Comments on: Low-Carbs and CrossFit http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/ The Paleo Solution book and podcast | Paleo diet, Paleolithic nutrition, intermittent fasting, and fitness Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-30492 Robb Wolf Sun, 05 Jun 2011 03:27:32 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-30492 Oh Traci... The zone is NOT the answer and if leaning out is your primary concern killing yourself with Crossfit WODs may nit be your best option. Oh Traci… The zone is NOT the answer and if leaning out is your primary concern killing yourself with Crossfit WODs may nit be your best option.

]]> By: Traci http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-30491 Traci Sun, 05 Jun 2011 02:24:25 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-30491 Really need some advice on the zone! I am a 18 year old female 155/5'9'' I am currently doing crossfit plus another session of cardio (3 mile run or 20 min row in the early morning) 6 days a week. I estimate on most days i burn 600-800 calories from my workouts, and eat about 1,700 calories. I am trying to lean out! For a while i was doing 14 blocks a day (4/4/4) 3 meals and (1/1/1) 2 snacks a day. For the last week i have cut my carbs in half for each meal, and doubled fats. The last few days i have felt shaky at night after workouts, and i dont know if this is just my body trying to adjust to the change, or if this means i shouldn't be eating such a low amount of carbs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Really need some advice on the zone!
I am a 18 year old female 155/5’9”
I am currently doing crossfit plus another session of cardio (3 mile run or 20 min row in the early morning) 6 days a week. I estimate on most days i burn 600-800 calories from my workouts, and eat about 1,700 calories. I am trying to lean out! For a while i was doing 14 blocks a day (4/4/4) 3 meals and (1/1/1) 2 snacks a day. For the last week i have cut my carbs in half for each meal, and doubled fats. The last few days i have felt shaky at night after workouts, and i dont know if this is just my body trying to adjust to the change, or if this means i shouldn’t be eating such a low amount of carbs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

]]> By: CrossFit Draper - Forging Elite Fitness. Call 801-971-7020 http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-26077 CrossFit Draper - Forging Elite Fitness. Call 801-971-7020 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 03:58:12 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-26077 [...] Low Carbs and CrossFit click to read. You dont want to miss it! [...] [...] Low Carbs and CrossFit click to read. You dont want to miss it! [...]

]]> By: TUESDAY, 03.09.10: WOD http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7076 TUESDAY, 03.09.10: WOD Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:09:58 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7076 [...] robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/ [...] [...] robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/ [...]

]]> By: PJ http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7075 PJ Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:01:01 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7075 Thanks for the thoughts Robb. From this it'd make sense then to keep metcons VERY short if doing low carb. A good match for this might be what the CrossFit Wichita Falls program did with M/T/Th/F as Strength days while tossing in some carefully planned 6-8 minute high power output metcons on Tuesday and Friday only, and resting W/Sa/Su. Thanks for the thoughts Robb.
From this it’d make sense then to keep metcons VERY short if doing low carb. A good match for this might be what the CrossFit Wichita Falls program did with M/T/Th/F as Strength days while tossing in some carefully planned 6-8 minute high power output metcons on Tuesday and Friday only, and resting W/Sa/Su.

]]> By: Cross Fit Old Bethpage http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7074 Cross Fit Old Bethpage Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:11:17 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7074 [...] http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028 swfobject.embedSWF("http://www.youtube.com/v/7h4r8tWGAKM&rel=0&fs=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=0", "vvq-2111-youtube-1", "425", "344", "9", vvqexpressinstall, vvqflashvars, vvqparams, vvqattributes); [...] [...] http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028 swfobject.embedSWF("http://www.youtube.com/v/7h4r8tWGAKM&rel=0&fs=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=0", "vvq-2111-youtube-1", "425", "344", "9", vvqexpressinstall, vvqflashvars, vvqparams, vvqattributes); [...]

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7073 Robb Wolf Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:22:16 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7073 PJ- If the effort is shorter, I think we are seeing fine performance on a ketogenic or nearly so protocol. When intensity AND durations tart pushing out, we will need more carbs. then as duration extends, intensity must fall, then we see folks doing better on more fat. If you recall from that nutriton and metabolism paper, the one thing they saw a dip in was anaerobic efforts. I think we just need to keep an eye on intake and performance and steer the ship where we need it to go. PJ-
If the effort is shorter, I think we are seeing fine performance on a ketogenic or nearly so protocol. When intensity AND durations tart pushing out, we will need more carbs. then as duration extends, intensity must fall, then we see folks doing better on more fat.

If you recall from that nutriton and metabolism paper, the one thing they saw a dip in was anaerobic efforts. I think we just need to keep an eye on intake and performance and steer the ship where we need it to go.

]]> By: PJ http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7072 PJ Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:27:57 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7072 Robb, Shot an email awhile back looking for some insights background on the energy systems and the disparity between the current mainstream sports nutrition guidelines and what we seeing working for our athletes. That "Ketogenic Diets and Physical Performance" article is great and helps to bring light to the endurance side--but what about anaerobic efforts? Most of what I've read would support a reliance on glycogen during very high intensity work, further linking a "need" for more carbohydrates in the diet. But I've seen many crossfitters do extremely well with paleo. Any leads on the how/why? Robb,
Shot an email awhile back looking for some insights background on the energy systems and the disparity between the current mainstream sports nutrition guidelines and what we seeing working for our athletes. That “Ketogenic Diets and Physical Performance” article is great and helps to bring light to the endurance side–but what about anaerobic efforts? Most of what I’ve read would support a reliance on glycogen during very high intensity work, further linking a “need” for more carbohydrates in the diet. But I’ve seen many crossfitters do extremely well with paleo. Any leads on the how/why?

]]> By: jon w http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7071 jon w Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:59:18 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7071 Hey Nick nice writeup. As others mentioned, I too would be leery of self-bias when you are in a "sample size of one" - one control would be to test again when you go back off the diet? But you certainly proved it doesnt make you drop dead (as most people on the street have been indoctrinated to believe). I have heard about the importance of uncooked or at least low-temp meat if that is your only source of nutrition, and of course the vitamins in organ meat. Did you worry about these factors at all, or think they're important for longer term use? I know liver has a bad rap, but if you know any hunters, fresh pork liver is by far the best... and at $2/lb whole foods chicken liver is amazing wrapped in bacon and fried or grilled. Anyone interested in this should read a great summary of making beef jerky: http://www.carnivorehealth.com/main/2009/5/10/upping-production-or-how-i-have-become-a-one-man-pemmican-fa.html Hey Nick nice writeup. As others mentioned, I too would be leery of self-bias when you are in a “sample size of one” – one control would be to test again when you go back off the diet? But you certainly proved it doesnt make you drop dead (as most people on the street have been indoctrinated to believe).

I have heard about the importance of uncooked or at least low-temp meat if that is your only source of nutrition, and of course the vitamins in organ meat. Did you worry about these factors at all, or think they’re important for longer term use? I know liver has a bad rap, but if you know any hunters, fresh pork liver is by far the best… and at $2/lb whole foods chicken liver is amazing wrapped in bacon and fried or grilled.

Anyone interested in this should read a great summary of making beef jerky: http://www.carnivorehealth.com/main/2009/5/10/upping-production-or-how-i-have-become-a-one-man-pemmican-fa.html

]]> By: CrossFit Austin | South Austin’s Favorite Spot for CrossFit » WOD 12/11 http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7070 CrossFit Austin | South Austin’s Favorite Spot for CrossFit » WOD 12/11 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:11:33 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7070 [...] Low Low Carb and CrossFit [...] [...] Low Low Carb and CrossFit [...]

]]> By: David http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7069 David Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:10:59 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7069 I've personally gone through a total transformation on a VLC lifestyle. My first day ever doing CrossFit was Oct. 11-08. I began at 235lbs and 22% BF at 6'. I started with jumping pull ups, maybe 10 push-ups max, 135lb deadlift, never heard of a clean, or snatch, and couldnt run if my life depended on it. I then began a zero carb plan, and ate as much as I wanted. Since then I have dropped to 10% BF, 194lbs, 10 strict muscle-ups, 400 lb deadlift, 1:09 400m run, 175lb snatch, 225 lb clean and jerk, among many other PR's (in fact my GPP is mostly advanced level 3 on the Crossfit skill assessment)! Much can be attributed to Newbie gains, but if nutrition is the foundation, then I can confidently say that the VLC works and is sustainable. I dont get sick anymore, I feel great, and see most people in my gym getting the same results! Much Thanks to: Robb Wolf Mark Sisson Art De Vanny Mike Eades and everyone else not mentioned that know their Nutrition stuff and share with the world. Your work has helped me change my life!!!! I’ve personally gone through a total transformation on a VLC lifestyle. My first day ever doing CrossFit was Oct. 11-08. I began at 235lbs and 22% BF at 6′. I started with jumping pull ups, maybe 10 push-ups max, 135lb deadlift, never heard of a clean, or snatch, and couldnt run if my life depended on it.

I then began a zero carb plan, and ate as much as I wanted. Since then I have dropped to 10% BF, 194lbs, 10 strict muscle-ups, 400 lb deadlift, 1:09 400m run, 175lb snatch, 225 lb clean and jerk, among many other PR’s (in fact my GPP is mostly advanced level 3 on the Crossfit skill assessment)! Much can be attributed to Newbie gains, but if nutrition is the foundation, then I can confidently say that the VLC works and is sustainable. I dont get sick anymore, I feel great, and see most people in my gym getting the same results!

Much Thanks to:
Robb Wolf
Mark Sisson
Art De Vanny
Mike Eades
and everyone else not mentioned that know their Nutrition stuff and share with the world. Your work has helped me change my life!!!!

]]> By: Nick Hahn http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7068 Nick Hahn Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:09:20 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7068 Steve, I'll be the first to admit that people are very susceptible to biases, like the Hawthorne effect and that my little experiment isn't at all applicable to anyone else. There may have been a bunch of variables at play in my improvement of times. But we can definitely say restricting carbs won't hurt performance. I personally felt better and stronger, but that isn't exactly quantifiable. The for me was to see if you *can* maintain good, or possibly improved performance eating fewer, or no, carbs. Obviously, we'd have to run multiple experiments and compare things for a while to make a real determination as to whether I actually would continue to make progress. I suspect I would. The more I think of it, the idea that sugar--especially super high amounts--is necessary for performance seems to fly in the face of evolutionary logic, as sugar is one of those things that tend to be at a premium in nature. A naturally sugar dependent person would probably find his/her way out of the gene pool relatively quickly during the first drought. Steve, I’ll be the first to admit that people are very susceptible to biases, like the Hawthorne effect and that my little experiment isn’t at all applicable to anyone else. There may have been a bunch of variables at play in my improvement of times. But we can definitely say restricting carbs won’t hurt performance. I personally felt better and stronger, but that isn’t exactly quantifiable.

The for me was to see if you *can* maintain good, or possibly improved performance eating fewer, or no, carbs. Obviously, we’d have to run multiple experiments and compare things for a while to make a real determination as to whether I actually would continue to make progress. I suspect I would.

The more I think of it, the idea that sugar–especially super high amounts–is necessary for performance seems to fly in the face of evolutionary logic, as sugar is one of those things that tend to be at a premium in nature. A naturally sugar dependent person would probably find his/her way out of the gene pool relatively quickly during the first drought.

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7067 Robb Wolf Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:56:07 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7067 Steve- I don;t know but one has even an ounce of competitiveness I think you try to get the most out of ANYTHING you are doing. When we see high performing athletes see a significant bump in performance it;s pretty interesting for me. Steve-
I don;t know but one has even an ounce of competitiveness I think you try to get the most out of ANYTHING you are doing. When we see high performing athletes see a significant bump in performance it;s pretty interesting for me.

]]> By: Steve Smith http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7066 Steve Smith Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:53:33 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7066 Robb - First - I read through the link posted: http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/1/1/2 It was a very interesting read. One thing that jumped out in that article was the studies showed that a VLC diet/no carb diet will not REDUCE physical performance (past the first 1-3 weeks of adaptation). The studies seem to indicate that the human body is very capable on subsisting on a fat/protein only diet. He mentions sustaining lean body mass and performance. There was nothing about improving lean body mass and nothing about increasing performance. Not to question the intention of the original letter, but I wonder how much improvement in performance seen when 'testing' a eating plan for a month (whether it is paleo/zone/VLC/etc) is the result of the person wanting to see an improvement and making it happen vs seeing an improvement based solely on the change in eating. Robb -

First – I read through the link posted:

http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/1/1/2

It was a very interesting read.

One thing that jumped out in that article was the studies showed that a VLC diet/no carb diet will not REDUCE physical performance (past the first 1-3 weeks of adaptation). The studies seem to indicate that the human body is very capable on subsisting on a fat/protein only diet. He mentions sustaining lean body mass and performance. There was nothing about improving lean body mass and nothing about increasing performance.

Not to question the intention of the original letter, but I wonder how much improvement in performance seen when ‘testing’ a eating plan for a month (whether it is paleo/zone/VLC/etc) is the result of the person wanting to see an improvement and making it happen vs seeing an improvement based solely on the change in eating.

]]> By: Nick Hahn http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7065 Nick Hahn Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:11:30 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7065 In reply to the question about what type of meat I ate, I just ate muscle meat from pork, beef, bison, turkey, and lamb. How did I keep it interesting? A friend and I made some home-made bacon and that kept it interesting. But I think its pretty easy to get used to the meat only approach. No organ meats and I only ate marrow out of the lamb shanks and that was only a couple of times. Other than that meat and eggs. As for vitamin C, I think Gary Taubes talks about it in his GCBC and he postulates that either grains or carbohydrates mess with vitamin C metabolism. I'm not really sure that's been totally hashed out, though. In reply to the question about what type of meat I ate, I just ate muscle meat from pork, beef, bison, turkey, and lamb. How did I keep it interesting? A friend and I made some home-made bacon and that kept it interesting. But I think its pretty easy to get used to the meat only approach. No organ meats and I only ate marrow out of the lamb shanks and that was only a couple of times. Other than that meat and eggs.

As for vitamin C, I think Gary Taubes talks about it in his GCBC and he postulates that either grains or carbohydrates mess with vitamin C metabolism. I’m not really sure that’s been totally hashed out, though.

]]> By: Julianne http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7064 Julianne Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:17:43 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7064 Dr Ed, I just read your comment about a client with costochondritis. My husband has had this a couple of times and after suffering for months heard that rolfing was really effective - which he tried - and it has been really successful. He hasn't had another epsisode since he went paleo a year ago. Dr Ed,
I just read your comment about a client with costochondritis. My husband has had this a couple of times and after suffering for months heard that rolfing was really effective – which he tried – and it has been really successful. He hasn’t had another epsisode since he went paleo a year ago.

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7063 Robb Wolf Wed, 09 Dec 2009 03:27:02 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7063 JC- Good find! thanks! JC-
Good find! thanks!

]]> By: JC http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7062 JC Wed, 09 Dec 2009 03:10:30 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7062 Robb check out this piece on pro basketball player Chris Kaman's Vitamin D deficiency: http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-clippers-fyi8-2009dec08,0,5249805.story Robb check out this piece on pro basketball player Chris Kaman’s Vitamin D deficiency:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-clippers-fyi8-2009dec08,0,5249805.story

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7061 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:43:43 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7061 Richard- this si the next HQ gambit: Discredit Paleo by making it all about gluttony. Brilliant. Richard-
this si the next HQ gambit: Discredit Paleo by making it all about gluttony. Brilliant.

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7060 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:42:29 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7060 Tami- VLCD was when I had my best BJJ. interesting stuff. Tami-
VLCD was when I had my best BJJ. interesting stuff.

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7059 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:41:28 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7059 Nate- that is a good question...will try to get that soon. Nate-
that is a good question…will try to get that soon.

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7058 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:40:35 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7058 Stick with the bicarb, and yes. Stick with the bicarb, and yes.

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7057 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:40:06 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7057 Patrick- I like it. Patrick-
I like it.

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7056 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:37:59 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7056 Thalin! Ciao!! I don;t put much stock in the thyroid down-regulation. If this was legit we would see the whole inuit population historically with hypothyroidism. Thalin!
Ciao!! I don;t put much stock in the thyroid down-regulation. If this was legit we would see the whole inuit population historically with hypothyroidism.

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7055 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:36:32 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7055 ChrisCFW- I guess that just depends on your needs. We DO see people lean out but maintain strength. Not a bad thing with that! ChrisCFW-
I guess that just depends on your needs. We DO see people lean out but maintain strength. Not a bad thing with that!

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7054 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:35:08 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7054 Malecki- Constipation? Usually folks shit like geese! Try some coconut milk. Drink plenty of water. Malecki-
Constipation? Usually folks shit like geese! Try some coconut milk. Drink plenty of water.

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7053 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:33:08 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7053 Coach Staley! here's that link: http://robbwolf.com/?p=782 Coach Staley! here’s that link:
http://robbwolf.com/?p=782

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7052 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:32:06 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7052 Shana- This is pretty accessible: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/definitive-guide-grains/ Shana-
This is pretty accessible:
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/definitive-guide-grains/

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7051 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:30:24 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7051 Wes- I don;t think so! Wes-
I don;t think so!

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7050 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:30:04 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7050 Doc- yeesh...I doubt it's the protein intake. Did you have numbers before the change? This is the only way to really get a sense on that. If you do not see improvements in a month one could certainly drive the protein down a bit but the decreased inflammation and lower carb intake should improve kidney function. Doc-
yeesh…I doubt it’s the protein intake. Did you have numbers before the change? This is the only way to really get a sense on that. If you do not see improvements in a month one could certainly drive the protein down a bit but the decreased inflammation and lower carb intake should improve kidney function.

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7049 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:27:07 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7049 Ian- Have not ehard of that...try upping vit d to 5,000iu. Might try a tribulus product also. Ian-
Have not ehard of that…try upping vit d to 5,000iu. Might try a tribulus product also.

]]> By: Robb Wolf http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7048 Robb Wolf Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:26:22 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7048 Steve- We might tackle this in a podcast at some point but till then read Good Calories Bad calories and read the following: http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/1/1/2 Vit C, similar to most of the b vitamins appears to be necessary in larger amounts with carbohydrate intake. Steve-
We might tackle this in a podcast at some point but till then read Good Calories Bad calories and read the following:
http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/1/1/2

Vit C, similar to most of the b vitamins appears to be necessary in larger amounts with carbohydrate intake.

]]> By: Steve Smith http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7047 Steve Smith Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:37:29 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7047 How could you not eventually have vitamin c deficiency if you are only eating meat and eggs? How could you not eventually have vitamin c deficiency if you are only eating meat and eggs?

]]> By: Ian http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7046 Ian Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:25:04 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7046 Good stuff. Robb, I know this is a family website but have you heard of anyone having problems with their libido while on a low carb diet? I have noticed that mine has gone down since dropping the carbs to 50-75/day. I love the way I feel on a low carb diet, except for that one thing of course..... Good stuff.

Robb, I know this is a family website but have you heard of anyone having problems with their libido while on a low carb diet? I have noticed that mine has gone down since dropping the carbs to 50-75/day. I love the way I feel on a low carb diet, except for that one thing of course…..

]]> By: Dr. Ed http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7045 Dr. Ed Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:20:24 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7045 Question for you Robb, 300-310lb patient history of 2 coronaries, heart surgery, CVD, type II, and acute costochondritis. On Paleo 7 weeks and showing improvments. However, blood tests show elevated microalbumin (urine). Could be CVD, liver, kidney disease as the cause---could the increased protein consumption stress his kidneys further (30-40% protein)? My instinct is no.. but I would like to know your thoughts? Question for you Robb,

300-310lb patient history of 2 coronaries, heart surgery, CVD, type II, and acute costochondritis. On Paleo 7 weeks and showing improvments. However, blood tests show elevated microalbumin (urine). Could be CVD, liver, kidney disease as the cause—could the increased protein consumption stress his kidneys further (30-40% protein)? My instinct is no.. but I would like to know your thoughts?

]]> By: wes http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7044 wes Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:57:19 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7044 Could one avoid the expense and taste of veggies and provide alkalinity with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar? Could one avoid the expense and taste of veggies and provide alkalinity with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar?

]]> By: James http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7043 James Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:18:27 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7043 Just because I'm curious, I'd love to see a sampling of what he ate (I know meat and eggs-more specifically ) in the month. I'm guessing it would take some real creativity, something I lack at at times. Love the blog and Podcast. Just because I’m curious, I’d love to see a sampling of what he ate (I know meat and eggs-more specifically ) in the month. I’m guessing it would take some real creativity, something I lack at at times.

Love the blog and Podcast.

]]> By: Dave Maxwell http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7042 Dave Maxwell Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:45:03 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7042 Did you happen to tape yourself before and after? Wondering if you expererienced a noticable decrease in BF. You stated you lost 2 lbs, just wondering. Thanks! Did you happen to tape yourself before and after? Wondering if you expererienced a noticable decrease in BF. You stated you lost 2 lbs, just wondering. Thanks!

]]> By: Shana A. http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7041 Shana A. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:02:35 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7041 Hey Robb ! Can you direct me to a post that explains why cereal grains are the devil? I am needing to share with a client and am just looking for something that breaks it down simply, but thoroughly. She's just getting exposed to this info and I think if I just link her to your site she might be overwhelmed and not know where to start. Thanks! Hey Robb !
Can you direct me to a post that explains why cereal grains are the devil? I am needing to share with a client and am just looking for something that breaks it down simply, but thoroughly. She’s just getting exposed to this info and I think if I just link her to your site she might be overwhelmed and not know where to start.
Thanks!

]]> By: Charles Staley http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7040 Charles Staley Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:05:17 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7040 Can anyone point me to the Mat Lalonde post mentioned here? Can anyone point me to the Mat Lalonde post mentioned here?

]]> By: Chris G http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7039 Chris G Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:04:24 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7039 I have been something very similar. Straight Paleo with 50% cut carbs. Feel very good and continue to PR. I am a firefighter so my sleep habits get dicey so ive upped my intake of Fish Oil, Coconut Oil and Alpha Lipoic Acid and I feel great! I started off on a 16 block Paleo/Zone and now I see myself eating about 26/7/23 ratio of Pro, Carb, Fat. I feel great, im really leaning out and I continue to PR. I guess you just have to tinker until you figure out what works best. Love the Blog Post I have been something very similar. Straight Paleo with 50% cut carbs. Feel very good and continue to PR. I am a firefighter so my sleep habits get dicey so ive upped my intake of Fish Oil, Coconut Oil and Alpha Lipoic Acid and I feel great!
I started off on a 16 block Paleo/Zone and now I see myself eating about 26/7/23 ratio of Pro, Carb, Fat. I feel great, im really leaning out and I continue to PR.
I guess you just have to tinker until you figure out what works best.
Love the Blog Post

]]> By: tyler http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7038 tyler Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:09:37 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7038 I own Cornwall Crossfit. Me and the other coach here (Kyle) have been following a very similar 'ketogenic' style of diet for about a month now. We cut most carbs and 'upped' protein and fat. More fat than usual. We are more 'lifting' based than 'metcon' based in general (as a gym). We both started out feeling good with high energy. The high energy has only grown in the last 4 weeks. We are both much leaner and stronger. Our metcon's have taken a small hit - but this is due to the fact that we don't do them as much, lol. We cycle: 4-8 weeks: Olympic lifts / power lifting / weakness specific program. then 4-8 weeks: Crossfit 4-5 day schedule. These numbers seem loose but; it depends solely on the weakness(s) / goals of the person. Long story short, Eating 'CAVEMAN' is very unstructured. We eat when we are hungry, we eat 'a hunk-a-protein' with some good fats and always choose veggies first. What amazes me is how high my energy is when working out at 1:30 and not eating much except a couple of boiled eggs and some trail mix?? Crazy energy!! Anyways, big thanks to Rob and Matt. The last 2 months of info related to post workout nutrition and ketogenic eating has been nothing short of 'eye opening'. When my snatch PR goes up by 10 pounds in 3 weeks - I am a happy camper!! Thanks again, I own Cornwall Crossfit. Me and the other coach here (Kyle) have been following a very similar ‘ketogenic’ style of diet for about a month now.

We cut most carbs and ‘upped’ protein and fat. More fat than usual.

We are more ‘lifting’ based than ‘metcon’ based in general (as a gym).

We both started out feeling good with high energy. The high energy has only grown in the last 4 weeks. We are both much leaner and stronger.

Our metcon’s have taken a small hit – but this is due to the fact that we don’t do them as much, lol.

We cycle:

4-8 weeks: Olympic lifts / power lifting / weakness specific program.
then
4-8 weeks: Crossfit 4-5 day schedule.

These numbers seem loose but; it depends solely on the weakness(s) / goals of the person.

Long story short, Eating ‘CAVEMAN’ is very unstructured. We eat when we are hungry, we eat ‘a hunk-a-protein’ with some good fats and always choose veggies first.

What amazes me is how high my energy is when working out at 1:30 and not eating much except a couple of boiled eggs and some trail mix?? Crazy energy!!

Anyways, big thanks to Rob and Matt. The last 2 months of info related to post workout nutrition and ketogenic eating has been nothing short of ‘eye opening’. When my snatch PR goes up by 10 pounds in 3 weeks – I am a happy camper!!

Thanks again,

]]> By: Jay http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7037 Jay Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:59:31 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7037 Good Stuff-thanks Robb Good Stuff-thanks Robb

]]> By: Malecki http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7036 Malecki Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:49:17 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7036 I've been playing with VLC for the past two months and have had some problems with my BMs. Are there any suggestions? Am I doing somethinng wrong? Also, can anybody suggest a good fat source besides almond butter, olive oil and avocados? I'm getting boired with them. Thanks for the help. I’ve been playing with VLC for the past two months and have had some problems with my BMs. Are there any suggestions? Am I doing somethinng wrong? Also, can anybody suggest a good fat source besides almond butter, olive oil and avocados? I’m getting boired with them. Thanks for the help.

]]> By: David Long http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7035 David Long Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:31:13 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7035 Great Stuff! I know that when I looked at carbs in proteins while eating straight Zone I was shocked at how many grams of carbs I was consuming. I think the block method intentionaly gets people from looking at how many calories and grams of carbs you are eating. It matters! Awesome stuff. Great Stuff! I know that when I looked at carbs in proteins while eating straight Zone I was shocked at how many grams of carbs I was consuming. I think the block method intentionaly gets people from looking at how many calories and grams of carbs you are eating. It matters! Awesome stuff.

]]> By: ChrisCFW http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7034 ChrisCFW Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:13:02 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7034 This is a great piece. My current situation seems to be that without a carb level of approx 1g/lb of bodyweight, my weight starts to drop and increasing fat intake doesn't seem to help this. My performance seems to be at it's best at a higher bodyweight than it is now (I naturally seem to run at 9st7lbs, but my performance is much better at 10st+). So, the big question for someone like me is... Do I keep running at the higher carb level as presumably I need the Insulin from this level to maintain/gain weight or is this part of the whole adaptation thing and a period of low carb, higher fat will eventually switch things around and I can then maintain/gain without the higher carbs? Cheers Robb. Podcasts are amazing by the way :-) This is a great piece.

My current situation seems to be that without a carb level of approx 1g/lb of bodyweight, my weight starts to drop and increasing fat intake doesn’t seem to help this.

My performance seems to be at it’s best at a higher bodyweight than it is now (I naturally seem to run at 9st7lbs, but my performance is much better at 10st+).

So, the big question for someone like me is… Do I keep running at the higher carb level as presumably I need the Insulin from this level to maintain/gain weight or is this part of the whole adaptation thing and a period of low carb, higher fat will eventually switch things around and I can then maintain/gain without the higher carbs?

Cheers Robb.

Podcasts are amazing by the way :-)

]]> By: Thalin http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7033 Thalin Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:47:09 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7033 Hey robb! thanks for the post...this gets to a question I have been thinking about for a few weeks now...What about tyroid hormones? I have read in NHE that long term vlc diets can hinder tyroid function and that they might actually result in lowering your metabolism and so imparing weight loss and performance (athletic and mental). I have significantly reduced my carbs intake, I have been trying to do 14 days @30g, 2 days @unlimited + another 14days@ 30g, twice and I noticed that the second time I didn't lose weight and I felt more tired. I am now around 50/60 g a day and I feel good and my oly weightlifting is going well. I am afraid to go lower because I don't want to mess with my tyroid! Is this concern legitimate? Hey robb! thanks for the post…this gets to a question I have been thinking about for a few weeks now…What about tyroid hormones?

I have read in NHE that long term vlc diets can hinder tyroid function and that they might actually result in lowering your metabolism and so imparing weight loss and performance (athletic and mental).

I have significantly reduced my carbs intake, I have been trying to do 14 days @30g, 2 days @unlimited + another 14days@ 30g, twice and I noticed that the second time I didn’t lose weight and I felt more tired.
I am now around 50/60 g a day and I feel good and my oly weightlifting is going well. I am afraid to go lower because I don’t want to mess with my tyroid! Is this concern legitimate?

]]> By: Stephen http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7032 Stephen Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:57:52 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7032 Me-thinks it's time I tried a month long VLC diet experiment myself. Thanks for sharing. Stephen Me-thinks it’s time I tried a month long VLC diet experiment myself. Thanks for sharing.

Stephen

]]> By: Patrick http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7031 Patrick Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:34:28 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7031 Also, who's up for starting a movement based on constantly varied diet for forging elite fitness? I'll let you pick the title you address me by, so long as you capitalize it and I can foist my political views on you. Also, who’s up for starting a movement based on constantly varied diet for forging elite fitness? I’ll let you pick the title you address me by, so long as you capitalize it and I can foist my political views on you.

]]> By: Patrick http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7030 Patrick Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:31:55 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7030 Very interesting indeed... tempts one to try. I'm curious: would taking a teaspoon of bicarb or some TUMS contribute to alkalinity? Very interesting indeed… tempts one to try. I’m curious: would taking a teaspoon of bicarb or some TUMS contribute to alkalinity?

]]> By: Veronica http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7029 Veronica Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:23:58 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7029 My breakfasts are typically VLC and I rarely feel hungry during the day. In the past few weeks I've worked long days and have "accidentally" fasted 10-14 hr fasts and never skipped a beat at work. Not that I'd want to make this a regular thing, but I guess a high protein/fat, low carb approach can explain how I can not eat all day and still run circles around my co-workers and look better, too. :-) My breakfasts are typically VLC and I rarely feel hungry during the day. In the past few weeks I’ve worked long days and have “accidentally” fasted 10-14 hr fasts and never skipped a beat at work. Not that I’d want to make this a regular thing, but I guess a high protein/fat, low carb approach can explain how I can not eat all day and still run circles around my co-workers and look better, too. :-)

]]> By: Nate http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7028 Nate Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:10:09 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7028 Robb, This is off topic , but I have been thinking a lot about it lately. Perhaps this would be a good podcast question. With all the foods that are cut while doing a paleo/ gluten-free diet there must be a hierarchy of food choices. For example, i understand that gluten is forever a no-no. But how does dairy stack up to peanuts, corn, rice, protein mixes etc. Many of our clients are interested in doing paleo or zone, but they are reluctant to give up certain things i.e. peanut butter etc. Any thoughts? Nate Robb, This is off topic , but I have been thinking a lot about it lately. Perhaps this would be a good podcast question. With all the foods that are cut while doing a paleo/ gluten-free diet there must be a hierarchy of food choices. For example, i understand that gluten is forever a no-no. But how does dairy stack up to peanuts, corn, rice, protein mixes etc. Many of our clients are interested in doing paleo or zone, but they are reluctant to give up certain things i.e. peanut butter etc. Any thoughts?
Nate

]]> By: CrossFit on a VLC Diet: Anecdotal Evidence « A Tribe Called Fit http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7027 CrossFit on a VLC Diet: Anecdotal Evidence « A Tribe Called Fit Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:07:36 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7027 [...] December 7, 2009 at 10:07 pm · Filed under Diet and Nutrition Today Robb Wolf shared an email from one of his subscribers that provided interesting (and very positive!) results from a CrossFitter who adopted a very low carbohydrate (VLC) diet while continuing to CrossFit regularly.  He measured progress both in terms of leaner body composition as well as his power output on benchmark CrossFit workouts including “Helen” and “Annie” and others. You can read the full story (along with Robb’s insightful commentary) by clicking here. [...] [...] December 7, 2009 at 10:07 pm · Filed under Diet and Nutrition Today Robb Wolf shared an email from one of his subscribers that provided interesting (and very positive!) results from a CrossFitter who adopted a very low carbohydrate (VLC) diet while continuing to CrossFit regularly.  He measured progress both in terms of leaner body composition as well as his power output on benchmark CrossFit workouts including “Helen” and “Annie” and others. You can read the full story (along with Robb’s insightful commentary) by clicking here. [...]

]]> By: Tami http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7026 Tami Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:46:37 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7026 Very interesting. I tried a similar approach last spring and had great success with it. I ate low carb (under 20-30 g per day) with a re-feed high carb day on the weekends. (In hindsight the re-feed days were not the best idea, I ended up eating too much junk.) I was super-strict with the low-carb thing for just over a month, and continued a less-strict version of the diet throughout the summer. I made great strength gains, PR'ing on all my lifts, some by 10-15 pounds, and I was doing dead hang pull-ups (which I had been trying to get for a year) and unassited bar and ring dips, which I had never been able to do previously. The most interesting aspect for me was my results in martial arts. After I became fat-adapted I had great endurance in judo class. We usually do hour and half classes and I ALWAYS had energy to spare and felt like I could have gone for hours more. I don't recall hitting any PR's on CrossFit WODs, but I had switched to CF Football/Strength bias type workouts at that time and I don't think I repeated any Girl/Hero type WODs that I had previously done. I fell off the rails this fall, but I plan to get back on the low carb Paleo type diet and CF Football/Strength Bias WODs, starting today. I'd also like to say thanks to Robb for providing this great website and the awesome podcasts. I've learned so much, and I really appreciate all the work you put into it. Very interesting. I tried a similar approach last spring and had great success with it. I ate low carb (under 20-30 g per day) with a re-feed high carb day on the weekends. (In hindsight the re-feed days were not the best idea, I ended up eating too much junk.) I was super-strict with the low-carb thing for just over a month, and continued a less-strict version of the diet throughout the summer.

I made great strength gains, PR’ing on all my lifts, some by 10-15 pounds, and I was doing dead hang pull-ups (which I had been trying to get for a year) and unassited bar and ring dips, which I had never been able to do previously.

The most interesting aspect for me was my results in martial arts. After I became fat-adapted I had great endurance in judo class. We usually do hour and half classes and I ALWAYS had energy to spare and felt like I could have gone for hours more.

I don’t recall hitting any PR’s on CrossFit WODs, but I had switched to CF Football/Strength bias type workouts at that time and I don’t think I repeated any Girl/Hero type WODs that I had previously done.

I fell off the rails this fall, but I plan to get back on the low carb Paleo type diet and CF Football/Strength Bias WODs, starting today.

I’d also like to say thanks to Robb for providing this great website and the awesome podcasts. I’ve learned so much, and I really appreciate all the work you put into it.

]]> By: Ben Wheeler http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7025 Ben Wheeler Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:19:08 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7025 Thanks for posting this Robb! Would have loved to see some before/after blood work. Looking to start following an M.E Blackbox template soon. Will be interesting to see what happens when I ditch the gallon of PWO sweet potatoes & see how this effects the performance. I don't see it being an issue at all. They just taste so damn good I'm not sure I can give them up if I tried! Will probably toss in the coconut milk concoction instead and see where it takes me. Will get back with results sometime in the new year. Just finished "Dangerous Grains" by James Braly and Ron Hoggan. Tons of great info in there! Especially the issue when people overload on calcium supplements & how this can very negatively effect bone loss. In my opinion you can tell they omitted the message they really want to send of "Everyone needs to take gluten out of their diets!!" most likely due to publishing reasons. Either way, good stuff. Thanks for posting this Robb!

Would have loved to see some before/after blood work.

Looking to start following an M.E Blackbox template soon. Will be interesting to see what happens when I ditch the gallon of PWO sweet potatoes & see how this effects the performance. I don’t see it being an issue at all. They just taste so damn good I’m not sure I can give them up if I tried! Will probably toss in the coconut milk concoction instead and see where it takes me. Will get back with results sometime in the new year.

Just finished “Dangerous Grains” by James Braly and Ron Hoggan. Tons of great info in there! Especially the issue when people overload on calcium supplements & how this can very negatively effect bone loss. In my opinion you can tell they omitted the message they really want to send of “Everyone needs to take gluten out of their diets!!” most likely due to publishing reasons. Either way, good stuff.

]]> By: richard http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7024 richard Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:07:32 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7024 Oh, and I also DON'T eat a huge ass plate of ribs whenever I want like Tony Budding implied of all Paleo eaters in his interview with Dr. Sears. Oh, and I also DON’T eat a huge ass plate of ribs whenever I want like Tony Budding implied of all Paleo eaters in his interview with Dr. Sears.

]]> By: richard http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7023 richard Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:04:39 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7023 I too have since cut out 95% of the carbs I used to eat, except for the occasional piece of carrot cake, Chipotle Burritos, and Ben and Jerry's, I have noticed significant gains in performance. Crossfitting on and off since last year and on a regular basis since May. I was drinking GNC Mass-XXX, which is about 1000 calories in one serving and about 150 carbs. I felt lethargic during that time, even while crossfitting. I gradually went off it and have shaved off 2:30 on my Fran time, most recently posting a 4:35 earlier today and setting a new PR every time I do a new 1RM, 3RM, 5RM, etc. I have not lost any strength, I received dozens of comments about how much thinner I look, although I still manage to maintain my current weight of 170. I haven't felt as sleepy or or fatigued as I used too either. Keep in mind, I am a Deck Watch Officer in the Navy and frequently stand watch from Midnight to around 5 or 6 in the morning. granted, I am usually dead tired by the end of that watch, but I don't have to rely on coffee or other stimulants, like my peers who don't exercise or eat healthy, to get through that watch since crossfitting and changing my diet and cutting carbs. AND I DON'T MEASURE MY FOOD INTO BLOCKS OR ZONES. I too have since cut out 95% of the carbs I used to eat, except for the occasional piece of carrot cake, Chipotle Burritos, and Ben and Jerry’s, I have noticed significant gains in performance. Crossfitting on and off since last year and on a regular basis since May. I was drinking GNC Mass-XXX, which is about 1000 calories in one serving and about 150 carbs. I felt lethargic during that time, even while crossfitting. I gradually went off it and have shaved off 2:30 on my Fran time, most recently posting a 4:35 earlier today and setting a new PR every time I do a new 1RM, 3RM, 5RM, etc. I have not lost any strength, I received dozens of comments about how much thinner I look, although I still manage to maintain my current weight of 170. I haven’t felt as sleepy or or fatigued as I used too either. Keep in mind, I am a Deck Watch Officer in the Navy and frequently stand watch from Midnight to around 5 or 6 in the morning. granted, I am usually dead tired by the end of that watch, but I don’t have to rely on coffee or other stimulants, like my peers who don’t exercise or eat healthy, to get through that watch since crossfitting and changing my diet and cutting carbs. AND I DON’T MEASURE MY FOOD INTO BLOCKS OR ZONES.

]]> By: Jay http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7022 Jay Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:20:04 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7022 Hey Robb, I know it's important to eat grassfed, grassfinished beef and pastured pork, but what's the deal with chicken? Is organic chicken enough or should I be looking for something else? I can find lot's of organic, free range chicken but they're all supplemented with grain, especially in the winter. Hey Robb,
I know it’s important to eat grassfed, grassfinished beef and pastured pork, but what’s the deal with chicken? Is organic chicken enough or should I be looking for something else? I can find lot’s of organic, free range chicken but they’re all supplemented with grain, especially in the winter.

]]> By: Steve Caddy http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7021 Steve Caddy Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:28:25 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7021 Very interesting. Robb, I know you're probably already reading this but I found this quip from Stephan Guyenet's blog (http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/) interesting in light of your recent attention to macronutrient quality vs qantity: <blockquote>I disagree with the idea that carbohydrate itself is behind elevated fasting insulin and leptin. Just look at the Kitavans. They get 69% of their calories from high-glycemic-load carbohydrates, with not much fat (21%) or protein (10%) to slow digestion. Yet, they have low fasting insulin and remarkably low fasting leptin. <strong>I believe the fasting levels of these hormones are more responsive to macronutrient quality than quantity. In other words, what matters most is not how much carbohydrate is in the diet, but where the carbohydrate comes from. The modern Western combination of carelessly processed wheat, sugar and linoleic acid-rich vegetable oil seems to be particularly harmful.</strong></blockquote>(emphasis mine) Not a free pass for carbs, but interesting, non? :) http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2009/12/dr-rosedale-replies.html Very interesting.

Robb, I know you’re probably already reading this but I found this quip from Stephan Guyenet’s blog (http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/) interesting in light of your recent attention to macronutrient quality vs qantity:

I disagree with the idea that carbohydrate itself is behind elevated fasting insulin and leptin. Just look at the Kitavans. They get 69% of their calories from high-glycemic-load carbohydrates, with not much fat (21%) or protein (10%) to slow digestion. Yet, they have low fasting insulin and remarkably low fasting leptin. I believe the fasting levels of these hormones are more responsive to macronutrient quality than quantity. In other words, what matters most is not how much carbohydrate is in the diet, but where the carbohydrate comes from. The modern Western combination of carelessly processed wheat, sugar and linoleic acid-rich vegetable oil seems to be particularly harmful.

(emphasis mine)

Not a free pass for carbs, but interesting, non? :) http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2009/12/dr-rosedale-replies.html

]]> By: Amy http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7020 Amy Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:51:25 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7020 AWESOME!! Great story! AWESOME!! Great story!

]]> By: CrossFit PlusOne » Tuesday, December 8, 2009 http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7019 CrossFit PlusOne » Tuesday, December 8, 2009 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:40:58 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7019 [...] Low-Carbs and CrossFit by Robb Wolf [...] [...] Low-Carbs and CrossFit by Robb Wolf [...]

]]> By: Olin http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7018 Olin Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:39:32 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7018 Robb, thanks for passing along the great info on ketogenic diets. I has some success leaning out with low carbs as well. I have also tried keeping meals in Zone proportions and I think its supposed performance enhancement is overstated. There is a scarcity of good information on ketosis on the net and I am eagerly awaiting your books (any updates on that?). I'm disappointed in the sudden shift to Zone on the CF site; I'm glad I was able to take the nutrition cert while you were still doing it. Robb, thanks for passing along the great info on ketogenic diets. I has some success leaning out with low carbs as well. I have also tried keeping meals in Zone proportions and I think its supposed performance enhancement is overstated. There is a scarcity of good information on ketosis on the net and I am eagerly awaiting your books (any updates on that?). I’m disappointed in the sudden shift to Zone on the CF site; I’m glad I was able to take the nutrition cert while you were still doing it.

]]> By: Dexter http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7017 Dexter Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:32:02 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7017 Link to Dr. Lustig: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM Link to Dr. Lustig:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM

]]> By: Dexter http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7016 Dexter Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:30:40 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7016 Our ancesters more than likely operated on a ketogenic diet 10 months out of the year and only consumed veggies and fruit (sugar) in the fall. All the other time, they ate meat and fat and probably did their version of fasting...ie. lay around for a couple of days til they got hungry...and then they had to run very fast in a fasted state to catch their next meal or run very fast in a fasted state not to be eaten. And there are no essential carbohydrates that the body needs...especially the carbs sucrose and fructose. This lecture by Dr. Lustig, UCSF on Sugar should convince those that still like to eat their carbs and sugar to reconsider. Great n-1 experiment. If you continue ketogenic, your times will improve even further? Thanks for the report Our ancesters more than likely operated on a ketogenic diet 10 months out of the year and only consumed veggies and fruit (sugar) in the fall. All the other time, they ate meat and fat and probably did their version of fasting…ie. lay around for a couple of days til they got hungry…and then they had to run very fast in a fasted state to catch their next meal or run very fast in a fasted state not to be eaten.
And there are no essential carbohydrates that the body needs…especially the carbs sucrose and fructose.
This lecture by Dr. Lustig, UCSF on Sugar should convince those that still like to eat their carbs and sugar to reconsider.
Great n-1 experiment. If you continue ketogenic, your times will improve even further?
Thanks for the report

]]> By: Nathan http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7015 Nathan Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:22:19 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7015 Great post. I'd be interested to do some more reading on this and give it a shot in January. Great post. I’d be interested to do some more reading on this and give it a shot in January.

]]> By: Ryan Murakoshi http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7014 Ryan Murakoshi Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:33:05 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7014 Hey Robb, Here's a sticker that you can start providing to your paleo clients that aren't that into Crossfitting <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/i_just_want_to_look_good_naked_t_shirt_bumper_sticker-128144629963890456" rel="nofollow">Bumper Sticker</a> Hey Robb,

Here’s a sticker that you can start providing to your paleo clients that aren’t that into Crossfitting

Bumper Sticker

]]> By: Tristy http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7013 Tristy Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:12:14 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7013 Great post! For the month of December, I am doing a little experiment as well. I have cut out all fruite to play around and see if it helps me lean out some. Thanks for sharing this experience! Great post! For the month of December, I am doing a little experiment as well. I have cut out all fruite to play around and see if it helps me lean out some. Thanks for sharing this experience!

]]> By: Dan Davis http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7012 Dan Davis Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:23:47 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7012 Oh, and that's awesome! Great to see these kinds of improvements in the wild. Oh, and that’s awesome! Great to see these kinds of improvements in the wild.

]]> By: Dan Davis http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7011 Dan Davis Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:22:28 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7011 I'm interested to know more about what Nicholas ate... I know he said "meat," but was it entirely muscle meats or did he include organ meats, marrow, etc. I know that those other bits are what add a lot of nutritional value to traditional paleo-style diets. I’m interested to know more about what Nicholas ate… I know he said “meat,” but was it entirely muscle meats or did he include organ meats, marrow, etc. I know that those other bits are what add a lot of nutritional value to traditional paleo-style diets.

]]> By: Niels http://www.robbwolf.com/2009/12/07/low-carbs-and-crossfit/#comment-7010 Niels Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:14:38 +0000 http://robbwolf.com/?p=1028#comment-7010 Interesting! Interesting!

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