CrossFit Zone Journal

[Jerry Hill]

It all starts here;
http://www.crossfit.com/journal/library/cfjissue21_May04.pdf

Print it out, read it and lets discuss!

[Stuart Roy]

My theory is "in for a dime, in for a dollar." So if I want to see if the Zone is going to get it done for me I have to buy into the whole program and test it. Therefore, I've purchased the Omega RX fish oil and take it fairly religiously (in addition to a 4 block meal/1-2 block snack schedule).

Two questions though:

A) Do you think it is a vital part of the Zone as far as Crossfit is concerned?
B) Do you necessarily need to take the capsules spaced out evenly during the day? I ask because I sometimes forget to take the last one at night and end up taking only 3 during the day. If I could take 2 with breakfast and 2 with supper I would be much less likely to forget.

Truthfully, I can't say that I've noticed some big difference between taking or not taking the fish oil while Zoning but I'm doing the whole program.

Thanks.

Sr

[Jerry Hill]

Hey Stuart,
Maybe we can get some others to chime in with their experience; Mike, Leslie, Cara, Andrea S, Chriss, Katie...

Personally, I never see a difference with supplements, I think Americans have very expensive urine...

I always see a difference with macronutrients like Protien, Fat, and Carbs...real food.

[Christine]

Jerry,
I know I am reading this months later, but thanks for the chuckle. There are even studies of fish being altered by some of the things we are peeing away into the water table.

I am very biased about supplementation, but fish oil and Vit E supplementation have been part and parcel of the biomedical intervention into Christopher's autism with positive results. The positive effects on the brain from the Omegas may be worth it even if you aren't turning into a pull up stud.

Having some simple blood work done before you start supplementing may be a good idea. If you already eat well, it is possible to get to high on Vit E from fish oil and this can be heart damaging.
B, D, K, E, iron along with the usual cholesterol, and glucose can give a great baseline. And when these numbers get better... you got more than anectodotal evidence to the benefit of your diet.

my 2 cents.

[Dre]

I can't speak about the Zone, but I agree with Jerry on Supplements. I've taken fish oils, garlic (even when unscented it stinks!), chromium... and never see/feel a difference. My biggest kick was Protein supplements (I love Muscle Milk), but again, I don't really see a difference. I still drink it right after Crossfit, but that's it, no longer will I drink it 3 times a day and before I go to bed (it's just too much). See what you think about this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/health/nutrition/05Best.html?_r=1...

[Adrienne Hoar]

Stuart, there have been tons of studies on the positive affects of taking fish oils. They're supposed to be good for your joints and help with digestion and all of that stuff. I took them religiously for about a year (very expensive fish oils).

The difference that I noticed was that it made my burps stink. I wouldn't argue against experts, but I'll say I've noticed a huge difference on the zone without actually taking any supplements.

[Cara]

Stuart,

I take the fish oil too - don't feel a difference, but I don't see any harm in taking it - especially with all the research out there telling you how good it is for ya!

[Katie]

Sr, I am a no supplement kind of girl. Everything, good AND bad comes from what I eat... I have not fully bought into the Zone 100% because there are some things I just can't stomach. I'm not a fan of powdered protein, and I'm not a big fan of beans. There are lots of other little things too that I just can't seem to buy into, but the Zone still does right by me. I think the one thing that is important to remember Sr is that diets are just like clothes. One size does not fit all. So, do what works for you and your body, eliminate what doesn't. If fish oil doesn't float your boat, ditch it, but stick with the good healthy habits the Zone is teaching you.

[Keturah]

Jerry, how do you feel about me adding an extra block only to my breakfast? I'm thinking that if I increase my consumption after the WOD that it will give me more energy to stay awake in the morning. For example

3 block breakfast
2 block lunch
2 block dinner.

[Jerry Hill]

I don't know Keturah...I don't think this will help.

If your energy low is on the train after CrossFit perhaps it is brain function - maybe you need something interesting to do!

Earlier I discussed with you extra Fat blocks and less carbs as a way to avoid a "crash".

[Adrienne Hoar]

Keturah, I'm surpised you're doing 2 block lunches and dinner. That seems pretty low for your body type. I'm doing 3 block meals and still fight hunger sometimes. Remember at the cert when one of the trainers was saying he used to eat 7 block meals or something crazy like that, and he was still hungry. Nicole suggested he take his meals down to 4 or 5 block meals. I think if you moved up all of your meals to 3 blocks you'll satisfy the hunger, without putting on weight.

[Jerry Hill]

ooh good catch ladies - 2 blocks is wicked low!
Are you going 1 block snacks or 2 block snacks?

[Keturah]

Thanks Adrienne and Jerry. I was doing a 1 block snack. Ok, I will try 3blocks and 2 blocks snacks. Maybe this will also increase my speed on the workout. It begins now, so let's see how far we goes.