30 Day Fuel Challenge

As we begin the new year we have an opportunity to start 2012 off with a commitment to improving our nutritional situation. The starting point will be different for each one of you.  Some of you eat strict paleo and have been doing so for years.  Others adopt a 70/30 approach to paleo eating while some prefer a primal approach.  Then there are those of you who are curious about what this whole paleo thing is all about but have no idea where to start.  This year's NorCal CrossFit Fuel Challenge will have a place for all of you.  


Details: 


Dates: January 1 – January 30, 2012
Entry Fee: $20
This is not a weight loss competition. This challenge is a way to better health and promote optimal gene expression.  
Celebration Potluck: February 17th. 

Where to start:

1. Choose your approach:
• Paleo: We will be using the Whole9 Approach outlined here
• Primal: We will be using the approach outlined by Mark Sisson here.
2. Register:
• In order to participate email dana@cfnorcal.com by December 30.  
• Everyone will be partnered with another member who is also taking part in the challenge.  
3. Set a baseline: (Select at least 2)
• Pictures: Front and back view in athletic clothing or bathing suit 
• Measurements: waist circumference, hips, thighs, neck
• Body fat: register here.  (Please note our group is listed as CrossFit Santa Clara).  
• Benchmark Mystery WOD. (details to follow)

Daily Requirements:

1. Eat real food.
2. Maintain a food log (you will receive a link to the journal template once you register). 
3. Log your points here on the blog. 

Scoring:

1. Four Points: 100% adherence. You meet your predetermined goal completely.
2. Three Points: Minor slip up but not an entire meal.  Examples: condiments, legumes, creamer in coffee. 
3. Two Points: You had a serving on non "real food" but were able to hold the rest of it together.  Examples: 1 beer/glass of wine, handful of chips/fries etc.  
4. One Point: Most of your day was paleo but you had an entire meal (more than one serving) that was not in line with your goals.   
5. Zero Points: Your fuel choices were more off than on.  Examples: Two slices of pizza and a beer.  

• Possible bonus points:
• One bonus point for every day you participate in a workout at NorCal CrossFit
• One bonus point for every night you sleep over 8 hours.  Proper sleep has been associated with everything from faster recovery, better mental focus, to more HGH production. Sleep is one of the greatest factors in improved health and increased performance.  
• One bonus point for taking fish oil.  Fish oil is a significant source of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.  These fatty acids improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.  This enables athletes to train harder and recover faster.  Whole9 has more information on fish oil selection and dosing here.

"Winning" There are two ways to win awesome prizes at the end of the challenge.  

1. All participants will be eligible for raffle tickets based upon their overall point score.  These tickets will then be entered into a drawing for prizes.  
2. Top Performers: At the end of the challenge the top five performers will be selected based upon:

• Measurement Improvements: before and after photos, measurements, and body fat
• Essay
• Scoring: points from daily nutrition log.