Carbs. Vs. Grains

"People are genetically designed to eat primarily fruits and vegetables as their major source of carbohydrates. Grains as a reliable sources of food simply did not exist 10,000 years ago. Consequently, the great majority of individuals have still not genetically adapted to eating high density forms of carbohydrates, such as grains, starches, bread, and pasta."

This exerpt from Mastering the Zone goes on to describe the parallel eating patterns of modern civilization and the ancient Egyptians 3500 years ago with a high carb low fat diet. You'd think Egyptians lived strong, lean, and long lives as they ate bread galore, some veggies and fruits, and a small amount of meat - recommended advice similar to our current U.S. Food Guide Pyramid. They didn't have McDonald's every lunch nor chocolate ice cream any given sad day. However, tooth decay, heart disease, and obesity were obvious once taking a closer look at the Egyptian mummies.

Here's the point, nearly all the people I know, commericals I watch, and governmental input advocate healthy eating by means of a large quantity of oats and grains. Just take it away for a few weeks, and add in some more vegetables and lunch and dinner with a few ounces of meat. You will realize better digestion, less bloated and more fulfilling finish, plus could get you over that weight loss hump if you've exhausted other options.

In fact, I have an awesome recipe for you try TONIGHT! It's paleo/zone for two people, I and wish you'd eat it. *I endorse fresh local veggies and wild caught meat from the market*


2 Fillets of Mahi Mahi (approx. 4-8oz per fish. depends on body-type and physical activity)
1/4 c. olive oil
1 clove garlic
1/2 lemon
salt/pepper

3 cups zucchini
2 1/2 cups yellow squash
4 cups cauliflower
3 cups broccoli

1 cup acorn squash

OK IT's EASY! Sprinkle *some* salt and pepper on fish. Combine olive oil, minced garlic, and squeezed lemon then spread it on the fish and let sit for 30 minutes or so.

Then, combine a couple shakes of olive oil in a pan to combine zucchini, yellow squash, cauliflower, and broccoli. I also, added a tsp. of water and covered it. Put it on medium heat until all the veggies are soft. If you want some more flavor, get another clove of minced garlic and add it to the veggies.

Put the fish right on the grill 4-5 minutes on each side. Pay attention to the time and just don't overcook it from not watching.

Cut acorn squash in half (save the seeds for roasting! MMmm. don't wash em, just put em on a baking sheet @ 325F for 20-30 minutes). Save half of the squash for another time, and put half in a bowl w/ a tsp. of water and cover with Saran wrap. Put it in the microwave for4 minutes for steaming. It's super-hot so don't burn yourself! Acorn squash is usually sweet, and is an unfavorable carb that should be eaten in moderation. 1/2 of the squash is meant for two people to share.

*it's a lot of veggies by normal standards, so if you have leftovers, put it in your eggs the next morning. Remember, when you eat more veggies, you crave more veggies!!

Introduction to the Zone

Think better: maintain stable blood sugar levels

Perform better: increase oxygen transfer to your muscle cells

Look better: shed excess body fat at a quick rate

hunger satisfied: your brain is constantly supplied with its primary fuel, blood sugar

The Zone is this: scientifically balanced portions of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Dr. Barry Sears, Ph.D. wrote a brilliant book called Mastering The Zone. You may have heard about it because it's been around for quite a while. This book is great, especially for diabetics as portions control insulin levels. What is even greater, you have a built in network of friends right here at Hoosier CrossFit to help you stay healthy day in and day out!

Most importantly, your healthy eating highway won't end with the Zone. You will realize that the Zone has scientific evidence against pasta, bread, and grains in general, yet, condones unfavorable carbs in small doses. This is primarily because as a society, we are too spoiled addicted, and ignorant to stop eating it. It's integral that we kick today's cravings to the curb, and eat for the purpose of filling us up, not for emotional gratification. Within some months from now, I will transition your habits to support a Paleolithic lifestyle, a hunter-gatherer lifestyle in which you will eat primarily Meat and veggies, nuts and seeds, some fruit, no sugar and no salt.