CrossFit's Nutrition - How to apply it

CrossFit's Nutrition recommendation and how to apply it.

In the 2002 publication “What Is Fitness?” (https://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/CFJ-trial.pdf) CrossFit suggested a theoretical hierarchy for the development of an athlete. This hierarchy starts with nutrition and moves to metabolic conditioning, gymnastics, weightlifting, and finally, sport.

CrossFit's nutrition recommendations include: “Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat.”

This recommendation emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods to fuel performance and support overall health.

By prioritizing lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, CrossFit promotes sustained energy levels, enhanced recovery, and optimal body composition. This approach encourages individuals to develop a positive relationship with food, focusing on quality rather than restriction.

Additionally, by educating participants on proper portion sizes and timing of meals, CrossFit nutrition helps optimize performance during workouts and promotes long-term adherence to healthy eating habits. Overall, CrossFit's emphasis on balanced, wholesome nutrition contributes to improved athletic performance, body composition, and overall well-being.

The difficulty for the individual may be in applying these recommendations, and Becky Harsh, a CrossFit Inc. Seminar Staff trainer, Certified CrossFit Coach (CF-L4) and owner of CrossFit Beaver Menace in Castle Rock, Colorado, has some recommendations in her article, “Five Habits of Highly Successful Eaters” (https://journal.crossfit.com/article/habits-achauer):

1. Seek Help - You look to coaches to improve your fitness, so why not seek a pro to improve your nutrition?

2. Focus on Health and Performance - Focusing on aesthetics (what you see in the mirror) is never as effective as focusing on improving health and performance.

3. Log Your Intake - We regularly recommend logging your fitness performance in SugarWod to track your improvements and gains, so the same principle applies to achieving and tracking nutrition goals and performance.

4. Make a Long-Term Commitment - Improved nutritional health is as much a journey as fitness is, so approach it the same way while also living with an achievable approach.

5. Find a Community of Support - Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and your efforts won’t seem quite so difficult. Ask around within your Trident Family as a great starting point!

Coach - Sean Drumheller