Eat More, Weigh Less?

OK lets admit it, we have all read the number of calories on a package at the grocery store thinking we were doing ourselves a favor by limiting calories. Unfortunately, low calorie diets don’t live up to all the hype! Recent studies have shown that this type of eating will actually lead to weight gain after the initial weight loss. 

When you reduce the amount of calories in your diet, your body thinks you are going into starvation, and as a result any food that you put into your system will actually be stored as fat. 

The stress of calorie restriction on the body causes the release of excess sugar, that was previously stored in the liver. High amounts of excess sugar can lead to Type 2 Diabetes – which ironically can also be caused by eating too many calories. 

Instead of counting calories, focus on eating real, whole foods. When you eat real foods your body gets the nutrients it needs and your cravings will be eliminated. Alternatively, as the nutrient value of processed foods is so minimal, you will continue to crave foods until your body fulfills the nutritional requirements it needs. 

Just because a food is marked low calorie, does not mean it is a health food. Value real food and nutrient content instead of counting calories. 

To learn more about health myths, click here.

CrossFit

I’m always looking for new ways to switch up my work out routine, as it is important to constantly challenge our bodies and avoid getting stuck on a "human hamster wheel." 

Today I tried CrossFit for the first time and really appreciate the concept. According to Crossfit.com, the program “delivers a fitness that is, by design, broad, general, and inclusive. Our specialty is not specializing. The CrossFit program is designed for universal scalability making it the perfect application for any committed individual regardless of experience.”

I followed the routine on realfitnessgroup.com, today it was:

• 1 mile run 
• 109 squats
• 89 box jumps (24″ - 18″)
• 69 double unders while jump roping
• 49 burpees (down ups)
• 29 GHD sit-ups
• 1 mile run

It was a great total body workout that I could do with only a jump rope and pair of running shoes. Since I don't have a gym membership right now, I’ve been finding ways to get a great workout at home (besides pulling up carpet at the office as I've recently been doing).

The thing I really like about CrossFit is that everyone can do it, or at least a modified version of it. For box jumps, I used the side of my deck and for the GHD sit-ups I did leg raises, but since they are easier I did a few more. If you are unable to run, then speed walk the distance. If you are unable to do full squats, do partial squats. You can always modify each exercise to fit your needs and abilities. Do what you can, and push yourself each time to do a little more.

Have you tried CrossFit or a similar program? I’d love to hear your thoughts about it.

Why You Should Eat Organic

Check out this video by Kevin Gianni from the Renegade Health Show, it is a great demonstration on why you should eat organic foods.