Confused?

I can appreciate the frustration that comes from eating a ketogenic diet. I understand just how easy it may be to criticize a certain approach when the challenge becomes challenging. 

I do this everyday I'm at the gym. On my 4th set of a 5x5, 315 squat, for example, I will question my training protocol, and begin to entertain thoughts of why I should quit. "My back is sore, therefore, quitting the last sets will help me come back to the gym tomorrow," is an example of the reason that runs around in my head during these lifts. There are met-cons where I question my desire to qualify in the NorCal sectionals. The amount of times I have called myself an "idiot" is pretty hilarious. This weekend, while I was hanging out in Boston, I questioned my desire to stay alcohol free in order to train at a higher level. The plan we set forth in order to achieve our goals is not an easy road traveled.

It would be irrational to think our minds would allow us to consistently take the toughest path without as much as a question from our frontal lobe. It might make us true masochists, if we pursue pain as reward? 

The challenge is in its 6th week now and I am hearing great things from those I e-mail and text, but have heard some negative critiques in the background and in the rumor camps. I hope you understand, I cannot help you if you remain in the dark. 

If you don't want to be helped then please avoid becoming a cancer in our gym. Your theories that you hold may have some premise, but if they remain in the shadows they are not doing anyone any good.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the one who points out how the strong stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to those in the arena; who strive valiantly; who fail and come up short again and again; who know great enthusiasm and great devotion; who at the best know in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if they fail, at least fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." 

 - Theodore Roosevelt 

I've explained over and over how ketones are a valuables source for fuel. I've explained the physiology in ketosis. I've explained two pathways involved in losing weight and why I feel, a ketogenic approach is the right choice for crossfitters who are interested in losing weight. There has been numerous of research articles placed in this website for a reason. I welcome a debate if you disagree, as long as it is in this format. 

We are not promoting aesthetics over health at this gym, but lets be honest with ourselves. The turn out would not have been the same if Freddy would have promoted a lets get healthier challenge. Instead of pre and post pictures, taking pre and post lipid panels and blood pressures would have not shown the same amount of enthusiasm. How do I know? I know because researchers are always on the look out for new subjects, who will participate in a 3-5 year blind study on diet and health. It is hard for them to find.

Our behavioral habits are the hardest to correct. Addiction, a blog we put up before the challenge talks about how much control food has over us. How can we possibly compete with such a vicious opponent? It just happens, that our society is driven in large by social influence and one of those major influences is our appearance. These are not my rules however moral or immoral it may be. 

It is the very reason that people diet, or exercise and if you think that you are above this mentality, hang out with me long enough and I'll catch something in your behavior that will show otherwise in time. We used the Look Better Naked Challenge, because we know how motivated people are when appearance is involved. It was this motivation that allowed many of you to ditch the sugar and while you still have cravings you feel guilty when you allow yourself to give in. This is a huge success in my opinion, you are thinking now instead of just eating. You are involved and you are stronger for it.

If you continue this way of life, only allowing yourself guilty pleasures here and there, and not as a standard, your health will improve dramatically. The precursors to poor health will decrease persuasively, and you will enjoy life much more than you can imagine. A ketogenic diet is only needed when you feel you need to lose weight. Once you have completed this transition you can follow a more relaxed paleo approach, one that will allow honey and fruits. One that is not as "boring" as some think this diet is. Until then, wake up each day and remember that this is a challenge, and in the end, your desire to quit, as normal as it may be, should never overcome your desire to achieve!

If you have any concerns or questions please utilize the resources at your disposal, and let us help you achieve your goals. If you do not agree with what we are selling, please post it on the comments so we can debate it. Find some research and voice your concerns. I welcome it, just please do it in a way that will help us all learn. 

 

Comments

[Alaina]

ALEX! We're definitely in the 6th week. Started the 12th of September so if it's still 7 weeks we end October 31st.

[Neil]

I like it...Lots bro. Keep the good words/vibes flowing!!!

BTW - Im fucking winning this bitch again!

[freddy c.]

Alex,

This blog has been outstanding. I appreciate you taking charge of the Look Better Naked Challenge. I think it is important to focus on what you said about this being the best diet to lose weight quickly, and that once you get to the end of the challenge, you can approach life with a more relaxed paleo approach. Just like you said, everyone is thinking about what they are eating and not "just eating."

I applaud all those who have stuck diligently to their plan. The challenge is only seven weeks long. SEVEN WEEKS!!!! 49 days. An addiction takes time to get over. If you have thrown in the towel, you have given in to something that you are totally capable of beating.

When I was a kid, I remember seeing a movie about the Mormons migrating to Utah. One of the characters was Brigham Young, the guy they named BYU after. In the movie, he was talking to someone and he held up a piece of chewing tobacco, which apparently was forbidden for him to enjoy. He said, "I look at this chunk of chewing tobacco everyday and ask myself who is stronger? Me or the tobacco?" I have no idea why I always remembered that scene, but it has always stuck with me through my life. You got a craving or a weakness??? Ask yourself who is stronger. I assure you that it is you. You just need to know it.

[CHYNA]

ALEX --

THIS WAS AN OUTSTANDING POST. WOW. I AM SERIOUSLY MOTIVATED TO BE BETTER JUST BY READING THIS. YOU CARE SO MUCH ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE'S WELL BEING, IT'S AMAZING. KEEP UP ALL THE GREAT POSTS AND HARD WORK.

YOU FUCKING ROCK. <3

[Jason]

Word! Keep up the good work Alex.

[Diane Sanfilippo]

This is a great post, Alex. Very insightful and thoughtful.

Diane @ Balanced Bites
http://www.balancedbites.com

[arginine]

That made my confusion disappear.