Paleo for Athletes..

[humilispuer]

*For those of you interested in or currently practicing a paleo diet, I thought this might be of interest*

I recently contacted Dr. Loren Cordain in regard to how an athlete might modify the paleo diet. The following was his response:

Joe Friel and I are currently writing a book called, "The Paleo Diet for Athletes" which will be published by Rodale Press sometime early next year. If you go to Joe's website: www.ultrafit.com and review some of the archives, I believe you can find out how many high levele triathletes are modifying the Paleo Diet and making it work for them. Basically, eat Paleo (see my website: www.thepaleodiet.com ) most of the day, but eat high glycemic load carbs in the post exercise period to restore muscle glycogen.

Cordially,

Loren Cordain, Ph.D., Professor

When the book hits the shelves I am sure there will be a lot of solid information therein. There's some decent info over at ultrafit. Post workout carbs is a strong departure from my current can of sardines. I may give it a go though and see how it affects my performance, recovery, etc. If I decide to test the waters, I'll keep everyone posted.

-Jonathon

[Scotty D.]

Dr.Douglas Graham also highly recommends simple carbs after exercising to restore muscle glycogen. This is from his article 'Nutrition and Athletic Recovery: Are You Overtraining or Underrecovering?, Part I of II'.

"During exercise, and to a reduced rate for about two hours after, the blood is rich with the enzyme glycogenase, which doubles the body's ability to convert sugar into muscle glycogen".

You can read this article at http://www.foodnsport.com, under the articles section.

Personally, I will eat between 12-18 bananas blended with water, MSM, sea salt, and sometimes celery after a workout. Lately I have been experimenting with adding other ingredients, such as goji berry, hemp protein powder, maca, and raw cacao bean to alter the calonutrient ratio towards a higher protein and fat content. Dr.Graham's high-carb diet gets very good results, especially among endurance athletes. It is geared towards maximum aerobic metabolism though, and lately I am questionning if this is desirable.

[James Boelter]

"12-18 bananas" ?!?!?!

Good Lord, man! What are you doing, ultramarathon training???? I couldn't choke down that many bananas in 3 days (even as a shake), let along as a 'recovery' drink?

Whatever lead you to those kind of consumption levels, and why aren't you leaking potassium from every pore?!?!?

"Very good Results"

Have you meet, talked to anyone, or seen a pic of anyone not a skinny marathoner or tri athlete who is using this diet - I doubt it.

[Scotty D.]

Albeit, I myself am fairly lean. Probably considerably so next to one of you folk. About 135 lbs. I believe, however I have not weighed myself in a couple of years now. I am certainly gaining mass since beginning with kettlebells (and height I believe, after using biomechanical exercise and effective joint release. Check my kettlebell logs at www.agatsu.com). There are some pictures of Dr.Graham himself on his webpage www.foodnsport.com. He is 155 lbs. I believe, and most definitly well toned. Also check out 'Shannon The Braveheart' at this link: http://www.thegardendiet.com/shannon.html, and Storm (who has designed a circular strength workout with the Bo) at: http://www.thegardendiet.com/storm.html

Eating this much is a matter of exercising the digestive muscles, and putting down a dozen bananas blended with water is pretty nonchalant in short time. Considering a banana is between 90-110 calories, to reach a caloric intake over 3000 calories on an 80% carb diet definitly requires a relatively large volume.

Not only do I really enjoy this hyper-fruit consumption, but it has sensational benefits to the health of the digestive tract. I had a colonic about a year ago; a 2-hour kettlebell workshop with 2 blenders full of banana, soaked figs, and water did a far better 'flushing' job however. After that experience I was feeling sensational! (accessible toilet facilities a must, however).