Theresa gives some advice on steps to winning the battle on nutrition:

We all have the internal battle when choosing between healthy options and the “other stuff.”  I know I do…well… I used to.  I’m not saying I am perfect in the way I eat or that I am 100% satisfied with how I look, but for the last 6 years, I have been living what I would consider a pretty healthy lifestyle.  This lifestyle has evolved even more in the last 3 years since starting CrossFit and the Paleo/Zone diet.  It certainly was not easy and it definitely took some major changes, but I have gotten to a point where I am satisfied and I figured I would share a few things that worked for me.

1) Go all in, no excuses.  Clean out your fridge and pantry by hiding or throwing out of all the processed foods, alcohol, starches, bread, and dairy, leaving you with all fresh meats, fruits, vegetables and nuts.  Get yourself an accountability partner to call, text, or email anytime you feel the urge to stray to the unhealthy options, and make a list of those cravings.

2) Schedule a cheat day or 3 cheat meals throughout the week.  This is one of the biggest things that helped me in the beginning. It was a day to look forward to and allow myself to eat everything I wanted from my list of cravings.  As time went on, the “need” for cheat days lessened, and I began to realize that my body functioned better when I was eating a clean, healthy diet.

3) Make a goal.  It can be weight loss, strength/endurance based, a healthy check-up with your doctor, or just personal gratification.  Use this goal as motivation anytime you feel like giving up, and remind yourself that these food choices will ultimately get you to your goal.  Think about your previous eating habits and remember that what you were doing in the past was not working for you, and in order to achieve the results you desire, you need to stick with your plan and make the right decision.

4) Mind over matter.  If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.  As a CrossFitter we pride ourselves in our physical strength, but it is just as important to have the mental strength to overcome the struggle and choose healthy over unhealthy.

Nutrition is the foundation of fitness, and if it is not dialed in, then your conditioning, gymnastics, weightlifting, and overall athleticism will suffer.

A little quote that I heard at my Level 1 Certification and still rings in my ear:

“You cannot out train a shitty diet.”

“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.” –Joseph Campbell

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