Let's talk: Keto books

I am about 7 weeks into my ketogenic life. In that time I have researched the heck out of it. Youtube, books, articles, groups-I've kind of been on keto information overload. I would like to share some things that have really helped me. I wanted to give a friend some tips and realized it is super overwhelming all in one lump sum. So I'll share something new with each post.

If you are interested in what keto is here is the super simple cliff notes version. A ketogenic diet is where you train your body to run on fat instead of sugar/carbs. Why would you want to do this? At first it was about weight loss. I mean, when is it not about that? But quickly that focus changed. I love to run and am planning to run a half marathon in October. What began as weight loss changed to how to optimally train for distance running with minimal need for supplements, fuel or water along the way. With traditional ways of eating (carbs/sugar) you have about 2,000 calories from food at your disposal during workouts. After that you need more. Some runners take gel or bring nuts or something. With a keto way of eating you have 20,000 + stored calories of fat at your disposal. It also helps with any digestion, thyroid, sugar shakes and a whole host of other common ailments. The books I'm recommending can explain this to you WAY better than I can ever hope to. This also may not be for everyone. I have an endomorph body type. My body holds on to carbs for dear life. (no pun intended! LOL) With the absence of carbs now my body has to burn the stored fuel. 

If you are an athlete, train hard, crossfitter than I recommend The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance. It goes into great depth about how training and keto work together.

If you want to explore keto without worrying about intense exercise then I recommend The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living. 

Lastly, The Ketogenic Cookbook will open your ideas for meals that are not boring! I can't wait to try one of the ice cream recipes from this book. One of the authors, Maria Emmerich, has a great Facebook page where she shares recipes and more. 

Happy Reading!

I'm back...

Oh man. Instead of figuring out how long it has been since I've written let's just skip to the reason I'm posting. :) It has been a while. I've been getting back to taking care of myself (yet again) for about 110 days now. Today's workout was Murph. This wod is very popular for memorial day amongst the crossift community. It honors a navy seal officer who was killed in the line of duty. I believe he was a crossfitter. His workout consists of running 1 mile. 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats and end it with another mile run. This is supposed to be done with a weighted vest. Maybe next year or next time I do this one I'll  have a weighted vest but for today it was just my bodyweight. (which is more than enough lol) Even though I do not crossift with others (belong to a box) I still wod in my basement or garage. If nothing else crossfit showed me how strong I was and gave me another perspective to working out. And for days like today it gives you a purpose to push yourself other than your own fitness goals. 
1st mile 11:03
2nd mile 12:37
total wod 56:39

Let's Just Call This Day 2 Shall We

Since December I have been struggling! Struggling to stay focused with my diet and exercise. 1 year and 6 months into Crossfit and I should be way farther along than where I am now. I know exactly why too. Don't think that eating cupcakes, burgers, pizza, almond croissants, and white chocolate don't add up. Don't think that not going to the box consistently wont rear its ugly head when you least expect it. You cant out train a bad diet. Aint that the truth!  Today is Day 2. Day 2 of getting in the box and eating right aka Paleo. The Lurong Challenge starts in 2 weeks. But why should I wait? I did it on my own when I first started, I didn't wait for the "challenge." Plus, I'm just so disappointed in myself and need to change it now. I'm tired of waiting for the results that I work hard for then sabotage by eating like SHIT. I'm so done with that. I have NEVER been more focused and determined. it's not about being skinny or losing weight. It's about being STRONG, not only physically but MENTALLY and EMOTIONALLY!  When I'm sad or feeling down  I want cupcakes. Guess what? I never felt any better after eating a cupcake than how I felt before I ate the dang thing. BUT, I have felt 100% better after doing a wod. I'm not the fastest, strongest, whatever you want to call it, person in the box but guess what? I give it what I got. I beat myself up mentally because I know where I was and I see where I am now. Physically, I gained 10lbs. I still fit in the same clothes-just much more snugly. Mentally, I have lost so much. But this is not about wallowing in my own pity. I can change and am doing so. Not trying to. Just doing it. There is no try. Just Do or DON'T DO. I'm tired of being a DON'T DO. I'm DOING!