Monday, March 16, 2009

Nutrition: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

I know it's an over-stated phrase, but it fits. Awhile back a friend challenged me to follow the Paleo Diet. The challenge was two-fold, one so he had additional people trying Paleo with him, and two he wanted to see if it could be done following a lacto/ovo vegetarian meal plan.

I agreed but for some different reasons. One, I wanted to cut some weight for a tournament. Two, I wanted to see if the Paleo Diet had any effect on my blood glucose levels and the amount of insulin that was required to maintain my ideal blood glucose level.

First things first, easy way to drop a few pounds of 'bloat' without having to workout harder (notice I say harder because we all need to workout, there is no replacement for that.) There was also no urge to 'cheat' with the Paleo Diet. Typically most nutrition plans (or diets) have cheat days and cheat meals built into the program, Dr John Berardi's Precision Nutrition does, and it allows room for human error as well as sanity. The interesting part was I didn't even feel like cheating. In five weeks I cheated once, and I wouldn't even call it that, I had a few homemade potato chips and a piece of birthday cake. Not too shabby, but like I said after the first few days there was no urge to fall off the wagon.

So why is it so hard for most people to stick to a nutrition plan, or better terms yet, choosing healthy options throughout the day, more or less part of their lifestyle? Through excuses I have heard I blame accountability. Really, who is holding you accountable and why? These are questions I can only answer for myself.

For me I wanted to make a new weight class for Jiu-Jitsu and I wanted to see if I could treat my diabetes better than an MD (no offense to any Docs out there.) Fact is I've used significantly less insulin, and I've had less highs and lows, that right there is worth it's weight in gold.

I have decided to make a few adjustments that work better for me, but nothing too drastic. It's a simple plan of eating lean proteins, lots of veggies, some fruit and nuts. I try to avoid protein bars but did rely on whey protein shakes about once a day.

I almost forgot, I've taken significantly less naps as well, higher energy levels, has done wonders for my training.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey Pamela,

Interesting post!

I've been thinking about having a play with the Paleo stuff ... I don't think I'd have much trouble, but I do LOVE my milk and protein shakes :P

Cheers

mike laff said...

Good stuff Pam....you could also significantly reduce your amount of naps if you take my kids for a few days. As you know I have the hardest time keeping it togehter on weekend. I lose my sanity and eat horribly. I really need to pull it together to meet my goals. Thanks for forcing me to introspect.

Pamela MacElree said...

Hey Laff! Yes, I'm sure the kids would run me to the ground and I'd be asleep for the night just a few minutes after they were out.

Try just making some healthier choices on the weekends and include the kids on it. You know this already, but once that weekend rut is out of the way, you'll hit every one of your goals, I'm sure if it.

15061970, the Paleo isn't a bad one to give a go at, and like I said I made a few alterations to it that fit my life a little better, and it's working great.