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So you’ve jumped on board with our 30 Day CFPEI Nutrition Challenge. Well done you! You’re ready…. You’re psyched…. You’re… not quite sure what to do. To help get you off on the right foot, below are some details, suggestions, and resources. Still have questions? Post your Qs here so we can all benefit from the exchage, or talk to your friendly CFPEI trainer.

This challenge is open to the entire CrossFit PEI Community. Cheryl has the registration forms, so get in touch with her if you haven’t signed up yet. The challenge will run from September 1 to September 30.

NOTE: On Saturday, September 8, there will be an information (and group therapy) session to learn more about nutrition, with a focus on the Paleo approach to eating. This will be at the gym (or a nearby classroom) from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. More to come on this front.

Food Guidelines*
No grains or gluten products (bread, pasta, beer, pastries, cookies, etc.)
No refined sugars.
No legumes.
No processed foods (i.e. from a box, bag, more than 3-4 ingredients…)
Limit, or eliminate, dairy (depending on your body composition goals and tolerance to lactose)
Avoid alcohol (though if you do wish to indulge, try Robb Wolf’s NorCal margarita)
Reduce coffee intake, it can negatively affect your sleep.
Eat good quality (organic, grass-fed, local) lean meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, berries and nuts. Throw in some good fat.

Other stuff worth consideration…
Sleep 7-9 hours a night on a regular schedule.
Work those movements you’ve been struggling with (double unders, pull ups, snatches, whatever).
Wear flat shoes (this means you Mokler).
Get your workouts in every week, but also your rest.

*This Challenge is not about stiff rules. For some folks, simply cutting out (pop/beer/sugar/whatever) may be a worthy challenge. This is not about losing weight – it is about improving your fuel and seeing where it can take you in terms of how you look, feel, and perform.

Additional Resources
Paleo FAQ – From Paleo Demi-god, Robb Wolf. Particularly check out the Quick Start Guide, and the Shopping List.
(Shameless plug alert) paleothoughts “How to” posts including recipe site recommendations
If you’re looking for goal-specific advice, CrossFit South Brooklyn has some good guidelines for weight loss, weight gain and weight maintenence on Paleo.