Why this all started…

This has been a post that I’ve wanted to do for a while, but for numerous reasons I haven’t had a chance to get it done…until today. I wanted to share with you why I am doing this Paleo Challenge and how I got to it.

About a year ago my wife and I began paying more attention of the foods we were buying, their ingredients and how they affected us. At first our research wasn’t too in depth…it was more going off different things we heard in the news or on TV shows. Those are the best sources to learn about anything, right?? After talking with some friends who were vegan I decided to take my research to the next level. I watched a few documentaries (I know documentaries are usually skewed, but they still provide good information and new ways of thinking) and read a few books. I plan to have future posts about the books that I read, my thoughts and links to amazon for you to purchase should you like. After doing all of my “research” we decided that we were going to eliminate meat from our diet and try a vegan diet.

Our veganism (if that’s even a word) lasted less than a week. I applaud those that live a vegan lifestyle because we found it nearly impossible to find enough food and meals that didn’t violate the vegan way. Some dairy was reintroduced into our lives and we became vegetarians, and this lasted for me until I started this Paleo Challenge.

My CrossFit box (CrossFit Fishers) issued the Paleo challenge to everyone and a handful of us decided to take it. The Paleo Diet reintroduced meat and eggs to my diet which was honestly a little difficult to do. Not because they no longer taste good to me, but because I stopped eating them for specific reasons, and my research into the Paleo Diet suggest that those reasons were not correct (the frustration of conflicting information is yet another post to come). I decided to give it a try; I figured with my new workout routine I could probably use a change in diet. I’m excited to rid my diet of processed foods and sugars, which I still consumed on my vegetarian diet. I will miss pasta (after all my last name is Castelli) andpizza during the challenge, but it will be worth it (I’ll probably sneak those from time to time as a treat after the 60 days). I plan to pay attention to what my body tells me and continue to read up on how food affects the body and eventually come up with a diet that I can enjoy and feel comfortable will help me stay as healthy as possible, which leads me to why this all started…

The whole reason for me worrying about the food I put in my body is because I want to give myself the best possible chance at living a long healthy life of growing old with Ang and watching our boys grow up. And THAT is why I started this…

Paleo Challenge – Day 8 Journal (1/21/13)

Today’s summary:

Workout (6 AM): Strength workout- 5 sets 3 Squat clean and jerk and WOD (visit www.crossfitfishers.com for the workout details)

Meals:

Pre-workout snack: 1 scrambled egg and 1 tblsp. almond butter, pre-workout drink (not protein)

Post-workout: Protein shake (mixed with coconut water) and 32 oz. of water

Breakfast: 3 eggs scrambled, 1 almond flour chicken strip,1 tsp. fish oil, multivitamin and more water

Lunch: 6 oz. Coconut chicken tenders (courtesy of The Paleo Recipe Book), 2 handfuls of blueberries, 1 tsp. fish oil

Snacks: 2 clementines

Dinner: Chili (Paleo recipe)

Paleo Challenge???

It would have made the most sense to have started my blog with this post, but I guess better late than never! I’ve been documenting my daily workouts and meals, which hopefully hasn’t been too boring for you, because of the Paleo Challenge that my CrossFit box (that’s what a gym is referred to in CrossFit) is holding. For a $20 buy in we all get to change the way we eat and challenge ourselves to live a cleaner lifestyle.

How is the winner determined?  Great question. The Saturday before the challenge started we had out official weigh in. Our weight, body fat, and BMI were measured and pictures were taken. It’s funny, I never seem to look as good in pictures as I do in the mirror at home. Somehow my six-pack fades and I don’t look as buff as my mind tells me I am. Hopefully at the end of this the abs won’t disappear in the picture. The final measurement for improvement over the 60 days was to see how many wall balls we could do in 5 minutes. For those of you not familiar with CrossFit, wall balls consist of holding a 20 pound medicine ball, squatting below parallel, standing up and tossing the ball about a 10 foot mark on the mall…repeat as many times as you can in 5 minutes. 103 was the magic number for me. At the end of the 60 days we will be measured again and will have to complete the 5 minutes of medicine ball hell again, hopefully improving in all areas.

The winner will be determined by scoring the best in all of the categories. Each area is weighted equally: 20%-percentage weight loss, 20%-percentage body fat loss, 20% strength training (3-5 days a week) and journal, 20% wall ball improvement, 20% mini metcon.

My goal for entering this competition was to challenge myself to try a new way of eating (I’ll have another post about my experience as a vegetarian), lower my body fat, and improve in my workouts. I’m not too concerned with the weight loss; I’d actually like to end at around the same weight but lose some pounds and add back muscle. We’ll see how it all goes!

Paleo Challenge – Day 7 Journal (1/20/13)

Much to my surprise I feel great following yesterday’s MoFo challenge…3 WOD’s (workout of the day for those non-CrosFitters) in 3 hours. I thought that I would be dragging, but I feel good. Today was not the best day of eating for me…a lazy Sunday and I just wasn’t that hungry. As you’ll see below I didn’t get a morning snack in and my meals probably were not as substantial as they should have been. It also probably didn’t help that a trip to the grocery store is needed, which means the fresh produce is down to a minimum. I’ll get back on track tomorrow…

Today’s summary:

Workout: Rest Day

Meals:

Breakfast: Almond flour cinnamon pancakes, banana, fish oil and multivitamin

Lunch: Leftover fajita chicken, peppers and raspberries

Snack: 2 handfuls trail mix

Dinner: Homemade Paleo buffalo wings, sweet potato and fish oil

 

Paleo Challenge – Day 6 Journal (1/19/13)

I have to admit that so far I am enjoying this Paleo challenge. After being vegetarian for about 10 months I’m enjoying the reintroduction of the lean meats I had come accustom to eating in the past.  So far ( I realize it’s early on in the challenge) I haven’t had any problems sticking to the diet and haven’t really had many urges for foods off the diet. I can see myself having a craving for pizza or to snack on some of my son’s Annie’s Bunnies (think Goldfish) in the future, but this blog will help me stay the course.

On a separate note, today is our box’s inter-gym competition to find out who the baddest Mo’Fo’ is of all. I’m excited since this is the first time I’ve done any type of CrossFit competition, but also a little nervous because I have no idea what to expect. Hopefully I make it to the championship so Roman, Leo and Ang can come watch. I want Roman to see me throwing around the weight and competing…in my mind I imagine him seeing me as Superman or some super hero!! Details and pics of the competition will come later.

Today’s summary:

Workout: CrossFit Fishers Bad Mo’Fo’ Intergym Challenge

Meals:

Breakfast: 2 eggs scrambled, almonds and multi-vitamin (I kept this breakfast light since I would be working out–didn’t want breakfast all over the gym floor)

Pre-workout snack: Pre-workout drink

Post-workout 1: 1/2 serving protein shake (mixed with coconut water)

Post-workout 2: 1/2 serving protein shake (mixed with coconut water)

Post-workout 3: Full serving protein shake (mixed with coconut water)

Lunch: Paleo chili, bacon wrapped chicken, peppers, banana, homemade trail mix, water

Snack: 2 clementines

Dinner: Chicken Fajitas (no shell or cheese) with peppers, broccoli, zucchini, cilantro and avocado

Snack: Almond butter and chocolate berry smoothie (courtesy of The Paleo Recipe Book

Paleo Challenge – Day 5 Journal (1/18/13)

And today a little fatigue sets in…I’m not sure if this is diet related, or sleep related. I’m not feeling pooped or needing a nap (well I could probably take a nap), but I just feel like I’m dragging a little. It’s not terrible fatigue I’m feeling, but more than I have in the past.

I haven’t felt hungry in between meals and snacks, but with my CrossFit workouts I could see that I may not be eating enough. I guess that’s where the Zone philosophy comes in…if I’m implementing the blocks for my meals, then there is no question on whether or not I am getting enough fuel. The time commitment of measuring out everything is what has kept me from trying the Zone, but if fatigue keeps up then I will have to start measuring everything.

I don’t think my fatigue is diet related; I think I’m not getting enough sleep overnight…like most people. By the time we get Roman to sleep, take care of Leo’s final meal (which right now Mom is taking care of, but I like to try and be awake while she is nursing so she doesn’t feel like I’m no help! I may not be able to feed him, but at least I’m awake with her), write my blog, and get ready for bed it’s 11:30. And I’m getting up at 5:00 to get ready for my 6:00 workout. I just don’t think 5 1/2 hours is going to cut it.

I’ll keep you up to date if I am able to determine if my fatigue is diet or sleep related.

Today’s summary:

Workout (6 AM): Strength workout-Clean squats and WOD (visit www.crossfitfishers.com for the workout details)

Meals:

Pre-workout snack: Pre-workout drink and handful almonds

Post-workout: Protein shake (mixed with 8 oz. coconut water), banana and 32 oz. of water

Breakfast: 3 egg omelet (with NO cheese, bacon, chorizo sausage and spinach), mixed fresh fruit cup, 1 tsp. fish oil, multivitamin and water

Snack: 2 clementines and 8 oz. coconut water

Lunch: 8 oz. coconut breaded chicken strips (homemade Paleo recipe), 2 handfuls blueberries, and water

Snack: Banana

Dinner: Salad (spinach leaves, pecans, and apple slices) with chicken breast, water

Paleo Challenge – Day 4 Journal Entry (1/17/13)

So far so good. Day 4 has come and gone and the new diet is going well. I haven’t found myself missing any of my old treats, and that’s with plenty of them laying around the house…we’ve got Skittles and M&Ms as rewards for Roman’s potty training. Normally we would both get rewarded, but now only he gets the treat. I know…I know…I’m changing my diet to be healthier, yet I still give my son sugary candy. I’ve been searching for a healthier reward for him and so far I haven’t had any luck. As soon as I find one, the switch will be made.

Tomorrow is my last workout before the competition at my CrossFit box. I’m excited, but a little nervous at the same time. I’ve never participated in a lifting competition and I’ve only been doing CrossFit for 2 months. I know it’s going to be tough, but I just don’t want to suck! I guess we’ll see how Saturday goes…

Today’s summary:

Workout (6 AM): Strength workout-Dead lifts and WOD (visit www.crossfitfishers.com for the workout details)

Meals:

Pre-workout snack: Pre-workout drink.

Post-workout: Protein shake (mixed with water) and 32 oz. of water

Breakfast: 3 eggs scrambled with 2 oz. red and green peppers, 3 strips of turkey bacon, 1 tsp. fish oil, multivitamin and coconut water

Snack: 2 handfuls homemade trail mix

Lunch: 6 oz. turkey, 1 slice avocado, 1 handful blueberries, 1 handful raspberries and water 

Snack: 1.5 oz. Beef Jerky and water

Dinner: Salmon, broccoli and water

Snack: 2 handfuls cranberries

Evening Snack: 1 banana with almond butter

Paleo Challenge – Day 3 Journal Entry (1/16/13)

Today’s summary:

Workout (6 AM): Rest day–got to sleep in until 6:00.

Meals:

Pre-workout snack: None

Post-workout: None

Breakfast: 3 eggs scrambled, 3 strips of turkey bacon, 2 clementines,1 tsp. fish oil, multivitamin and Coconut water

Snack: 1 banana with almond butter, water

Lunch: Qdoba naked burrito–grilled steak, mixed veggies and hot salsa (no rice or cheese), water          (From my research this would be Paleo approved, not ideal quality of meat, but when on the road it works.)

Snacks: 1 handful almonds, 1 handful cranberries, 1 Coconut Water (I have sense read more on coconut water and will be limiting myself to no more than 1 can a day, with half used to mix protein shake after workout.)

Dinner: 12 oz. Ground Turkey with spinach and tomatoes, 1 sweet potato (dry), water

Paleo Challenge – Day 2 Journal Entry (1/15/13)

Feeling good after Day 2…Thrusters smoked my shoulders, but that’s not the Paleo Challenge’s fault. I’m getting anxious to write about some of the other topics I have outlined, but finding it tough to find the time with family, work and workouts. I don’t know how those professional bloggers do it!! Hopefully tomorrow I can supplement my meal and workout log with some background to why I got interested in food and examining what I put into my body…hopefully! Check out my summary for today…

Today’s summary:

Workout (6 AM): Strength workout-Thrusters and WOD (visit www.crossfitfishers.com for the workout details)

Meals:

Pre-workout snack: Handful of almonds and pre-workout drink.

Post-workout: Protein shake (mixed with water) and 32 oz. of water

Breakfast: 3 eggs scrambled, 3 strips of turkey bacon, 1 handful of blueberries, 1 handful of raspberries, 1 tsp. fish oil, multivitamin and more water

Lunch: 6 oz. Coconut chicken tenders (courtesy of The Paleo Recipe Book), 2 handfuls of blueberries, 2 handfuls of raspberries, 1 tsp. fish oil

Snacks: 2 handfuls almonds, 1 handful homemade trail mix (almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries and shredded coconut), 1 Coconut Water, and 1 banana

Dinner: 10 oz. Ground Turkey with spinach and tomatoes

Evening Snack: 1 banana with almond butter

Paleo Challenge – Day 1 Journal Entry (1/14/13)

First and foremost, I promise you that my posts will not only consist of a summary of my workout and meals for the day. I have a list of various topics that I will be writing about to supplement my meal and workout log…that would be extremely boring if all I ever wrote was what I ate and what I did at the box. However, since Roman decided he would take FOREVER to fall asleep tonight I won’t be writing one of those supplementing posts… I’ll be keeping this one short and sweet.

Today’s workout was the baseline for our strength measurement for the contest…as many wall balls as possible in 5 minutes. Sound easy?? Think again. Wall balls consists of squatting below parallel while holding a 20 pound medicine ball and throwing the ball above a 10 foot high mark on the wall. Your legs begin to burn quickly. Surprisingly the 5 minutes passed quickly (it helps when you can’t see the clock) and I ended with 103 reps…my last rep barely made it half way to the mark; it was pathetic! Tomorrow it’s back to the regular WOD.

Meals:

Pre-workout snack: 2 handfulls of almonds and pre-workout drink.

Post-workout: Protein shake made with water and 32 oz. of water

Breakfast: 3 eggs scrambled, 3 strips of turkey bacon, 1 tsp. fish oil, multivtamin and more water

Lunch: We are being encouraged to do the Zone Diet blocks with our Paleo Challenge and in the Zone Spirit I actually measured out my lunch. 5 oz. turkey, 2 oz. blueberries, 2 oz. raspberries, 1 tablespoon avocado, and 1 tsp. fish oil. Water for my beverage.

Snacks: One handful almonds and one handful homemade trail mix (almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries and shredded coconut).

Dinner: Blackened Tilapia and sauteed kale. More water.

Evening Snack: None

All in all, not bad for the first day. As I mentioned we are being encouraged to use the Zone Diet’s blocks to plan our meals, but I’ve decided to focus on staying true to the Paleo Diet and not blocking out my meals (Sorry, Troy!). I hope to give the Zone Diet a try during the second 30 days…that gives me time to read more on it and better understand how it all works.

Well, so much for short and sweet.