“Nutrition is the foundation of the pyramid. The quality and constituent elements of an athlete’s diet influence metabolism and therefore the molecular foundations of muscle, bone, and the nervous system. For this reason, any training system that does not consider and duly correct an athlete’s diet will be suboptimal. Long-term training depends upon a solid base of nutritional support.”
Source: CF HQ, read: https://www.crossfit.com/essentials/theoretical-hierarchy-of-development
Source: CF HQ, read: https://www.crossfit.com/essentials/theoretical-hierarchy-of-development
In the 2002 publication “What Is Fitness?” 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. Our progression largely reflects foundational dependence, skill, and, to some degree, a general theory of development.
EAT WHOLE FOODS
This is simple (but not easy). Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and little to no sugar. Avoid processed foods like the plague. If it has a shelf-life past two weeks there is probably a healthier whole food alternative. Embrace preparing whole foods. Cooking is a skill that needs to be developed just as much as anything we might do in the gym. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store and try new foods.
If you need help with nutrition our coaches are always here to offer guidance, and additional nutritional services are available.
EAT THE RIGHT QUANTITIES
Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat. If you are already eating whole foods this should be easier to do. Whole foods have lots of fiber and protein which will signal satiety to your body. Eating the right amount is a skill that should be trained.
DRINK WATER
Avoid sugary drinks, even fruit juices. You will be surprised how much weight you can lose by just changing from soda to water. Dehydration also leads to injury, bad moods, and poor performances.
ENJOY LIFE
Don’t let healthy eating stop you from living. Go out with friends, drink a beer, and have some fun. Friends should respect and encourage your healthy choices, and engaging in a less than healthy meal once a week won’t derail you. Just make sure this is the exception and not the rule.
FOCUS ON HABITS, NOT DIETS
At CrossFit Pretoria we are long-term focused. Conventional diets are a short-term fix to a bigger problem. If you don’t know how to cook, read food labels, or understand basic nutrition concepts then a diet won’t help you. Focus on developing skills and habits.
PERSONAL NUTRITION PLAN CALCULATIONS
How much you should eat depends on unique personal needs and many other factors.
To come up with your personalised needs, fill in the form below.
EAT WHOLE FOODS
This is simple (but not easy). Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and little to no sugar. Avoid processed foods like the plague. If it has a shelf-life past two weeks there is probably a healthier whole food alternative. Embrace preparing whole foods. Cooking is a skill that needs to be developed just as much as anything we might do in the gym. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store and try new foods.
If you need help with nutrition our coaches are always here to offer guidance, and additional nutritional services are available.
EAT THE RIGHT QUANTITIES
Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat. If you are already eating whole foods this should be easier to do. Whole foods have lots of fiber and protein which will signal satiety to your body. Eating the right amount is a skill that should be trained.
DRINK WATER
Avoid sugary drinks, even fruit juices. You will be surprised how much weight you can lose by just changing from soda to water. Dehydration also leads to injury, bad moods, and poor performances.
ENJOY LIFE
Don’t let healthy eating stop you from living. Go out with friends, drink a beer, and have some fun. Friends should respect and encourage your healthy choices, and engaging in a less than healthy meal once a week won’t derail you. Just make sure this is the exception and not the rule.
FOCUS ON HABITS, NOT DIETS
At CrossFit Pretoria we are long-term focused. Conventional diets are a short-term fix to a bigger problem. If you don’t know how to cook, read food labels, or understand basic nutrition concepts then a diet won’t help you. Focus on developing skills and habits.
PERSONAL NUTRITION PLAN CALCULATIONS
How much you should eat depends on unique personal needs and many other factors.
To come up with your personalised needs, fill in the form below.