Post # 1
Member
220 posts
Helper bee
Hi everyone! I’m looking to lose about 30 lbs I’ve gained in the past three years. I recently started CrossFit (I’ve done it before and never felt better but had to quit due to my getting a 2nd job and having no time). Anyway so I definitely want to build some muscle and lose some fat and drop around 2 pants sizes. Anyone have any success stories with CrossFit?
also any women utilize a whey protein shake? I lovelovelove how they taste it’s like dessert to me! I mix Vanilla Milkshake premier protein with almond milk (I can’t handle water lol) and have that for breakfast on work days and days I’m off I’ll have it after my workout as a mid morning snack (I’m not a big breakfast or lunch eater. I definitely do eat them but it’s small like a spinach salad or some fruit and cottage cheese). Have you had any success with protein as far as appetite suppressing/feeling full/ losing weight/building muscle?
Thanks everyone!
Post # 2
Member
1458 posts
Bumble bee
Yes, slow burning proteins are a good option for weight loss and to help you feel full longer (hard boiled eggs, hummus with ezekial bread) but should not be used as a meal replacement. Keep in mind that protein powder is a supplement that means it’s supplementing in addition to your normal diet.
Try keeping track of your macros to make sure you’re getting enough carbohydrates. My fitness palis about $50 a year to keep track and you can control your percentages…there are also free apps out there.
Good carbohyrates= fuel for the body = easily converted into glycogen which fills the tank in the human body. If you’re going to calorie deficit, make sure you’re actually aware of how many calories you are putting into your body and how many calories you are burning at crossfit.
Also keeping in mind that too much of a deficit and your body will go into ‘starvation mode’ and start hoarding carbs and fats because it thinks you’re in too much of a deficit.
Another tip is asking your crossfit coaches about nutrition advice or what they might recommend. They may point you in the direction of the ‘paleo diet’. Again, pancakes, even if they’re made with flax seeds and peanut butter is not paleo. Cave men didn’t eat pancakes. It’s still a processed carb. Think yams, cauliflower, spinach and healthy fats and proteins like avocado and lean chicken (if you eat meat). 🙂
Good luck Bee!
(current student at ASFT for NASM Certification)
Post # 3
Member
220 posts
Helper bee
avprobeauty : thanks for the tips! I am currently using my fitness pal. I was doing weight watchers but found it to be too restrictive. I’ve only being using MFP for about a week so I’m starting to become aware of my macros and can start adjusting accordingly 🙂 i plan on adding more eggs to my diet and chicken/turkey for protein! My lunch for work is going to be spinach salad with either turkey or chicken and two hard boiled eggs, lots of veggies and this amazing yogurt dressing I found at the store 🙂 then I bring fruit for an afternoon snack. Probably will buy some almonds too, not sure what else for snacks. I’m not a huge snacker I’d rather have a big meal lol.
Post # 4
Member
220 posts
Helper bee
avprobeauty : thanks for the tips! I am currently using my fitness pal. I was doing weight watchers but found it to be too restrictive. I’ve only being using MFP for about a week so I’m starting to become aware of my macros and can start adjusting accordingly 🙂 i plan on adding more eggs to my diet and chicken/turkey for protein! My lunch for work is going to be spinach salad with either turkey or chicken and two hard boiled eggs, lots of veggies and this amazing yogurt dressing I found at the store 🙂 then I bring fruit for an afternoon snack. Probably will buy some almonds too, not sure what else for snacks. I’m not a huge snacker I’d rather have a big meal lol.
avprobeauty : also should I add in some eggs with my breakfast on work mornings? I’m thinking this: shake ok way to work around 0600, then scrambled eggs around 0930 when I can get a break and get to the cafeteria. Then I eat lunch around 1230 or 1. Snack around 4. Dinner when I get home
Post # 5
Member
1458 posts
Bumble bee
mrslavogue92217 : awesome job Bee. As trainers one thing we are taught to ask our clients is ‘how do you feel?’ Listen to your body. If you’re tired burned out you may not be getting enough carbs or are overtraining, etc. It’s okay to ‘treat’ yourself, (that yummy yogurt dressing sounds good) vs. binging on a weekend (wine, donuts/bagels, steak and mashed taters etc all at once vs. oatmeal and fruit, nice healthy sandwich and splurge at supper ;P).
Good luck to you!!! I love crossfit and I think it’s a great way to lose weight and stay in shape. My only concern as a trainer is not having enough mobility/stability excercises and nutrition. But I think it is a really strong option for someone who feels comfortable throwing weight around (wouldnt recommend for beginners which it doesnt sound like you are).
Post # 6
Member
121 posts
Blushing bee
I loooove crossfit and think it has completely changed my life and body. In terms of protein, I like fuel for fire (chocolate banana flavor) and I like the chocolate Vega plant based protein. I just have been reading a lot about plant protein and have been incorporating hemp seeds and chia seeds into my diet. I’m also lactose intolerant so whey kind of bugs me.
Post # 7
Member
2222 posts
Buzzing bee
Protein shakes are great, if they work for you. Personally, I’m not completely full on them, so I find eating more whole foods is more my jam! I would incorporate them if you’re doing crossfit and the coach recommends it, but I would also make sure that you are considering the amount of protein in them in your macro plan for the whole day. Don’t add them on unless you haven’t had protein elsewhere, or unless you need to hit a protein goal.
My fav protein powders are the Quest Salted Carmel (I actually put this in iced coffee in the morning if I don’t have time for a real meal) and any of the Level 1 and other 1stphorm shakes. Those are freaking delicious!
Post # 8
Member
1428 posts
Bumble bee
- Wedding: September 2005 - A Castle
I have a large protein smoothie every day. Most of the time I drink it with the rest of my lunch, but sometimes I have it between lunch and dinner. It keeps me pretty full, but it’s more a meal than just a shake.
My favorite protein powder is Trutein Vanilla Bean because of its versatility, but I like the Trutein brand in general.
34g Trutein Vanilla Bean powder
1.5 cups water
5 ice cubes
1 container Dannon Light & Fit Greek yogurt – either Strawberry Cheesecake or Vanilla
1 banana
140g frozen fruit of choice (I usually go with mango, pineapple, or strawberries)
1 handful of baby spinach
Blend and enjoy 🙂
Post # 9
Member
716 posts
Busy bee
I did crossfit for a few years myself and it changed my body in amazing ways….BUT it also resulted in me needing 2 knee surgeries for cartilage breakdowns. Crossfit does not focus on form during the WOD’s as they are often focused on speed.
What i turned to was classic lifting….lifting HEAVY. It will NOT make you bulky and will firm you up a bit more than just crossfit alone. I have fallen into the classic lifting style – chest and triceps, back and triceps, shoulder day, leg day. I still do olympic lifts like cleans, deadlifts and snatches.
Try Rule1 Proteins. They are zero sugar and carbs and taste amazing! I like to mix mine with fruit and milk as my morning breakfast. But completely supressing nutrients and food will actually slow your metabolism as you still need fuel.
Good Luck!
Post # 10
Member
783 posts
Busy bee
Just FYI, starvation mode is a myth, you will lose weight no matter how much of a deficit you are in.
Also, never eat back calories you burn off.
Protein is meant as a supplement but make sure you count it towards your daily caloric intake.
Post # 11
Member
475 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: February 2019 - City, State
mrslavogue92217 : I’ve gained some fat since my recent move and I have been following crossfit style workouts and crossfit personal training sessions. I’ve lost fat and gained strength. I drink Ancient Nutrition’s bone broth meal every morning for protein and love it. I do like also like their protein!