YOU! 

I know, I know not everyone can be a winner. Not everyone needs a trophy.  But you guys really are ALL winners! I am so proud of you.  I’m proud of the ones who attempted the challenge or stuck with the challenge for only a little bit. Making a change is hard.  It requires us to be 100% READY.  Sometimes we are ready to THINK about making a change. Sometimes we are ready to TALK about making a change.  At some point, when all the stars align, you will be 100% to MAKE a change.  So YES,  I am 100% proud of those who finished and those who did not.  For those of you who did not finish…there will be more challenges in the near future;)

Now on to the results (drum roll please)

Best Blog Posts: 

Laura Luther

Elaina Parahus 

Carolyn O’Connell

Emily Alger

Melissa McCormick

Bloggers with Awesome Food Prepping Ideas:

Lara Hajek

Echo (Echo, like Oprah, only needs a first name)

Most Improved Performance in the Challenge WOD:

1st Place:

Elaina Parahus

Pre Challenge WOD score:  4+9

Post Challenge WOD score: 5+29!! OMGEEZ! You go girl!

2nd Place:

Melissa McCormick

Pre Challenge WOD Score: 4+33

Post Challenge WOD Score: 5+8 Holy Smacks! Beast mode!

Most Overall Points:

1st Place: Laura Luther 411 points

2nd Place: Elaina Parahus 409 points

3rd Place: Sarina Yekes 401 points

OVERALL Challenge Winner:

Elaina Parahus

Elaina blew the challenge workout out of the water! She also managed to maximize her potential points. On most days she was 100% compliant.  Thats amazing!  Elaina-way to go! You can definitely teach us a thing or two about staying focused.  I plan on conducting an interview with Elaina.  Stay tuned!

Honarable Mentions: 

Laura Luther

Man, this lady is amazing and hysterical! Her Facebook posts where always on point.  She always posted fantastic quotes and pictures of her running with her husband on her back (J/K).  Laura you are awesome and your dance moves are pretty bad ass too! Dance-off sometime?!

Sarina Yekes

This lady came, she saw and she took NO mercy.  In a very short period of time Sarina went from CrossFit newbie to CrossFit beast.  I saw the switch flip.  She went from completing WODs to really demolishing WODs! She would breeze past me on the runs and move around the barbell like nobody’s business. I could not be more proud of her.  You are fun to watch Sarina.  Keep it up! You are a rockstar!

I know there are a handful of athletes who did not post scores and results choosing to be more private.  I respect that. However,  I wish I could shout from the mountain tops your awesome results! Congratulations on your accomplishments! 

Again-Thank you all for making the first HCF Nutrition Challenge a success.  I received great feedback that I will implement into the next challenge.  

Great work everyone!  Remember…the speed doesn’t matter, forward is forward.  

Jessica

Hi All!

Well, today is the final day of our 45 Day Nutrition Challenge.  I could not be more proud! The goal of the challenge was to establish healthy, realistic eating habits.  If weight loss happened, GREAT! If you learned to be a more mindful eater, GREAT! If you learned you don’t drink enough water (ME!), GREAT!  Now the true challenge starts.  Today is the first day you are going to incorporate what you learned over the past 45 days into your daily life.

 Remember, I am always here to help!  Congrats to everyone! 

If you have anything you would like to share with the rest of us Challengers, please do! You can post on our Facebook page: HCF Nutrition Challenge 45

YOU DID IT!

Lose 5 lbs. in 1 day! Too good to be true?!

I have heard a lot of talk about cleanses and detox diets lately. I thought this would be a good opportunity to provide our athletes some additional information to help determine whether to participate in a detox/cleanse or not.

What does “detox” mean?

Many people are drawn to the idea of a detox diet or cleanse because it presents a kind of “fresh start” for those who desire weight loss or improved health. The process to detox can vary according to whom you are speaking with. As a Dietitian, I promote the use of food that will naturally detox the body. Others may promote the use of powders, pills and/or drinks. Is MY way the right way? Maybe. Is it wrong to use powders, pills and drinks? Maybe. You decide. But before you do, consider the following information.

The term ‘detox’ can refer to pop culture detox diets like the 10 day starvation diet (AKA The Master Cleanse), to Medical Nutrition Therapy detox diet, like the Elimination Diet (for Irritable Bowel Syndrome). We should keep an open-mind when we hear the term detox. Detox could mean ANYTHING! Do your homework first.

How do detox diets work?

A detox diet should focus on switching bad habits for new and improved good habits. The toxins (or xenobiotics) that people often refer to enter our bodies through smoking, pesticides, chemical compounds in non-food products (deodorants, shampoos, air fresheners, etc.), artificial substances and heavy metals ingested through food. These toxins get “stuck” in the cells of our GI tract and/or lungs. By simply changing our diet and lifestyle, the cells in our GI tract and lungs are given the opportunity to regenerate and become strong, healthy cells. During this time of re-generation, people may experience symptoms such as runny nose and increase bowel movements. All good things! The benefits of a detox can range from improved health, energy and digestion to decreased inflammation and weight loss.

According to Marjorie Nolan Cohn, Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “the human body can eliminate any toxins it comes into contact with just fine.” Ms. Cohn suggests consumers be aware of potential risks of “fad” detox diets. I agree with Ms. Cohn. Our organs and immune system can handle detoxification on their own WHEN we provide it with the necessary nutrients to do so. Our bodies are constantly in a state of detox. According to Robin Foroutan, MS, RDN, HHC, an integrative medicine nutritionist, “without this natural process, we would die.” Dramatically stated, but true!

Can We detox using food?

If we maintain a healthy diet, rich in fiber (whole grains, organic fruits and veggies) and, adequate (preferably, non calorie) fluids, we can easily achieve a natural detox diet plan using foods. Sound good to you? Sounds good to me!
Additionally, there are certain foods that can increase or speed up the “detox” process such as cruciferous vegetables, onions, and garlic, which contain phytochemicals that induce detoxification. A high intake of fiber found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, supports regular elimination, which is important in excreting toxins through bile and stool. Wa-hoo! Even some spices such as turmeric have shown potential in protecting the gallbladder and promoting bile flow. Research has shown the potential for pomegranate acid in assisting detoxification pathways. Other foods that have shown promise in research studies include high quality protein, artichokes, watercress, cilantro, green tea and apples.
To decrease the buildup of toxins, avoid refined sugars, trans fats, and saturated fats. Bottom line, eating detoxifying foods, beverages and spices almost always is beneficial.

Are detox diets safe?

More evidenced based, peer-reviewed clinical trials evaluating specific detox programs are still needed especially for certain populations, including pregnant and breast-feeding women, diabetics, growing children, teens and older adults and those with low blood sugar, and eating disorders. These individuals shouldn’t follow a detox program due to the potential dangers associated with disruptions to dietary intake and/or calorie restriction. Detox diets are meant for individuals who are generally healthy.
Just remember, pop-culture detox diets are a short-term solution. Nutrition is essential for proper detoxification and long term, optimal health and wellness.

Trust your bodies natural detox capabilities. Remove foods/chemicals that could potentially contribute toxins and Replace with foods that support the body’s healing potential. If the detox diet that you’re hearing about sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Listen to your gut (no pun intended).

Cruciferous Food list

High Fiber Food list

Jessica Dean, RD, CD-N
Registered Dietitian
Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist

www.JessicaDeanRD.com

Resources:
Schaeffer Juliann, Diet and Detoxification. Today’s Dietitian. 2014; 16 (3) 34
Schaeffer, Juliann Spring Cleaning: Assessing the Benefits and Risks of Detox Diets. Today’s Dietitian. 2008; 10(5) 34