As a recreational CrossFitter, it is sometimes easy to overlook the importance of good nutrition. So, if you are working out regularly and getting results that is all you need, right?! The October 2002 CrossFit Journal presented the pyramid for development of an athlete, the “Theoretical Hierarchy of Development”:
In the above-mentioned journal article, the founder of CrossFit, Coach Greg Glassman scientifically presents Nutrition as the foundation for anyone at any ability level.
A theoretical hierarchy exists for the development of an athlete (see figure). It starts with nutrition and moves to metabolic conditioning, gymnastics, weightlifting, and finally sport. This hierarchy largely reflects foundational dependence, skill, and to some degree, time ordering of development. The logical flow is from the molecular foundations to cardiovascular sufficiency, body control, external object control, and ultimately mastery and application. This model has greatest utility in analyzing athlete’s short comings or difficulties.
Glassman, 2002
There are many “diet plans” or programs that can help you count macronutrients, calories, or blocks. But, CrossFit has a simple recommendation: “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 simple set of rules is a compass to ensure quality and quantity in what you consume. Firstly, cleaning up your diet is simple in explanation: eliminate sugar and processed foods from your diet. Now, execution of this simple idea—is NOT so simple! Keep the above nutrition mantra in mind next time you are grocery shopping or enjoying a meal with friends and family. Exchange soda for water, french fries for a salad or take the buns off the hamburger.
Start small and keep it simple.
Get out, get moving and stay healthy.