What is a carbohydrate, really?

A recent conversion with fellow crossfitter/zoner has prompted this post on carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are 40% of each zone meal, the other 60% are comprised of equal portions of fat and protein, thus making carbohydrates a key component to get right as it makes up most of your meals.

Personally, I believe that carbohydrates are the preeminent factor in determining your success with the Zone. The carbohydrates you choose to eat will make or break your diet. Remember guys, you can still eat potato chips and be in the zone!

For those of you who have not yet read up on the Zone or have no interest in reading Sear's books, you can still be a successful zoner as long as you remember that not all carbs are created equal. Not only is it important, but it is essential to select carbohydrates with a low glycemic index while still maintaining zone portions. Glycemic Index is the rate at which carbohydrates are converted into glucose. It is based on a 0-100 rating system with 100 being the high end. Carbs with a high GI convert to glucose quickly; spiking blood sugar levels causing an immediate insulin response. The downfall is that an overproduction of insulin will signal your body to STORE fat! In other words, high GI carbs=big gut.

What is a carbohydrate? Fruit, vegetables, starch, grains, legumes and dairy (also has protein). (Most fruits and vegetables have a low Glycemic Index)

What is protein? Anything that once had a face.

What is fat? Nuts, avocado, oils and butter

Check out the zone block chart to the left for a detailed list and the block prescription for each.

Here is an interesting article published by the Harvard school of Public Health on GI: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates.html

Meals today:

9am

3 hard boiled eggs

1 Grapefruit

1/2 an Apple

.5 Tbs. peanut butter

=3 Blocks