CrossFit is a high-intensity workout that uses plyometric exercise, kettlebell training, suspension systems and Olympic-style lifts. Since extreme strength and muscle building play a major role in the CrossFit exercise philosophy, many CrossFit proponents follow Dr. Mauro DiPasquale's Anabolic Diet, a high protein, low carbohydrate diet that supposedly safely simulates the muscle-building effects of taking anabolic steroids.
The Anabolic Diet
Canadian bodybuilder and power-lifter Mauro Di Pasquale researched and developed the anabolic diet. DiPasquale believes that carbohydrate, not fat,is your body's nutritional enemy. A high-fat, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet helps your body manufacture the major muscle building hormones, which include testosterone, growth hormone and insulin. Anabolic diet proponents claim that their nutrition plan reduces your cortisol levels. Cortisol stimulates catabolism, a digestive process that breaks down your muscle tissue. Lean muscle mass and muscular endurance thus increases, argues DiPasquale.
How it Works
The anabolic diet, unlike other carbohydrate restrictive diets, does allow some carbohydrates. During the week, you eat fatty meats, fatty fish, cheese, eggs, olive oil and vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and spinach. Carbohydrate-loading, in the form of pasta, whole grain breads, potatoes, rice and fruits, takes place over the weekend. This process supposedly teaches your body to create and use insulin in a manner that benefits muscle growth. Insulin, explains Di Pasquale, assists testosterone and growth hormone in the muscle building process. Your body produces extra insulin during your carbohydrate-loading weekends. This insulin spike supposedly moves nutrients into your muscles, creating an anabolic effect.
CrossFit Philosophy
The CrossFit devotees believe that the fitness requirements of our grandparents and those of Olympic athletes differ by intensity, not by type of workout. With this in mind, the program is designed to prepare individuals for any of the "unexpected challenges of life." Both fitness novices and elite athletes perform exercises that involve performing as many repetitions as possible within a short period of time. The novice exerciser simply works with a lighter load.
CrossFit and Diet
High carbohydrate diets cause "metabolic derangement," reports the "CrossFit Newsletter." High carbohydrate diets supposedly make you susceptible to diabetes, obesity, and your ability to gain muscle. CrossFit devotees support the high-protein, low carbohydrate dietary philosophies of Barry Sears, author of "The Zone Diet," Robert Atkins, author of "Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution," and Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades, authors of the book "Protein Power." In their 2006 nutrition newsletter, CrossFit endorsed Mauro DiPasquale's "The Anabolic Diet," saying that "it works, and works very well."
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