Precision does two things:
1. It keeps me from eating more out of boredom.
2. It teaches me what amount I actually need verses what amount I think I want.
If it seems over-the-top, it is. Cavemen didn't do this, our ancestors didn't do this. But, if we are to truly teach or reteach ourselves what we need, in an environment that tells us to take and reward ourselves constantly and provides the many options, then we need to weigh and measure, according to the scientific research of Dr. Sears (because it works).
I won't always be this detailed. So, remember, if you are experimenting with this Zone stuff, that you are teaching yourself and it will pay off in the longterm. You are changing your eating habits and this requires practicing until it becomes habit. I have done this enough off and on over the past year and 1/2 to have an idea of what is a good portion, but I am interested in becoming better at it to get better results.
Again, I suggest picking a start date. If you have your favorite foods that will really be hard to give up, then really enjoy them right before you begin! Make a decision as to how long you will be extremely strict and then DO IT! Stick to it! By making a decision beforehand, you eliminate any decision making once you are tempted- it is simply not an option to cheat. You have your list of foods and you only eat those! If you don't have that list, then see Evan or David. Anything good in life takes hard work and effort, right? You will be glad when you start doing this, even if it is way down inside! And, I have seen that if I complain that I cannot have want I really want, then I end up becoming less satisfied early on, rather than appreciating the positive factors of eating well, such as feeling good. That is worth more than we often realize.
About this blog
In other words, the Zone + Crossfit = Optimal Heath!
This blog focuses on nutrition, using the Zone Diet as the basis. However, I often eat Paleo foods in Zone proportions.
I love to investigate anything having to do with food- what we eat and why. And what happens within our bodies, our organs, our brain, when we do? My precious mother struggled with eating disorders. I want to avoid this delimma based on research, common sense, and the natural consequences on my body. The Zone shows me where the balance lies between eating too much and eating too little.
My husband runs a Crossfit gym. Exercise and choosing the right foods have become a mission for ourselves and our children. We don't want to be nerds about it, we just want to be healthy.
I have been asked by several friends what I feed our family, especially our kids. My husband and I follow the Crossfit prescription to nutrition (meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and no sugar). If you know me, you know that the sugar part of this equation will be a life long struggle given my love for chocolate! Evan adheres to the stricter version known as the Paleo-Zone diet (and I do on my good days!) which requires the same foods in a ratio of 40% protein, 30% carb, and 30% fat. Children require 50% carbs, 30% fat, and 20% protein. If you're wondering how to figure this out, I do it on a per meal basis and I have a "block" chart from the Zone website.
It seems like a headache at first, but if you're interested, just know that it is not that bad once you practice it for a couple of weeks. All you need is a $10 scale and some determination. It really is quite simple and makes my life easier at the grocery store and when cooking dinner. Most of all, I feel great when I eat well- mentally and physically, and we all know that the physical can affect the mental and visa versa!
Evan and I are hunter/gatherer wanna-be's! This blog will track my journey of health as it should be, and the honest reality of living in a sugar fried culture. When it comes down to it, I get excited to talk about nutrition, but I am definitely not perfect at it! If you have the desire to eat well, but it is often a challenge to overcome the temptations along the way, then you are in the right company!
I hope you leave this blog feeling enlightened and encouraged as you go throughout your day!
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