks etc.
All in all though when I have put the effort in it has really helped me. I think a challenge would be great but I think the guidelines would have to be well thought out and explained. I would like to hear if anyone is involving their kids in the Zone because I am not the biggest fan of making more than one meal.
I have been attempting to follow the Zone for the past year, I have never been fully strict with it but tried to follow the basic principles. I have seen changes and the more “zone’ish” I eat the better I feel but if I don’t prepare meals days in advance and have snacks ready I tend to end up going for comfort foods at 2am at work. I have found a great snack bar that is Zone friendly It is called ElevateMe. It is made with fruit, nuts and protein powder. I usually have some extra nuts with it for a higher fat content but eat one about an hour before a race/workout and feel great, it doesn’t weigh me down and tastes really yummy. The Zone works really well for people like me who can’t even eat wheat but I have trouble coming up with creative protein sources. I get kind of bored with chicken/beef all the time. Any suggestions for a good snack that is easy to prepare??
Melanie –
It is just so easy to do the Zone and not have to cook different meals for you and your kids.
Really- it might sound daunting to think of a new way of eating but once you have it figured out you will be able to cook “one meal”
eg. If you are having fish or chicken that evening for your protein, just add your Carbs…(veggies: steamed broccoli carrots, salad)what ever you maybe having then your fats…nuts or olive oil. DONE!
My guess is – you are probably eating close to the zone already anyway. So once you have the time to sit with the book…and figure out portions and the fat concept and SNACKS. It is just so simple to follow.
When it comes to lazy eating…(I’m one too) in a different way…I just won’t eat!! In my fridge I have bagged all different types of veggies so they are ready to go (no excuses). Carrots sticks, celery, apple slices, baby tomatoes, cheese strings etc… I even have bagged nuts!
That may sound NUTS but when my kids want a snack they too grab the ready to go snacks or a frozen yogurt tube and off they go playing again!! The Kids definitely have more snacks than me and I don’t have them follow “blocks” but they eat just as healthy and when they have “junk” it is outside our home, parties at the Mac’s store etc….so that’s where the treats are!
Same idea for school… I keep it healthy there and the snacks are in the fridge when they get home….and those types of snacks I never have to put a limit on!!!
I also find that involving my kids in a discussion about what healthy choices are and why…. makes a big difference to them and what they choose and ask for.
Hope this helps!
GOOD LUCK…
I have been discovering that my performance is prohibited by the lack of nutrition that I have been following over the last 6 months. Time to crack the whip! I would like to start the zone challenge as early as possible. I don’t want to be sitting in class feeling lethargic and ready to have huge naps during lectures. I want to stay sharp, on top of my performance at school, during study time and of course crossfit. Bring on the challenge.
I am very interested in a Zone Challenge. I have heard some at crossfit speak about The Zone and I am definitely curious about it . . . I just have no idea where to start! For the most part I am happy w/ my performance at crossfit, but think there is always room to improve. I agree with Yvonne, the sooner the better . . . bring it!! Karen, I may need your help as I am a vegetarian too!!
Thanks Natasha
I think the thing that scares me more is the planning part. I really need to be directed and know that I’m doing the right things. I think that as much as I read without having that person saying yes here’s a good choice I don’t feel confident.
I think the challenge is great and I think it should be a between 2 and 3 months as any shorter would not demonstrate the effects. I also think that there should be a place to post suggested meals as I have said I am not very creative and tend to make a plain chicken breast with some salt and that gets kind of boring after awhile.
Hey – maybe for our next CrossFit party if we decide on a doing the Zone Challange we can all bring a small sample of our favorite zone meals….might be fun to try everyone’s favorite….JUST an idea!?
I am also interested in the zone challenge. For some time now I have noticed that after workouts I am zapped. Trying to get work done is very difficult when all you want is to sleep. Diet is the only thing that I can pin point because adequate sleep time is not a problem.
Wow. I know very little about the Zone, except from those who clump it in with all the other fad eating plans. Anyone heard of Body 24/7? That’s what I’ve been doing the last 6 weeks. So far so good, I think.
I was introduced to the Zone about 6 weeks ago. As a start, I have made small adjustments to my diet – 1 to 2 Zone meals a day… (or pretty close to Zone…I find days where I work to be the hardest). I have noticed some improvement in how I feel throughout the day and I think that it can only get better with a stronger committment. I love a challenge, so bring it on – the sooner the better! Eight weeks sounds reasonable and hopefully at the end, the preparation and portions will become more routine.
I ate a package of Jelly Beans, then ran a 5k yesterday. I need help. I’m down for a zone challenge. For me, if meals and snacks are not prepped and ready, I for the most part don’t make unhealthy decisions–I simply don’t eat. Now this could be far more “out of the zone” than eating a pizza and is absolutely delaying my recovery.
Just a side note…the challenge can only help people better understand the terrible effects that high carb/high refined food/high glycemic foods have on their physiology. I was asking a dietician about “the zone” a few weeks ago, she said she is still counseling patient in for bypass surgery that eating “lard sandwiches” for breakfast and have no idea that it is killing them! She said, zone/paleolithic is the healthiest way to eat.
Chad and Auty or anyone who knows anything about sports nutrition:
http://www.bodyby24-7.com/
I’m curious what ya’all think.
Olena:
I have a friend who went to see the husband and wife team @ Body by 24-7. To be honest I do not know a lot about it except she was really pleased with her results!
And I also know they were available to her all the time by phone and email for help, support, and changing her diet plan. She was not sure how to put meals together and what exactly what she should be eating and when. So it worked for her. She is no longer following the plan anymore….I’m not sure why though…?
What is it that they have designed for you? How is it similar or different than the Zone way? I’ll also ask my friend a few more questions about her experience and let you know!
HEY ED – I’m with you I just don’t eat if the right food isn’t there…NOT GOOD I know!
Well, I’m excited about the responses so far. Hopefully we can encourage more of our community to join.
Here’s the deal:
September 15th will be our start date. That’s 2 weeks today!!!
8 weeks will be the length.
November 9th will be the end date. (although I’m hoping this is irrelevant)
I will post more and official details on a Zone Challenge page in our events section. Until then, all of you who haven’t yet, get reading! Buy or borrow a zone book, find a website and start learning. You have two weeks! (don’t worry, we’ll help too but get ready)
http://www.zonediet.com/ lots of recipes here, even has a 7 day meal planner to get you started. I have found a noticable difference in as little as 3 weeks in weight, energy and comfort (tend not to feel overly stuffed after a measured zone meal).
thanks bill. Any other links or references people have would be great to put here. I’ll build a bit of a resource we can all use during the challenge.
Note* if you put more than two links then the post may get held until I approve it.