Wiki - What?

I have to be honest.  I had "Bloggers Block" today.  How do you compete with posts about Calluses, Fungus and Paleo Pancakes?!  You simply cannot.

With all the hype in the news about Wikipedia, I was curious what its definition of CrossFit would be.  So, here are a few phrases, taken out of context, for your reading pleasure: 

"CrossFit is a strength and conditioning brand"

"CrossFit athletes run, row, jump rope, climb rope and carry odd objects"

"They frequently move large loads quickly over long distances, and use powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting techniques"

 "CrossFit has been variously portrayed as a fitness company, a grassroots health movement, a nascent sport, a fad, a publishing business and sometimes, disparagingly, a cult"

I was amused by some of these.

The Paleo-ISH lifestyle....

It seems like I am not alone when it comes to struggling to live the Paleo-ish lifestyle. I remember when this blog started up I was super motivated to stick to Paleo and only had 2 cheat days in over a month of eating well. I felt awful on those two cheat days and could not wait for a fresh day to jump back on my Paleo wagon. Now fast forward a few weeks and EVERYDAY is a m-effing cheat day for me.

While I am a bit disappointed that I do not have that same fervor to eat Paleo, I can honestly say that I do make many healthy choices throughout the day. While I may have some bread now, I may have one slice instead of four. lol. I am definitely all about whole wheat and not white processed bread. I have even noticed that while cheese is cool, I do not need it on everything like I did before I did the Paleo challenge. American cheese is even kind of gross to me now because it just seems really processed...like it is fake cheese. lol.

So while I am far from perfectly living a Paleo lifestyle, I think it is still a step in the right direction that my overall eating habits have improved. I find myself making healthier choices everyday (minus the mammoth cupcake that I inhaled yesterday). While I did put back on 4 pounds once I left strict Paleo my weight has not went up at all since that point. I'm cool with that though. I just know that if I ever do want to loose more weight I will have to tweak my eating habits in some way.

So now I need some updates. How is everyone doing? Who is still all in with Paleo? What motivates you to stick with it? Also, if anyone wants to do a Paleo Challenge again soon I would participate. I am competitive, so there is nothing like a little challenge with a finish line to strive towards to motivate me:)

Happy Hump Day Everyone!!! Get your hump on!

Almond Banana Pancakes

One word: YUMMMMM! I rarely cook or go outside my comfort zone when it come to paleo recipes, but when one of my friends told me about this, I couldn't help but try it out. These pancakes are so easy to make and actually taste good. Well, that is if you like almond butter and bananas.

I added dark chocolate chips to mine because its like having dessert for breakfast. :)

Here is the recipe:

• 2 ripe bananas (I used only one the second time I made this)
  
• 1 egg
• 1 heaping tablespoon of almond butter

Instructions:

• Mash the bananas, add the egg and mix well.
• Stir in the almond butter, adding more than a tablespoon if you want a more pancake-like texture.
• Warm butter in a pan and pour batter into small cakes.
• Brown on each side and serve warm.

FUNGUS!!!

Yeah I know, this is kind of disgusting but I want to write about it anyway. So this past summer, after my wonderful trip from Hawaii, I started noticing small white patches on my skin, more specifically my back and thought maybe I was just peeling from a lovely sunburn. But months passed and the spots persisted. They never hurt or itched or anything. They just looked unpleasant. A few months ago I went to my dermatologist and asked about these white spots and he proceeded to tell me I had a fungal infection – GROSS!

This fungal infection is called tinea versicolor or pitryiasis versicolor. (Refer to picture, but it's obviously not me and my fungus isn't that bad) It is when naturally occurring yeast found normally on the skin becomes infected. After freaking out for a little bit, my doctor assured me that its actually a common fungal infection of the skin that is usually seen after returning from a place with hot and humid weather (check) and very common in people that sweat and work out a lot (double check). This hypopigmentation of the skin is usually most noticeable during the summer time when the skin is tan and are usually located in the upper back, chest and arms. There are no real major concerns or problems with it besides it looking cosmetically unappealing. The spots can be treated with antifungal creams. Go take a look in the mirror....have you noticed any spots lately??

So what’s the bottom line???? Well besides grossing you out and telling you about my awesome skin, the best way to prevent the fungal infection: WASH YOUR BODY ASAP AFTER YOU FINISH WORKING OUT and/or SWEATING!

Hope you have a good week ya’ll!

Travel-capable paleo snacks.

i need suggestions for paleo foods/snacks that can be transported on an airplane for 17hrs, make it through customs, and not be stolen by the lovely filipino workers in manila as they "check" my bags.

also, do you think it better to carry them on the plane or pack em in a suitcase?

thus far, i bought the steve's original paleo kit pictured ...anyone ever try this stuff?...kinda pricey but the convenience is well worth it...hopefully.

Concoctions!

Do you have any food mixtures that are quick, easy, and actually taste awesome?

I need more, give them to me!

I don't know about you, but I'm getting a lot more work lately and prepping food is starting to get harder.

Yesterday I took about 2lbs of chicken breast, popped it in the slow cooker, then took two jars of natural salsa verde and poured it in. Let it sit for a few hours on high, pulled the chicken, put it back in and then promptly destroyed it all an hour or so later.

Later I took a second attempt at "protein pudding" and finally succeeded. Basically just mixed together a bunch of protein powder, a packet of sugar-free Cheesecake jell-o, and cold almond milk. Stuck it in a blender and let it chill out in the fridge for a few hours. Recovery pudding is the best pudding.

Sorry, but the caveman in me is going to have to take a backseat - I am in love with cheesecake.

Pre & Post Workout Snacks

I have heard so many different theories about PRE- and POST- Workout snacking.  Some claim that working out on an empty stomach burns more fat – you burn through your glycogen stores in about an hour and then your body turns to fat stores for energy.  Problem?  Your body will eventually start to burn muscle tissue as well.

Lately, I have been reading a lot about catabolic and anabolic processes, glycogen formation and protein synthesis.  Wow – my brain hurts from writing that!  Here is how I understand the science:

PRE-Workout:  nutritional strategy is based on providing alternative energy substrates to preserve energy stores, Carbs & Proteins

Carbs (simple sugars) consumption before training can reduce the amount of glycogen used and prolong performance

Protein enhances the delivery of amino acids to the muscle tissue, taking advantage of increased blood flow to working muscles

POST-Workout:  recovery is based on a quick change to an anabolic stage from a catabolic environment.  Introducing carbs, protein and fats into your body allows damaged tissue to begin the repair process and restock fuel reserves.

            Carbs are important for glycogen recovery

Protein is essential to post workout anabolism, providing amino acids which help rebuild damaged tissue and, enzymes and carrier proteins essential for adaptation to exercise

Fats and essential fatty acids in adequate quantities have the ability to alter physiology

Fluids are extremely important for muscle growth (dehydration inhibits muscle growth)     

I realize this is OBVIOUS information for most of you, but I have only recently become interested in learning the science behind it all … and to be honest, only recently have I applied the patience necessary to read and actually understand it.

Having said this, what are your PRE- and POST- Workout snacks, meals, supplements??