JOIN THE #800gCHALLENGE

WHAT IS IT?

This challenge was designed by OptimizeMe Nutrition. Eat 800 grams (g) or fruits and/or vegetables, by weight, per day.

No foods are eliminated, but only fruits and veggies count toward the 800g. Eat the fruits and veggies or your choice. Hit the macros you want.

Raw, cooked, canned, frozen; doesn’t matter!  If you can weigh it as a standalone and unprocessed fruit or vegetable, you can count it. Yep, that’s it! Pick up a one-sheet at the gym for all the rules and scoring details. Or get a copy here.

So why 800g? It’s associated with increased health and is a simplified way to hit those recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. Read more here.

DATES

The 800g challenge will run from November 5th – December 1st

SIGN-UP

Registration runs from October 16th – October 31st. Fill out the form below to be contacted when registration opens.  This challenge is NOT limited to CrossFit Round Rock members. CrossFit Round Rock members’ spouses, significant others or roommates can play along, too (must be 18 years old). Get the whole house onboard to stay motivated throughout the challenge.

MEETING

We will host a meeting at the gym to go over all the challenge rules and answer your questions. Be sure to be there!

• November 3rd at 11:00am at CrossFit Round Rock

COST

$50/athlete

SCORING

We will be using SugarWOD to log scores, leaderboard, and fist bump throughout the challenge. More info on scoring and logging can be found here.

PRIZES

1st place wins a FREE month of Unlimited classes

2nd place wins a $50 membership credit towards dues

3rd place wins a free CFRR shirt

Let’s get started!

Eggs and red meat are good sources of protein and nutrients, but they also contain modest levels of fat. Too much red meat in the diet can lead to health consequences. Also, meat, and even eggs are not an option for vegans, who must, therefore, get their protein elsewhere.

10. Almond Butter

As the name might suggest, almond butter is made from almonds and includes about 10g worth of protein per 50g. It is also a good source of healthy fats, biotin, vitamin E, and manganese. Taken without salt, almond butter can be thought of as a replacement for peanut butter, used in smoothies and sandwiches. In fact, if you’re looking for a recipe to make your own, here’s one you can try. It doesn’t take long to make at all. Almond butter also possesses significant levels of Zinc, which can be thought of as a transport mineral for the body’s resources.

9. Hemp Hearts

You’ve probably heard of hemp as a plant closely related to marijuana. You can think of it as weed’s straight-laced cousin. Not only will it not get you high, but it has a variety of uses in many industries. For example, did you know hemp is also a solid source of protein and other nutrition? Typically, hemp hearts have around 16g of protein per 50g. They are also a solid option for obtaining omega-3 fats, which are helpful for the brain and cognitive functions, and they even contain some levels of iron and calcium, which help make your bones stronger.

8. Pumpkin Seeds

If you’re one of those people who tosses out all the pumpkin seeds when you’re making jack-o-lanterns for Halloween and pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, stop. You’re parting with up to 8g of protein for every 50g you throw away! Furthermore, you’d also be losing out on magnesium, a mineral that is crucial for energy utilization in our body. If you still aren’t convinced, pumpkin seeds are also excellent at helping to kill parasites! Pumpkin seeds provide fat, carbohydrates and potassium, which translate to energy, smoother digestion, and superior heart health respectively. Don’t pass up the power of the pumpkin seed.

7. Nutritional Yeast

If you’ve heard of yeast, it’s likely been used in one of two contexts; yes, it is a component of many types of bread. Nutritional yeast brings in 25g of protein for every 50g, making it one of the strongest non-meat sources of protein on this list. Speaking of nonmeat, nutritional yeast offers a strong cheesy and nutty flavor, which makes it a component for imitation cheese dishes among vegans and vegetarians. Vegans and vegetarians can also protect their B Vitamin supply because nutritional yeast also provides significant levels of B12, a vitamin those with restricted diets have trouble obtaining.

6. Dulse

Have you heard of Dulse? In terms of appearance, you might think of it as a cross between seaweed and red lettuce. In actuality, it is edible seaweed. Coming in with 16g of protein per 50g, dulse is a sea vegetable that includes a significant fiber content, which can help the digestive system past waste more efficiently. Furthermore, dulse is rich in potassium, a crucial nutrient for heart health in that it makes blood vessels more flexible, putting less strain on the heart. It also provides iodine, which is necessary for the hormones of the thyroid gland to synthesize properly.

5. Chlorella

Chlorella is one food that is flying under the radar in more way than one. Not only is it an impressive source of protein, edging out nutritional yeast with 29g of protein per 50g, but it also contains significant levels of other nutrients carbohydrates, fats, and various other vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, iron, and magnesium, are found in it. As the name might suggest, it’s a green alga. While it packs quite a punch in terms of nutrition, it is not eaten for its flavor and is best eaten as part of a soup, smoothie, or other food.

4. Spirulina

Much like chlorella, spirulina is another algae superfood. In fact, it contains nearly as much protein as chlorella, falling just shy at around 28 grams worth for every 50 grams. The nutritional content makes it a significant all-around supplement for vegans and vegetarians because it also contains significant levels of iron, Vitamin K, and even B Vitamins. You will need quite a lot of it if you want it to significantly affect your daily intake, so you may have to get creative to find ways to include it in breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals (or drink a LOT of smoothies).

3. Cacao Nibs

Cacao nibs are a lot like cocoa, but there are some key differences. With a modest 7 grams worth of protein in every 50g, cacao differs from cocoa primarily in that it still has the living enzymes intact which make it beneficial for improving digestion. Furthermore, cacao nibs contain significant levels of antioxidants (antiaging enzymes), and believe it or not, it can significantly improve your heart health. Chocolate gets unhealthy once you add in all the excess fat, salt and sugar. If you must skip to chocolate, opt for high grade semisweet dark chocolate, as it’s the healthiest for you.

2. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are a very popular health food, partially for their protein content, but also for other reasons. Coming in at 9g of protein per 50g, flax seeds also provide significant levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which play significant roles in the body’s health. For those adverse to using eggs, ground flax can stand in as a healthier substitute when it’s time to bake; ultimately, freshly ground flax is the best in terms of the nutrition it provides. Use it in smoothies and salads, or as a component of snacks; make a trail mix with cacao nibs and pumpkin seeds!

1. Tahini

Made from sesame seeds, tahini is a staple in middle eastern cuisine. It can be made into a food all on its own, but it is often a component in many other dishes, most notably in the US, hummus. For every 50 grams or so, Tahini packs in about 10 grams worth of protein. Tahini can be made from raw or roasted seeds; the raw variety has less in the way of fat, but both provide significant nutrition, including potassium, calcium, iron, and B Vitamins. Often used as a dip, it can be served on health platters along with vegetables.

Protein is crucial to the body, even for vegans and vegetarians; supplements, while helpful, are not always as effective as natural food. These foods are important options, particularly for vegans and vegetarians, not only for their non-animal based protein content but also because of the other vitamins and minerals they provide. Some of these vitamins, such as B Vitamins, are difficult to get enough of without animal sources. Even if you’re not a vegan or vegetarian, these foods put new and interesting options on the table. When it comes to protein intake, ensure you get around .13-.30g/lb per day if possible.

Original Article: Click Here

All Made Simple – by: S.George

Contact: [email protected]

“If you continue to do what you have always done, then you will continue to be who you have always been…you must change to change…”

Jenn Adams has been a member at CFRR since 2015.

During that time she has been as consistent as any athlete we have had. She has also achieved a ton of fitness success to include: handstand push-ups, handstand walks, Olympic lifting, powerlifting, and the ever elusive bar muscle up! With this list of accolades, how could you not know about Jenn Adams!!!! 

If you don’t know her it’s because she flies under the radar and is quite humble about all of her achievements. She’s not one to boast or brag or to instantly post to social media that she achieved any such fitness milestone. That’s just not her. 

As impressive as her list of accomplishments in the gym is, that’s not what’s most impressive about her. She manages this all while maintaining a full-time job, managing her son Jackson along with her husband Chris, and oh yeah, she’s currently pregnant with their second child. This is where it gets impressive…

She’s moved from being able to do all of the stuff listed above to having to do nearly a complete 180 with her workout regimen. She’s had to lower intensity, change up movements on the reg and modify pretty much every CrossFit workout she attends. That’s a very rough thing to do for someone who was pretty much doing every workout as prescribed before. No easy task at all. And she’s done it all without question. She knows this is what’s best for her and her new baby. It’s completely unselfish and a very good example of putting something or someone above yourself. 

So here’s to Jenn Adams. Thank you for your example and your leadership. You’re such an inspiration to us all!

Whenever you hear the slogan, “taste the rainbow”, you probably don’t think about eating healthy. In fact, a colorful and familiar candy probably springs to mind. However, eating the colors of the rainbow isn’t only in reference to candy. In fact, eating fruits and vegetables from the rainbow colors has a significant impact on your health. The color red symbolizes more than just love. Actually, in the science and health community, the color red is associated with health.

There are a numerous amount of studies that suggest eating red fruits and vegetables is beneficial for your overall health. While each color of the rainbow has its own health benefits, red carries the most impact. Red-colored fruits and vegetables fight against free radicals and cancer-causing toxins. Additionally, red fruits and veggies provide protection from stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Arthritis sufferers and those who struggle with joint pain and mobility can find relief with the color red.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants like lycopene. Consequently, it is lycopene that gives tomatoes and other red fruits their coloring. While most nutrients from vegetables are absorbed best when raw; the lycopene in tomatoes absorbs better when cooked. Lycopene supports tissue, cardiovascular, and prostate health. In addition to these benefits, lycopene also protects against certain cancers.

Cherries

Second, cherries provide another bountiful source of antioxidants. Thanks to their skin, cherries are high in fiber. Additionally, cherries are rich in vitamin C and potassium. Of course, you may already be aware, vitamin C is a natural immune booster. As a result, the vitamin C in cherries can protect against illness, disease, and infection. Potassium helps balance the sodium-potassium pump in the body. Cherries also promote cardiovascular health. Whether you eat cherries fresh or dried, add them to your next salad or trail mix.

Cranberries

Next, on the list are cranberries, which are the tart cousin of the cherry. While some find the naturally tart taste of a cranberry off-putting, they offer so many benefits. They are best known for their ability to prevent ulcers in the stomach and certain cancers. In some studies, cranberries have destroyed cancer cells in the lab. Besides being a cancer-fighting fruit, cranberries also assist in digestion. They prevent the bacteria that stick to the gastric walls that ultimately form ulcers.

Red Bell Peppers

The red bell pepper has twice the vitamin C an orange, but that’s not all. Besides containing the natural immune-boosting vitamin C, they promote heart health. Red bell peppers reduce inflammation in the arteries, thus preventing heart disease. Jam-packed with antioxidants, red bell peppers fight off free radicals and cancer-causing toxins.

Raspberries

The small but mighty fruit, the raspberry is a powerhouse of health. High in fiber and rich in antioxidants, raspberries help protects against free radicals and cancer-causing toxins. They are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B, folic acid, and magnesium. Therefore, raspberries help reduce wrinkles, boost immunity, and prevent cancer.

Red Cabbage

Although red cabbage may appear purple in color, it contains the same benefits as the other red vegetables. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, potassium, and fiber are all found in red cabbage. Red cabbage can decrease the risk of brain cancer and cardiovascular disease. It is also great for boosting the immune system and acts as an anti-fungal when fermented.

Radish

A root vegetable like the radish packs a punch in taste and health. These tiny bulbs are an excellent source of Vitamin C, folate, and potassium. For maximum nutrient absorption, these crunchy buds should be eaten raw.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is not only beautiful; it is an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients. The leaf of the rhubarb is green, but the root is red. Therefore it is classified as a red vegetable. Calcium, potassium, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C are all found in rhubarb. This vegetable promotes strong bones and a strong immune system.

Red Onions

Finally, red onions can give both your body and your next dish a little boost. There are several studies proving the cancer-fighting benefits red onions have to offer. Red onions also reduce cholesterol, support healthy liver function, and improve the immune system.

In conclusion, eating more red foods every day has a significant impact on your overall health. Of course, it is important to eat every color of the rainbow. However, red fruits and vegetables proved to be the champion of health. There is a wide range of fruits and vegetables that fall into the red color spectrum. The ones listed in this article are the top red foods in taste, health, and overall popularity. If there is a favorite red food you enjoy daily or seasonally, be sure to share it!

Original Article: Click Here

All Made Simple – by: S.George

Contact: [email protected]

“If you continue to do what you have always done, then you will continue to be who you have always been…you must change to change…”

“Your arms are one of the first muscles to show toning results after starting a weight training routine,” says Adam Kant, owner of Intrepid Gym in Hoboken, New Jersey. “You don’t have to be lifting heavy to tone up (although it tends to show results faster if you do!)—doing lightweight movements with higher reps will help firm everything up ASAP.” Here’s how to sculpt your arms without stepping foot in the gym:

What you’ll need:
A yoga mat or towel to stand on
Two dumbbells (5-10 pounds)
A kettlebell (15-20 pounds)

The routine: Perform 3 rounds, 12 reps per move, 2-3 times per week. Pair with a cardio workout for optimal results. And try not to rest in between moves or rounds, to keep up your heart rate and those calories burning!

1. Push-Ups

Push-ups are a classic move that really get the job done. Start out parallel to the floor in a plank position then lower your body, bending your elbows until your chest touches the floor. Return to starting position and repeat. If this is too challenging for you, rest your knees on the floor for an assisted push-up.

2. Kettlebell Swings

Kettlebell swings are an amazing full body exercise. They work your core more than you realize, while also toning your arms at the same time. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding the kettlebell with both hands in front of your body, arms loose. Bend your knees slightly, keeping your weight in your heels. Slightly swing the kettlebell through your legs toward your rear then explode with your hips forward sending the kettlebell up toward the ceiling, overhead or at least chest-height. Be sure to keep your arms straight and extended throughout the entire exercise. Bring the kettlebell back to the start position between your legs and repeat, using the momentum you’ve built up! “Remember to keep your weight in your heels and your core tight the whole time,” says Kant.

3. Triceps Kickbacks

Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your side. Bend your upper body at your waist slightly to make a 45-degree angle. Push the dumbbells back until they are parallel with your lower back. Return them to the start position, bending your elbows, bringing the dumbbells in line with your chest.

4. Dumbbell Shoulder Presses

Stand with your feet hip-width apart, bring the dumbbells (one in each hand) up to your shoulders. With a slight bend in your knees, thrust the dumbbells up overhead to meet at the top. Return to the starting position with dumbbells at your shoulders and repeat.

5. Floor Bench Presses

Lie on the floor, knees bent with a flat back. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, press them toward the ceiling then lower the weights until your triceps touch the floor. Repeat.

6. Plank Rows

Start in a plank position, holding a dumbbell in each hand on the floor. Row one dumbbell up until it reaches your waist. Return to floor and repeat on other side. To up the intensity, complete a push-up between the rows,

Our September Athlete of the Month is the one…THE ONLY…Daniel McDonnell. Daniel has been a member of CFRR for a little over a year now. Daniel made CFRR his home away from home by originally signing up with his wife and then signing up his 2 kids in our CrossFit Kids Summer Program.

   Daniel regularly attends…whatever class he can fit into his schedule that day. His busy and ever-changing work schedule with the Fire Department, as an EMT, makes it hard for him to consistently attend only one certain class time. That doesn’t mean he isn’t consistently in the gym every week working on getting better. He signed up for our nutrition challenge in April, Operation Caveman, and has continued to dial in his nutrition even after the challenge ended. Prior to the challenge in April he was at 25.1% BF. As of last month has was down to a 21.9% BF.

Daniel is a huge part of our community. He comes to every social event and is always welcoming to any new members. He went through our one-on-one Fundamentals process and still Personal Trains with Landon once a month. When Daniel first came in he had never done CrossFit before. During his 15 Fundamentals sessions, he learned proper squatting mechanics along with all the CrossFit foundational movements like cleans, pull-ups, etc. On his 14th Fundamentals session, he logged a 195 Back Squat PR. Last week he logged a Back Squat PR of 355#!

  We are so proud of you Daniel. Thank you for getting involved with our community and always making everyone’s day a little brighter. We look forward to seeing what you put together for your Athlete of the Month Workout.

When you think of protein, fruit doesn’t usually come to mind.

“The best sources of protein include chicken, fish, seafood, turkey, tofu, Greek yogurt, beans, lentils, cottage cheese, and eggs,” says Melissa Majumdar, MS, RD, senior bariatric dietician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Other foods that are good sources of protein include nuts and seeds, nut butter, cheese and milk, and green peas and edamame.”

Not a single fruit makes the list, and that’s because it simply doesn’t meet the requirements.

“To be considered a good source of protein, one serving should have over 6 grams of protein,” says Majumdar. “Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will offer a few grams of protein each, but they are often not complete sources of protein and provide us with more macronutrients (fat, carbohdyrates) than protein.” Unless you’re eating pounds of it, fruit comes in well below that amount per serving.

Fruit does provide some protein, but it won’t make a huge dent. Mostly, what you’re getting is carbs, says Majumdar: “On average, fruit provides about 15 grams of total carbohydrates from natural sources of sugar like fructose and glucose and fiber in a 1/2 cup serving.” These carbohydrates help fuel your body and aid in protein synthesis. “Foods that provide carbohydrates, like many fruits, give us energy and fiber that allows our body to spare the protein for muscle growth, repair, and formation,” says Majumdar.

Still, if you can get a little bonus protein from your fruit on top of carbs, that can’t hurt, right? Keep reading to find out six fruits that contain relatively high amounts of protein, as well as the other benefits they offer.

1 Jackfruit.

Protein: 1.42 grams/ 1/2 cup serving

This trendy fruit has made headlines recently as a popular meat substitute. “Jackfruit is high in vitamin B6, a nutrient required for the metabolism of protein,” says Majumdar.

Take note, though: while jackfruit is used in place of meat because of its texture, it is not a protein replacement in itself.”Rely on jackfruit for its flavor and texture, but not as a source of protein,” says Majumdar. (Check out these other high-protein foods that will help you build muscle.)

2 Prunes.

Protein: .95 grams per 1/4 cup serving

These bad boys have a decent amount of protein per serving. But as you know, they’re better known for their fiber content. So you should definitely be careful with them when it comes to serving size and your digestive system. Unless you’re constipated, overdoing it on the prunes could potentially send you running to the bathroom all day.

3 Dried cherries.

Protein: 1.00 grams per 1/4 cup serving

A 2018 review of the nutritional value of cherries found that they are all-stars at reducing inflammation and arthritis, as well as improving quality of sleep. Plus, tart cherry juice has also been found to be an excellent relief aid for sore muscles. For an added protein punch, use fresh or dried cherries for this delicious duck recipe.

4 Guava.

Protein: 2.11 grams per 1/2 cup serving

For fresh fruit, guava has the upper hand on protein content. It also has been found to be an excellent source of fiber and has loads of antioxidants. “Use guava to sweeten a smoothie alongside another source of protein, like protein powder, Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese,” says Majumdar.

5 Apricots.

Protein: 1.1 gram per 1/4 cup

The pitted fruit is super high in potassium and vitamin A from carotenoids, which also give carrots their orange color. Apricots are also a great source of vitamin C. Try this Apricot Glaze Chicken for a sweet and savory treat.

6 Golden raisins.

Protein: 1.35 grams per 1/2 cup (packed)

“Raisins are a good vegetarian source of iron and provide fiber and potassium,” says Majumdar. They’ve also been found to help stave off junk food cravings. Use raisins to sweeten cereal instead of buying cereal high in sugar, or to top off peanut butter on celery or toast.

Original Article: Click Here

All Made Simple – by: S.George

Contact: [email protected]

“If you continue to do what you have always done, then you will continue to be who you have always been…you must change to change…”

Bacon is without a doubt one of the most popular foods in the world, especially in places like the United States. Whether people like the chewy variety or the crispier kind, whether they decide to bake it in the oven, fry it in a pan, throw it on the grill or simply microwave it, people love bacon. All the grease, the fat, and the salt pack in so much flavor. It goes without saying then that bacon, though incredibly delicious, is not the healthiest food one could consume. If you’re curious about what bacon can do to your body, read it here!

There are a lot of shock and awe info-graphics and the like that quickly demonize certain foods, drinks, or other products for the sake of sensationalism. Oftentimes these articles will use scare tactics such as large words, obscure definitions, and cherry-picked facts to sway opinion, making something out to be much worse than it actually is. Instant noodles, for example, were a target on more than one occasion. Typically, these articles dramatically increase the severity of ill effects, as well as decreasing the time it would take for such effects to be truly problematic. All in all, very dishonest writing.

With all the fanfare aside, it’s important to know that there is both good news and bad news about bacon. Keep in mind that moderation is key to most things in life, and bacon, sadly, is no exception. Let’s go ahead and lead with the bad news first.

Sodium

When it comes to bacon, sodium is without a doubt, one of the largest concerns. Sodium is found in salt, and salt is used extensively in the production of bacon. This is because the use of salt to cure bacon is the most popular means to do so. Furthermore, one must also take into account all of the natural salt found in bacon. In small amounts, sodium is helpful. However, high sodium intake is associated with higher blood pressure due to the effect sodium has on blood vessels. This can lead to heart attack, strokes or other serious heart diseases.

Fat

Fat is another significant factor in the equation of bacon deliciousness; in fact, nearly two-third of the energy that is found in bacon comes from its fat content, and half of that fat is saturated. Bacon also contains cholesterol. Fat and cholesterol both come in many forms; some of them are better for us than others.  For example, there are saturated and unsaturated fats, and HDL and LDL cholesterol. Saturated fat and LDL cholesterol are both bad for the body in excess and can lead to heart disease, as well as other serious illnesses, such as certain kinds of cancer.

If this information has gotten you down, don’t fret over it too hard. Yes, there are definitely things to look out for with bacon, but despite all of the negative attention, bacon is not *all* bad. It actually contains some nutrients that the body needs. Here’s a little good news about bacon.

Protein and other Nutrition

While protein is the obvious answer, bacon also provides significant levels of various other nutrients aside from protein. The body needs protein for a number of things, most notably the building of muscle. A single slice of bacon can contain anywhere from 7 to 25% of the daily recommended value of protein, depending on the type of bacon and the method of preparation. That being said, bacon does provide other helpful nutrients, such as B-12 and B-6 vitamins, which are responsible for many of the processes that keep your body running smoothly. Other nutrients include zinc, potassium, selenium, and magnesium.

So, bottom line: do you have to give up bacon? Well, no, not really. Bacon can contribute to health in moderate amounts, and when eaten in excess, it can cause harm; it’s how much bacon you eat, combined with the rest of your diet, that determines just how harmful bacon is. If you have several strips of bacon with every meal, you may want to diversify your diet; however, a few strips here and there will not hurt, especially as part of a balanced diet, which includes lots of potassium and magnesium (think leafy greens) to offset bacon’s sodium content.

Original Article: Click Here

All Made Simple – by: S.George

Contact: [email protected]

“If you continue to do what you have always done, then you will continue to be who you have always been…you must change to change…”

On average, Americans are working more and sleeping less. According to Gallup polls, full-time employed citizens work an average of 47 hours per week, which equates to nearly six full days. And of course, more work leaves less time to decompress and sleep properly, precisely why most adults only catch about 6.5 hours of sleep, or 1.5 less than the recommended eight hours. All this fatigue means we reach for more caffeine to stay productive in our over-demanding lives. But caffeine is a drug like any other, and while it may seem harmless, you may be unknowingly hooked. Read ahead for 5 Signs you’re Hooked on Caffeine, and How to Cut Back:

1. You are Always Exhausted

While coffee or soda can give you an extra spring in your step, too much can leave you exhausted by midday. Some call this a “crash” and for good reason. Like any drug, there are both effects and withdrawals, and they often work in opposition to each other. While a healthy amount of caffeine can safely boost your energy levels, too much will just leave you worse off than before. If you are constantly fighting to keep your eyes open at 3 pm, it may be a sign that you’ve gone overboard.

2. You are Freaking Out

According to The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, over 40 million adults struggle with some form of anxiety, making it the most common mental illness in our country. Some common forms are social anxiety, general anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or phobias. While these numbers sound bleak, most cases are highly treatable with different forms of therapy. However, caffeine, being a stimulant, only aggravates anxiety issues. If you are chugging a coffee before an important meeting or interview, you may want to reconsider.

3. You are Tossing and Turning

Modern life comes with a variety of stress. Demands from work, school, or family life can literally keep one up at night. The National Sleep Foundation defines chronic insomnia as “disrupted sleep that occurs at least three nights per week and lasts at least three months.” If you are frequently having to count sheep at night, your java intake may be to blame. Although a coffee buzz only seems to last a few hours, it effects can still linger long after bedtime. And what’s worse, that lack of sleep will only cause you to reach for more coffee in the morning, and thus a vicious cycle is created.

4. Your Head is Pounding

As with any chemical dependency, a sudden decrease or abstinence of usage will result in withdrawal. And the intensity of withdrawal symptoms can provide a good indication of how dependent you actually are. If you are experiencing headaches in the morning before you get your morning fix of joe, you may be hooked, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Also, if you are reaching for some over the counter pain killer meds to relieve the pounding, just read those labels. Some headache medications contain caffeine, which could skyrocket your heart rate and blood pressure when combined with coffee or soda.

5. You Need More than Ever

Have you looked at the sizes of the cups at your coffee shop lately? They keep getting bigger. Even Europeans, who traditionally love coffee, drink far less than Americans when it comes to the actually ounce-for-ounce comparison. That’s because they more often choose small quantity coffees, like espresso and cappuccinos, as opposed the over 20 ounces a cup that Starbucks sells. (A trenta is their latest size–over 30 ounces!) If you are reaching for more and more coffee for the same buzz, you may be addicted.

How to Cut Back:

1. Swap with Green Tea

Green Tea is an excellent alternative to coffee. It still contains caffeine (about 35-70 mg, compared to 150-200 mg in coffee) but with far less of a jolt than the average brew. It is also a great source of antioxidants and has been proven to optimize brain function and aid in fat loss. Some recent studies even suggest it may lower the risk of cancers and other diseases. For maximum results, boil water and steep tea for 3-4 minutes. Add agave or almond milk for a sweet and creamy taste.

2. Try a Morning Workout

If you seek caffeine as a way to wake up every morning, maybe try exercise instead. Just 10-20 minutes of vigorous activity, like a brisk walk or run can boost energy levels all day long. In fact, regular exercisers reportedly experience more mental alertness, greater focus, and sustained energy, which means they rely less on coffee and sodas for the same high. Gym-goers also sleep better, which reduces the need for morning coffee and experience more productivity and a better sex life. That’s some great benefits!

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Dehydration comes with a slew of symptoms, including poor digestion, lack of focus, fatigue, and irritability. If you are unaware of how little water you had on any given day, you may overlook these symptoms and instead grab a coffee or soda to help perk yourself up. The problem with this is that caffeine is a proven diuretic, meaning it causes even more dehydration. If you are experiencing sleepiness of a mental fog, try sipping a few glasses of water first. Most likely your body will be happier and you can forgo the trip to the soda machine.

4. Get enough Shut-eye

You probably keep hearing that sleep is the answer to so many health ailments, from colds to cancer, and it’s true. More and more evidence is proving how healing and beneficial sleep is to our overall wellness. However, it’s continually unrepresented in the health industry simply because it isn’t particularly interesting or marketable. The bottom line is that sleep is incredibly important, and getting enough of it will help wean you off of caffeine, and less caffeine will help you rest more soundly: a win-win situation.

5. Eliminate Sources of Extra Caffeine

While coffee, tea, and sodas are the most obvious sources of caffeine, you’d be surprised to know there are many others. Chocolate contains about 12 mg per ounce, and the darker the chocolate, the more the drug. Dark chocolate bars can contain up to 30, the equivalent of a soda. Other culprits are pain relievers, diet pills, and some ice creams. This is especially troublesome to those who like to curl up in bed with a bowl of Ben and Jerry’s. Choose yogurt, berries, or some herbal tea instead.

Original Article: Click Here

All Made Simple – by: S.George

Contact: [email protected]

“If you continue to do what you have always done, then you will continue to be who you have always been…you must change to change…”

CFRR Coaches and Crew Members are thrilled to announce and celebrate our well-deserved August 2018 Athlete of the Month Lisa Collier!!

On May 9th, 2017 Lisa walked through our doors willing and ready to begin her CrossFit journey with the same drive and determination we all witness still to this day!! 

Lisa’s quest in her own health, wellness and self-improvement has given her strength she never knew she had and the self-worth she’s always deserved. She is committed to improving form, technique, reaching her goals and crushing every grueling WOD she faces!!

Lisa unknowingly inspires those around her and is truly a staple amongst our community.