As you may have read, Bob is doing another challenge through our CrossFit box to kickstart his healthy eating for 2013. I’m proud of him and proud of the discipline he has to follow such a strict adherence to Paleo. But I’m not participating, nor will I ever participate in one of these challenges again.
I probably eat Paleo about 75% of the time. I do this because I feel more energetic when I eat this way and I don’t get the 3 o’clock afternoon slump at work. I’m much more productive if I eat this way. I also eat Paleo because it’s a lifestyle Bob has chosen and I’d like to support him as much as possible.
However. The challenge mentality screws me up psychologically — I don’t like the feeling of “cheating” on a diet. If I’m going to make a lifestyle change, I’m going to change it so I can eat like that the rest of my life. So why would I eat a diet that I would need to “cheat” on so I could share a drink with a friend, enjoy some chocolate, or go on a wine tour? I’m not willing to do that. And I know the challenge is just so you can kickstart healthy eating habits, but if I’m unwilling to cut out wine, chocolate, pasta and bread for a lifetime, even if I only indulge in these things occasionally, why would I cut them out only for 8 weeks so I can include them again after 8 weeks? It doesn’t make sense to me.
For some, this challenge is a great thing. Especially if you want to eat like this forever. For Bob, it’s great because he needs the structure.For others, the challenge is great because it gets them closer to their fitness goals. If you eat Paleo you tone up quickly. You get a 6 pack. You look more defined. You do awesome in your workouts because you’re fueling your body with only good food.
But I don’t need the structure because I know how to eat to fuel myself well, and I know when I can indulge and when I’ve gone too far. After paying very close attention to my eating habits for two years, I don’t want or need a diet that limits the types of food I can eat all in the name of six pack abs, ripped arms and shoulders, and being at the top of the leaderboard after every WOD. (I don’t CrossFit because I want to be the fittest woman on earth — I CrossFit so I can stay in shape and so I can eat chocolate and cookies).
I feel like people need to know it’s okay not to want a 6-pack. There’s a difference between being healthy and being an elite athlete. I have never wanted to be an elite athlete. I want to be healthy, I want to feel good about myself, and I want to live a long life with my husband. And that’s okay for me. I accept that I will never have abs of steel, because I refuse to give up the pleasures of eating ice cream on a hot summer day, popcorn with butter at a good movie, chocolate cake and sprinkles to celebrate my birthday, or creamy hot chocolate curled up by the Christmas tree in December.
But don’t worry — I will continue posting meal plans for the Paleo challengers out there who are brave enough to give up such pleasures for 8 weeks. I may think you’re crazy, but I still have a great deal of respect for anyone with that much self control. Good luck!
Recipe for Parchment paper packets
On a completely different topic! Tonight I’ve got parchment paper swai (fish) in the oven and I wanted to share the recipe with you since I make this often as a quick weeknight meal. The prep is no longer than 15 minutes (could be faster if you’re a fast chopper — I am not) and the baking time is about 20 minutes depending on what fish you use. The first time I had anything made in parchment paper we were over at our friends Brian and Ariana’s for dinner. It was amazing and simple for her to prepare. I often get recipe ideas from Ar — she’s a very good cook and an INCREDIBLE baker. (I don’t attempt to bake. I am a bad baker.)
Here’s what you need: (serves two — because Bob eats two fish filets and I eat one)
- Salt and pepper
- Other spices for vegetables (I use Penzey’s spice “Mural of Flavor”)
- Fresh Garlic, minced (I didn’t have fresh garlic so I used garlic powder.. but fresh is best)
- Lemon Juice
- Olive Oil
- Zucchini (2 small)
- Peppers (2)
- Fish filets (I used 3 frozen swai filets)
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Baking sheet
1. Preheat the oven to 425. Chop up your veggies and mix them with about a tablespoon of olive oil and about a teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and additional spices. Here’s my Penzey’s spice that I use:
2. Tear off piece of parchment paper. I tend to tear them pretty big, so these are probably about 10 inches square.
3. Spray the parchment paper with olive oil spray (or spread olive oil on parchment paper)
4. Take handfuls of vegetables and lay out on parchment paper. You want to be able to fold the parchment paper over top of the filling, so don’t pile it too high!
5. Add your piece of fish and season the fish with salt, pepper, garlic (powder or fresh) a drizzle of olive oil, and a drizzle of lemon juice.
6. Wrap ’em up! I fold the longer end in first and then roll up the sides. You want these to be pretty well rolled in because you don’t want steam to escape. The beauty of these little packets is that the steam inside the packets cooks the fish and vegetables.
7. Bake at 425 for about 20 minutes. I usually take them out about then to check if the fish flakes easily. If it does, you’re good!
8. Enjoy.
Do you participate in eating challenges? Or do you avoid them like I do?
i loved this post for a bunch of reasons! My main one was I pinned your recipe!!
🙂 thanks Traci!!
i am so going to try this sometime. sounds easy and delish – my kind of meal!
🙂 enjoy!
I just found your blog (I just became a member of FCCF!) and I love this post! Thanks for putting into words how I feel about crossfit so far – I love the challenge, and I want to be healthy, but I don’t want to restrict my eating just to get a six-pack. I’ve tried a bunch of diets before, only to gain the weight back after falling off the wagon. With Crossfit, I’m slowly realizing that I want to be strong and healthy so I can enjoy life (and the occasional cookie!). Thanks for your post 🙂
Thanks Jess! When do you usually go? I go in the mornings, usually at 5 & 6am. Maybe I’ll see you there? So glad you joined — you’re in for a fun time! 🙂
I wish I could, but I have to be at work at 7am (I’m a teacher). So, I’ve been going after work on Tuesdays and Fridays, and Sunday mornings. Maybe we can meet up sometime! Thanks 🙂
🙂 That would be great!