Tonight I had dinner at a potluck. I took my steamed veggies so that I had a Zone friendly choice. I talked myself into dessert because of Dr. Sears advice, that it can be done reasonably. Hmm. I'm trying to give up sugar, but I am also trying to be reasonable. So, here's what I did, based on his rules:
1. Avoided all bread (this included all casseroles for me!)
2.Chose my protein option first: baked curry chicken
3. Then gave up all carbs in order to substitute dessert (Tirimisu), however, I put a spoonful of broccoli on my plate and a small square of homemade pizza with mushrooms.
4. Drank water and decaf coffee
Someone might think that I failed because I had dessert or the pizza, but I am actually very happy with my choices. I didn't deprive myself enough that I kept going back for more, and I chose a dessert that was high in fat in order to side step too big of an insulin dose (I know it still had sugar) and i know I am trying to justify my decision, but I feel like I made progress by thinking it through and not just throwing all reason aside because of the vast array of choices! Tomorrow I will go to a brunch. I plan to find some sort of egg dish and eat fruit and coffee. So, if you are facing an upcoming gathering while trying to Zone, don't beat yourself up, just attempt to stick to it as best you can and allow yourself a little leeway without beating yourself up. I would highly recommend reading "A Week in the Zone" by Dr. Barry Sears. These points I took away from his book, but there are more helpful tips that I did not list.
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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