🥩 Paleo + ⏰ Intermittent Fasting: Simple Nutrition That Supports Your Training

Paleo + ⏰ Intermittent Fasting: Simple Nutrition That Supports Your Training        

Posted by Starr Village CrossFit – Athens, TN

When it comes to eating to support your fitness, there’s a lot of information out there — and it can feel overwhelming fast.

Two of the most talked-about approaches in the CrossFit world are the Paleo diet and intermittent fasting (IF) — and for good reason. Both focus on fueling your body in ways that promote energy, fat loss, and better workouts without needing to obsess over calories or follow complicated rules.

Let’s break each one down in a simple, no-stress way — plus give you a practical nutrition checklist you can start using today.

🥩 What Is the Paleo Diet?

The Paleo diet is based on eating the way our ancestors did — whole, unprocessed foods that come from the earth or animals.
Think: meats, veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats.

✅ What You Eat on Paleo:

• Lean meats (chicken, beef, turkey, pork)
• Fish and seafood
• Eggs
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Nuts and seeds
• Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, coconut oil)

🚫 What You Avoid:

• Processed foods
• Refined sugars
• Grains (like bread, pasta, rice)
• Legumes (like beans and peanuts)
• Dairy

(Some people include small amounts of high-quality dairy depending on tolerance)

💡 Why It Works:

Paleo is anti-inflammatory, supports blood sugar balance, and helps people feel full and energized while naturally cutting out a lot of “empty” calories.

⏱ What Is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent Fasting (IF) isn’t about what you eat — it’s about when.
It involves cycling between periods of eating and periods of fasting to help your body:

• Better regulate blood sugar
• Improve metabolism
• Tap into fat for fuel

🕒 Most Common Fasting Schedule:

16:8 = 16 hours of fasting, 8-hour eating window
Example: Eat between 12pm and 8pm. Fast from 8pm to 12pm the next day (just water, coffee/tea).

✅ Benefits of Intermittent Fasting:

• Boosts fat burning (especially when paired with CrossFit)
• Improves insulin sensitivity
• May improve focus and energy
• Gives your digestive system a break

⚠️ Important Note:
IF isn’t for everyone — especially pregnant/breastfeeding women or those with a history of disordered eating.
Always listen to your body — it’s not about starving, it’s about being intentional.

🧾 Paleo + IF Nutrition Checklist

Here’s a quick guide to help you stay on track whether you’re doing Paleo, IF, or a combo of both:

✅ Daily Nutrition Habits:

• Eat whole, unprocessed foods
• Prioritize protein with every meal
• Include vegetables at lunch & dinner
• Drink plenty of water (half your bodyweight in oz.)
• Avoid sugary snacks and drinks
• Use healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, coconut oil)
• Eat mindfully — stop when you’re 80% full
• Plan meals ahead to avoid fast food traps

⏱ If Intermittent Fasting:

• Start with a 12-hour fast, work up to 16 hours if it feels good
• Break your fast with protein + healthy fats (not sugar!)
• Stay hydrated during fasting hours
• Don’t binge in your eating window — focus on quality, not quantity

💬 Final Thoughts

You don’t have to follow any diet perfectly to get results.
What matters most is consistency, real food, and giving your body what it needs to recover and perform.

If you’re curious about Paleo or Intermittent Fasting and want help adjusting it to your lifestyle, Coach Kelvin is always happy to chat and help you find the best path for you.

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