ZONE PART 1

Fielding and the crew working through Grace.

Most CrossFitters have heard of the Zone diet – or “Zoning”.  What most people don’t know is why CF is so big on having us use the Zone as our primary diet.  For the next few days I’m going to be talking more about the Zone and why it’s important to us and give a few examples of some meals that CrossFit Pacific Coaster’s eat while on it.  The Zone Diet is all about balancing your hormones within a specific range, to control hunger on fewer calories while still getting the proper nutrients your body needs for long-term health. It can best be described as a moderate-carbohydrate, moderate-protein, moderate fat diet that has approximately one gram of fat for every two grams of protein and three grams of carbohydrates.  With the right balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats, you can control three major hormones generated by the diet – insulin, glucagon and eicosanoids.  What are the three major hormones?

Insulin – A storage hormone. Excess insulin makes you fat and keeps you fat. It also accelerates silent inflammation.
Glucagon – A mobilization hormone that tells the body to release stored carbohydrates at a steady rate, leading to stabilized blood sugar levels. This is key for optimal mental and physical performance.
Eicosanoids – These are the hormones that ultimately control silent inflammation. They are also master hormones that indirectly orchestrate a vast array of other hormonal systems in your body.
When these hormones stay balanced throughout the day, our physical and mental energy stay balanced as well – meaning no more huge post sugar energy rush and the inevitable crash that follows.  More to come… 

Today’s Workout:
AMRAP 20 Min
20 KB Swings
16 Jump Lunges