January 17, 2012 Food Porn
Yes, some of you have heard the term before, especially if you’ve attended a nutrition seminar with Todd Widman or Robb Wolf. But the phrase has become quite clear to me recently, as I’ve finally caved and begun yet another strict diet regimen….only this time, I’m not going it alone.
A new “diet” gained popularity over the last year for the remarkably fast transformations it’s had on those invested in the program. While I was one of many skeptical paleo gurus in the past, the science behind this particular diet is undeniably similar to the science preached in Paleo and Zone circles; lean protein (meats), veggies, little (or no) fruit, limited starches, no sugar, no dairy, no alcohol. In addition to the food requirements and restrictions come prescribed supplements, such as calcium-magnesium, potassium, and a multi-vitamin, as well as a recommendation for fish oil and as much water as a person can almost stomach in a day. To top it off, you have the weekly accountability of being weighed, measured, and scanned for body fat percentage. Oh yea….and it costs about $500 bucks the first month, and $320 for every month afterwards, until your desired fat loss is reached.
Like many a brain-washed, one-regimen junkie….I figured I’d never give this new “fad” a whirl…but I should have known; never say never.
Monogamy’s great, just not when it comes to wellness, and especially not in terms of fitness. What has made CrossFit and P90X so successful is the “constant variation” and “muscle confusion.” In terms of dieting, I still believe there is no healthier or more common sense approach than the Paleo diet (think “caveman diet”). But often times, there’s more than one way to trim the fat. Whether you eat paleo with or without a springboard program like the one referred to above, it’s the end that justifies the means.
So…let’s get back to this tantalizingly tasty idea of “food porn.” No, I’m not talking about whipped cream bikinis or edible undies…good grief. I’m referring to those oh-so-sweet preoccupations with forbidden food while adhering to a strictly “clean” diet. Mine are the worst of the worst….the richer, the better. I’m talking fudge, cream-filled donuts, and those sent-from-heaven cherry rolls covered in pure sugar frosting…….YUUUUUUUM! Thank God for “cheat days,” because that’s the time a person can indulge in such inviting indiscretions. Just remember…..carbs/sugars are the hooks your body hangs its fat on.
It’s been over a week now that I’ve successfully lowered my carb intake to a point sufficient of initiating ketosis; a point at which the body uses its own stored fat to burn for energy, rather than food sugars (carbohydrates). This, in addition to a dramatically reduced caloric intake, and significantly subdued workouts, and I’m finally losing body fat which has stubbornly hung on even since I started regular CrossFit workouts two and half years ago. And as for “cheat days”….well, I’m going to wait a while before allowing any of those into the routine. (But let’s just say when the day(s) comes….I know exactly what I’ll be ordering up!)
Because I’ll always be a CrossFitter at heart, I’ve found a way to keep what I love while still being cautious not to over exert myself in the gym; I’ve scrapped the intensity (temporarily). It was easy. All I’ve done is eliminated the “for time” instruction on every CrossFit workout I choose each week. Sure, I still do “Fran,” “Annie,” “Helen,” and even the occasional Hero workout, but instead of 3-10 minutes, I’ll spend close to 15-45 minutes working out. I imagine this would be hard to do in a CrossFit gym, working out side-by-side with other CrossFitters, but in a 24 hr gym, without the push of people I know, it’s been a breeze.
Routines are great…at least for a person like me who respects predictability, but enjoys and appreciates a bit of spontaneity as well. While the last year has been a total roller coaster in terms of dieting, dating, and doing what I love for money (working, that is) a balance seems to have finally been struck. With most areas of life within my control under control, I can enjoy life even more.
Here’s to the past, the present, and to porn………FOOD porn, of course 
Tags: CrossFit, Ideal Protein, Ketosis, Paleo, Weight loss
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