The functional strength training, cardiovascular exercises and explosive athletic movements found in CrossFit workouts are only one part of a well-rounded fitness program. What we eat has a huge impact on our workouts and overall health. In your workouts, you are pushing your body hard and need to fuel it accordingly to see measurable gains. 

In order to do that, the trainers at Bombers CrossFit in Beavercreek, OH, recommend pairing your CrossFit workout with the Paleo diet, which is high in animal protein, vegetables, and fruit; it excludes grain and dairy, as well as processed foods.

Most of the foods found today, even those you think are “healthy choices” are highly processed and packed full of refined sugar. So for most, the Paleo diet is a big change from how they were previously eating, and although cutting out certain foods may be difficult at first, it gets easier. In order to ease yourself into the diet, the best thing to do is to keep your meals simple. When at the grocery, 95% of what you need will be along the perimeter. Stick to meat and fish, carbohydrates from whole foods such as root veggies, and healthy fat.

To get you started, check out one of our CrossFit trainer’s favorite dill potato salad recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds potatoes
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• ¼ red onion, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
• 3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
• ½ cup homemade mayonnaise
• 2 tsp. Dijon or homemade mustard
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• ½ tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• Sea salt and freshly grounded black pepper

Preparation:

• After washing, place potatoes into a pot of water, season with salt, cover, and bring to a boil.
• Cook the potatoes until tender; drain and allow them to cool.
• Cut potatoes into large, 1-inch pieces.
• In a large bowl, stir anchovy fillets, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar; add salt and pepper to taste.
• Add potatoes, onion, celery and dill, and mix gently.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.

To learn more about the Paleo diet and or the benefits of CrossFit training, contact the coaches at Bombers CrossFit at (318) 401-1538. For class schedules and our workout of the day, check out our website for more information.