February 2011
6 posts
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It all started with the reuban from NYC..
Oy vey. This is embarrassing to admit, but.. Paleo has sorta been kicking my ass lately. And I know that it all started with that damn reuben from NYC. Thankfully, however, this was a successful Paleo week, where I indulged not even a little bit into my apartment’s pseudo-sinful treats such as the imported dark chocolate. Sure, it was hard to resist the sweetness… especially that of...
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Which do you want to hear first: the good news or...
The Good News: It’s 100% fixable. The Bad News: I’m a freakin’ mess. Before I continue, I want to first point out that this blog is meant to illustrate my journey into optimum health, strength, and wellness, the majority of which includes CrossFit training and Paleo nutrition; however, with that being said, I also believe it’s pertinent to include all outside...
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I know I always push this, but...
We have to remember look at both the pro’s AND con’s of our athletic performance. Only looking at the negative will NOT get us to a better, con-free place (because this con-free place does not actually exist).
Example: Wednesday’s WOD required heavy thrusters and pullups, with the RX’d sequence as follows:
15 95lb thruster
15 weighted kipping pullup (20lb)
...
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The first step to looking good naked..
(this was also today’s post for AlbanyCrossFit.com—- check it out!) Is to actually feel good about yourself.
Duh.
We can train 5 days a week, have a sub 2 “Fran” time, lift 3 billion pounds (because that can be possible, kind of), be 100% strict Paleo, and have a sweet rockin’ bod, but… without the support from yourself, your bod aint so great. In fact, this mindset has the...
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CONFESSION: Sarah gets... gross.
After the deed is done, a whirlwind of guilt nearly drops me to my knees. “WHY? WHY WOULD I EVER DO THIS TO MYSELF?” …REALLY, WHY!!?, I cry. “But… it feels so good…”. You would think I were referring to heroine for christ’s sake. I can imagine, however, that as a CrossFitting Paleo enthusiast, doing this would produce an effect similar to an...
January 2011
6 posts
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Recognizing accomplishments, no matter how small...
I mentioned this in last week’s post for Albany CrossFit.com and have recently experienced an example of my own. As embarrassing as this is, yesterday was my first time climbing the 20 ft rope. I’ve been scared sh*tless since our first introducion (which was in, um… June 2009’s elements class) and I was certain that, if I did somehow make it to the top, I would probably...
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Are you BORED with Paleo? OK: lets start with...
Listen, I’m no grill master— so much so that I am probably still unable to fire it up correctly (if at all). However, I have now successfully cooked turkey burgers on the skillet (its winter, ok?!) that aren’t dry or bland, and would thus like to give HOPE to those individuals who are BORED with their current Paleo menu. Just because you want to live a healthy, clean,...
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First Individual CrossFit Competition: COMPLETE!
And without an anxiety attack, meltdown, or total disfigurement of self-confidence? …Huge PR. Sure, the WODs were tough, the day was long, and the competition was stiff— but, I have to admit— the hardest part of competing was not physically competing. Controlling my thoughts, keeping motivation and positive overall mindset is what I found to be the most difficult. And, not even...
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At a loss for words.. except for, "I love you"
This has to be the one of the greatest gifts I have ever been given. I wanted to share this in my blog to illustrate what a CrossFit community is truly capable of, as well as to personally remember one of the most touching moments of my CrossFit career. I am at a loss for words.. except for, “I love you”. (below is my Member of the Month post taken from AlbanyCrossFit.com )
From...
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This may offend some...
…but first, I would like to welcome 2011 with a “my bad!” for not writing in a week— Oy! My apologies. I have been adapting to my new work schedule and, thus, a new laundry and cooking schedule. You know how it goes.. BUT, I’m back! Now onto the offender: Today I stumbled upon a rather moving article taken from the Chicago Tribune | Food section (moving… as...
December 2010
11 posts
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Three studies illustrating Why you should...
1) BCAA’s aid in muscle recovery, protein synthesis, and the prevention of DOMs (i.e., delayed onset muscle soreness).
“It has been reported that BCAA supplementation before exercise attenuates the breakdown of muscle proteins during exercise in humans and that leucine strongly promotes protein synthesis in skeletal muscle in humans and rats, suggesting that a BCAA supplement may...
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Happy and unnecessarily overzealous, because..
…BECAUSE, Caleb got me SKINS for the holidays! You’re the best, babe— Love you!
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Coconut Oil... get some!
Really awesome info about coconut oil, as illustrated by the Health By Hamilton blog:
“The oil is easily absorbed into tissue and cells, making it very good for cellular repair. Unlike polyunsaturated fats, which drive cholesterol into the cells, making them rigid and inflexible (while giving the false impression of lowering cholesterol in a healthy way), the coconut oil is mostly...
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Strength: 2 Weakness: 1
When going head-to-head with our weaknesses, it may be difficult to visualize our strengths as being “one-up”. We will always have something to work on, our suck lists are ever-growing and, unfortunately… not every day is going to be a good one. Despite my ego wanting a nice stroking once in a while, I have finally come to terms with this imperfection. Yes, I know; it seems as...
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Article: "Almonds May Help Reduce Risk of Type 2... →
As Paleo enthusiasts, we are (or, should be) practically obsessed with almonds. We know that almonds are an incredible source of healthy fat, protein, fiber, magnesium, calcium, vitamin E, potassium, and other anti-oxidants. Now, according to DiabetesHealth.com, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition finds that almonds may actually decrease LDL levels in those who...
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Release that inner beast!
(also today’s post on AlbanyCrossFit.com— check it out!) You already know that CrossFit can bring you to an all-new, ass kicking level of strength and functionality (i.e., you can do a backsquat, power-clean, and deadlift now—holler!). You now come in as much as possible because you can’t get enough of it. You read about it daily. You post about it on Facebook (don’t even try and deny...
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Do you CrossFit at your job?
I welcome Court Club members with a handstand hold & basset hound… :)
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What are you running from?
DISCLAIMER: Please note that this is not meant to hurt feelings, but rather, open eyes. I am illustrating my opinion with brutal honesty and zero political correction with support from scientific evidence. Reader’s discretion is advised. (Also today’s post for AlbanyCrossFit.com— check it out!) Now that you’ve found CrossFit, what athletes do you consider to be the healthiest,...
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FAIR AND BALANCED?
(this was my post for yesterday’s blog at AlbanyCrossFit.com, highlighting a topic I thought to be very appropriate… especially following the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show. Ha!) Fair and Balanced? OK, good—that got your attention. But don’t worry; I’m not going on a political rampage regarding FOX News vs. MSNBC. Gross. I actually want to highlight something maybe a little more...
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Pineapple-Coconut Sweet Potato Casserole!
The Paleo Potato Pina-Colada, if you will. …OK. Not really at all, actually. This was, however, a wonderfully successful side dish experiment (illustrated by my darling boyfriend’s inhalation of the entire platter.. i.e., the best compliment ever!) Makes a perfect side to just about anything and gives you super healthy carbs while satisfying your sweet tooth. You can also add...
November 2010
7 posts
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Article: "Lunching for Longevity:... →
This is fabulous. FABULOUS! I am psyched about this for several reasons, with the most important reasons being that this highlights many Paleolithic ideologies AND was published on a reasonably popular news website—- meaning that the mainstream media is finally catching on. It even goes as far as listing “10 Steps to Anti-Inflammatory Eating” which, with exception to a few items,...
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When ego is lost, limit is lost.
110# Overhead Squat PR! Don’t compare yourself to others. You’ll see your abilities increase when the only person you focus on is yourself.
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141 Reasons Sugar is Ruining Your Health →
Taken from the Nancy Appleton Books Health Blog: 1. Sugar can suppress your immune system.
2. Sugar upsets the mineral relationships in the body.
3. Sugar can cause juvenile delinquency in children.
4. Sugar eaten during pregnancy and lactation can influence muscle force production in offspring, which can affect an individual’s ability to exercise.
5. Sugar in soda, when consumed by...
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Welcome Back..
I really feel incredible and there is so much to say regarding such. I apologize for my lack of posts; this weekend was Albany CrossFit’s Weekend Revival, a 2-day-all-day long seminar full of WODs, movement demo’s, lectures, and fabulous food. Now, experiencing the aftermath, I can already feel what it has done for me both physically and mentally. I...
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October 2010
8 posts
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You have to wonder...
CAN CUTTING CARBOHYDRATES FROM YOUR DIET MAKE YOU LIVE LONGER? You must visit the above link. It is easily one of the BEST articles I’ve found illustrating scientific evidence related to the benefits of a low-carb diet (i.e., eliminating processed carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, etc). Some...
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Inflammation a Celebration (i.e., the weekend...
(also today’s post for AlbanyCrossFit.com— check it out!) Yes—- it’s exactly what it sounds like— that is, another fun filled weekend of Jamby learning her lesson via a hands on (or, gastrointestinal) experience. I’m talking a full on, all out, weekend of (GASP!) pasta, cake, and alcohol. Do I regret it? No, because I don’t regret any decision I have ever made (and neither...
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Physically, it's happening; Mentally, it's, uh.....
…it’s not happening. It’s JUST not happening. Is there a way to build mental strength and focus like there is for physical strength? Why are clean and jerk 1RM’s so mind blowing to me that I consistently psyche myself out!? This madness has got to stop.
Thing is, I’ve been feeling superbly strong lately— hitting a heavy deadlift WOD, a 3RM front-squat of...
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Being your HAPPIEST doesn’t always mean being THE...
(Also today’s post for AlbanyCrossFit.com — check it out!) It took me a very long time to come to terms with this and, in fact, am still trying to recognize it. I am very competitive in nature and have always assumed that being the best will make me happier and thus more successful in whatever field I am studying or training in—or, in this case, CrossFit.
Do you come in and look at...
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Oy, the SOY!
Soy. Seriously, what do you know about it? Anything positive? Negative? Know a lot of people who consume it? (and inadvertently say “soy” as if it’s the better alternative?) I know I do. Here’s a teeny tiny collection of soy studies I found via Healthy Diets and Science. I decided to focus on soy because, in my opinion, a lot of people don’t know all that much about...
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New name, Same game
First off, I truly, TRULY, apologize for my lack of posts as of late! Albany CrossFit has been rebuilt, my first Epidemiology midterm blew my mind, and.. and, I’m making excuses. Ignore that. As you see, I’ve changed the name of the blog. Content will stay the same; in fact, I’ve skewed so far from my original intention of the blog, that I’ve changed the name and...
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Article: "Study shows blueberries may help fight... →
This stuff is so interesting. DISCLAIMER: More importantly, and because of such reasons, I believe that every individual has a personal responsibility to research and learn about the protective properties of whole, unprocessed foods (i.e., vegetables, fruit, nuts, spices, meat, etc) as to maintain internal wellness and only using medication as a last resort. I understand that some people are so...
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The homemade chicken soup "kinda, sorta" recipe
This has to be the easiest and most delicious way to get through fall’s cold, rainy nights (err, yeah.. I’m corny like that). This was my first time making chicken soup and therefore completely experimented with the typical soupy essentials. Why “kinda, sorta?” It’s a “kinda, sorta” recipe because you make it up as you go— and, you’re in...
September 2010
12 posts
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How I survived a Full Month of Paleo-Zone (without...
(Also today’s post for AlbanyCrossfit.com— check it out!) No weekly cheats. No Paleo-Zone ”ish” nonsense (what is with people and this Paleo-ish, Zone-ish crap? You either do it or you don’t, folks) I’m talking full on, weighed and measured Zone-age— something that I TRULY BELIEVED I would never, ever agree to do. And, look at me now. Swooning… (ish).
After a weekend of not strictly...
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Article: "Think skinny people don’t get type 2... →
A-HA! Challenging mainstream beliefs, once again. It’s almost as bad as people believing that a low-fat diet is more beneficial for losing weight & maintenance of health as compared to low-carb.I couldn’t be more passionate about another topic. Diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation, paleolithic nutrition vs. processed-garbage, etc.. I could read about this stuff...
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Watch My boss and I share an interview after finishing FGB V. Yes, this is my life. And I love it. (Video courtesy of AlbanyCrossFit.com)
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2 new books on the way!
Just perused Amazon.com and finally purchased Robb Wolf’s new book, “The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet”. I can’t wait to get started! Definitely something a CrossFitting Paleo Enthusiast should have in his or her library. Additionally, I also got “Olympic Weightlifting: A complete guide for Athletes and...
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CrossFit: Preparation for the Unknown and...
(Also today’s post for AlbanyCrossFit.com— check it out!)
Preparation for the unknown and unknowable? Err… kind of.
O.K., maybe not for the unknown just yet—- but, DEFINITELY for something that may have otherwise been considered impossible and un-manageable. Something that may have once caused self-doubt and possible nausea (for real). Something that I would have never...
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Carlson's Fish Oil is Rockin. End of Story.
I’m usually not one for straight up fish oil liquid. In fact, I had tried it a few months ago and, between the oil consistency and nasty cover-up citrus taste, I almost spewed. Carlson’s Fish Oil liquid, however, has literally rocked my world. No joke. Until now, I have been very faithful to GNC’s Triple Strength Fish Oil pills. Yes, even despite the nasty rumors of their...
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STUDY: "A New Role for Insulin in Cell Survival,... →
When it comes to the Paleo Diet, there always seems to be a discussion of insulin response, insulin sensitivity, insulin levels, etc. I’ve illustrated the importance and definition of insulin and how it relates to the Paleo Diet in my writeup, “CrossFit’s Love Affair with Paleolithic Nutrition: What it is, How it Works, and Why it Rocks Our World”, and have since then found more...
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Fall Face-Off WODs, experiences, and the aftermath
First, a review of the WODs completed: WOD 1 — Prowler Time Trials
I’m sorry.. did you say prowler?! What other way to introduce an Albany Crossfit style competition than use the FREAKING prowler! Unfortunately, the prowler and I have yet to share a positive experience with one another.. until this event. This was a 100m dash relay with all 4 team members utilizing both the high and...
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I was meant for this..
(This is also today’s post for AlbanyCrossFit.com— thanks Jay!) First, a little recap from Fall Face-Off: Overall, my first time competing couldn’t have been a more valuable experience. It exposed a mental weakness during the timed, 1RM clean and jerk—- which was, indeed, unfortunate—- but then (surprisingly enough) it also exposed my ability to move forward and rock onfor...
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"For that fabulous sculpted body, the Bowflex... →
PERFECT READ— I’m so glad the mainstream media has FINALLY caught on! “Using Bowflex’s patented “Power Rod® Technology” is like trying to lift weights while having an epileptic seizure and simultaneously shooting meth into your eyeballs.” —SOURCE: Los Angeles Times Health (for the full, hilarious article, click above link)
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ARTICLE: "The more carbs and sugars you eat, the... →
Perfect. Couldn’t be more logical, huh? Here is another fabulous reason to stay away from refined carbs and sugar and stick to Paleo which, by default, will keep your body in check. FINDINGS:
“The more carbs and sugars you eat, the more your appetite-control cells are damaged, and potentially you consume more,” said Dr Zane Andrews, a neuroendocrinologist with Monash...