i'm majoring in health and physical activity at school, so i'm always doing fitness classes. i've noticed a lot of improvement with my stamina and strength. i used to be so weak but i started powerlifting and i'm surprisingly pretty good at it. i feel best when i eat before and after i work out. usually a smoothie or some fruit. i also get a lot of sleep (good days are 10 hours). the sleep issue is so important because i used to only get about 5-6 hours a night and always needed a nap after school. the more energy you use, the more sleep you need.

hi steve

i participate in crossfit also. i love it.
do you partake in a paleo type style of eating or are you vegan?
many years ago i was macro too.
i've found that keeping starch and grains out of my diet has really contributed to
a huge increase in energy and has helped my body
in many ways .

looking forward to hearing more about your journey
sincerely,
rona

I would say I have more energy now eating more raw types of foods. I used to think that I was in my best shape when I was in my early 20's but now my endurance has skyrocketed it's insane. There are a few all vegan athletes out there check out http://www.brendanbrazier.com/index.html he has some articles posted on his site he's been a vegan since 15 is a professional ironman competitor. He doesn't say that's he's all raw but he doesn't advocate eating alot of raw foods, like sprouted grain breads and green smoothies.

Yes, you are right, sleep is important. I have read as much as 9 1/2 hours in "50 Secrets of the Worlds Longest Living People" is needed. I'm afraid I have to work more on that myself. I usually do not eat anything right before a workout other than fruit(something that digests quickly). If you have ever done Crossfit or fought, then you would know why. Although I do take a hemp protein shake with almond milk, ground flax or chia seed, and fruit(bananas, berries, or avacado) within a hour after. I usually eat again after another hour. I find this is working best for me. Other that that, I eat small meals thoughout the day(usually 5 or 6). I have also limited my animal protein to organic eggs, wild caught salmon, and sardines from Spain. But I only eat these ocassionally. How about you? What are you doing for protein? I see you are not 100% raw, but are you vegan?

Thanks for the link. I will check it out. Although I have an idea what it takes to do Ironman, I do not think this type of training or competition is best for the body. Any intense repetitive exercise thends to have a catabolic effect on the muscles. But I do see your point. Anyone that can do those things have to be in insane condition.

Hey Doc,
Thanks for your reply. I'm glad to see another Crossfitter here. I am not on the Paleo diet, but a lot of the guys where I train talk about it. I hear there is a lot of meat in it. I guess I have to look more into that diet. I have limited my animal protein to certain kinds of fish and organic eggs and only ocassionally. I am suprised to see you shun grains. Eating oatmeal is even reccomended on the Gerson Therapy diet. Although I stay away from the overly processed grains, I do eat oatmeal, amarath, quinoa, and brown rice. How long have you been doing Crossfit? Are you training at a Crossfit facility?
Regards,
Steve

I'd def recommend reading Brendan Brazier's Thrive book. It's great and he gives loads of advice for people who are into fitness/working out.