Taking the first steps to a fitter, stronger and faster you.

Congratulations! You guys have decided to take charge of your nutrition which means your have decided to Level Up on your health. 

As we state time and time again starting from your first Basics Course and throughout your time at CCF, nutrition forms the bases of your health and wellness. 

“Each level builds on the level below it,” explains Nicole Carroll, director of (CrossFit) certification. “If your nutrition sucks, these things will not be where they could be if it were more solid.”

Now we also know that summer means a lot more social occasions and we don't want you to turn into the person that refuses the piece of cake that your 3 year old niece offers you at her birthday party. Don't be the guy who refuses to have a tequila (almost paleo btw) with your best friend at his wedding.

There are however many occasions that may allow you to make the right choice for YOU. You and no one else can decide what is important for you on a regular Thursday night, if you plan your days accordingly you'll be able to resist the "bad stuff" most of the time and not only score points for the CCF Whole Life Challenge but also feel 100% in control of your own life, which actually is one of the biggest benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

How do you achieve this balance?

If you haven't elected to start The Whole30 (which we advise for those who have never attempted it before), we then suggest looking into a Paleo or Primal diet.

(Here is our previous blog post on "Why we recommend the Paleo and whole 30 Diet" )

Start off by making sure that 80% of your diet consists of whole foods, lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and other healthy fats - this is an already massive improvement to most peoples eating habits. The 20% gives you some wiggle room. 

Small changes that result in major health benefits can be as simple as addressing any nutrient deficiencies you may have:

1. Drink enough water.
2. Eat a variety of fruit and veggies to obtain all the vitamins and minerals you may need! Eat the rainbow - red, green, yellow, white, purple and blue. 
3. Eat enough protein
4. Take in more essential fats 

Secondly, address your portion sizes. This does not mean weighing or measuring your food but eyeballing your carbs, fats and protein by using the your hand as a reference. 

Remember that what ever decisions you have made nutrition wise the biggest payoff comes with being consistent. Whether you have chosen to tackle The Whole 30 or a variation thereof, success will come from consistency. Hold yourself accountable!

Now in terms of "CCF Whole Life Summer Challenge" - there are some strict no go areas. Processed food items like coco pops etc are off limits, so is sugar, pasta, bread and alcohol. Oats, rice and dairy fall in our grey area - if you have done The Whole30 you would know whether these are a benefit or a hindrance to you health and can thus chose to have them on your "approved list". 

So give yourself a point every time you have a day of "clean eating" and give yourself zero points every day where you have something that is on your "non approved list" - not only could you win some epic prizes, you will also be giving yourself the gift of health. 

Coach Tash
CCF Nutrition Advisor and Level 2 Trainer.

This is the first article of 8 that will help our members improve their healthy eating habits in conjunction with the "CCF Whole Life Summer Challenge". 
From here on the articles will be sent to participants that have signed up for the challenge on the Sunday night while being published in our blog midweek the following week.