A lot of our Paramount family will be participating in the CrossFit Open, so here are some helpful nutrition tips from Coach Kayla to keep us on track, starting with 19.1:
Stick to Similar Foods —
Performing an Open Workout is not going to be the best time to try out new foods or supplements. Adrenaline and nerves will typically be part of the process, so ensure that your stomach and body feel good by using foods you already know help you perform well!
Consider Your Carbs —
Carbohydrates are the most manipulated macronutrient when it comes to prepping for an intense workout. They are the easiest source of readily accessible energy for our bodies and we can use the characteristics of different carbs in order to maximize our energy. The main way we measure this is the glycemic index, which measures how fast the sugar from carbs is released into our bloodstream. Carbs lower on the GI index give us slower waves of energy, which helps us stay steady for a longer time. Carbs higher on the GI index give us a quick burst of energy, which helps us fuel up and recover quickly. Although different types of carbs are useful for different circumstances, all competitors can benefit from manipulating their carb choices.
Some examples of Low-GI foods:
- Berries
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Cauliflower
- Leafy greens
- Cauliflower
Some examples of High-GI foods:
- Pineapples
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Baked sweet potato
- Bread
- White rice
- Instant oats
Trim the Fat —
Avoid placing too many fats around your workout. Although fats do give us long-burning energy, they take a long time to digest. If our bodies are focused on digesting fats instead of maximizing carbs, we’ll see less benefit from our workout fueling. Stack the fats more at the opposite end of your day, away from your workout time.
Lastly, Stay Hydrated, Relaxed…and HAVE FUN!
—Coach Kayla
