So I have mentioned a few different times on here that I have been reading and following a Paleo diet.  A few posts have even been tagged "Paleo".  What does that mean?  Well, the short answer is that it is a diet based on how the caveman would have eaten - meat, vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts.  No refined sugars, grains or dairy! 

I actually grew up allergic to dairy, so that is easy for me, but the grains is usually where people get caught up. Being diabetic and having to deal with erratic blood sugar levels, removing grains has been amazing for me.  I really feel great.  Some might say that it is removing gluten from your diet, which I would likely agree, but I dont like using the processed foods that removed gluten either because the carbohydrate level is still typically the same and doesnt help me with my blood sugars. 

If you have been struggling with blood sugars and diet, it is worth a try.  My philosophy is that everyone is different and not every diet is perfect for everyone, so make it what works for you. There is somewhat of an 80/20 rule in my life and diet, Paleo meals 80-85% of the time makes a huge difference in my mood and energy levels. 
 
If you want some more information read Robb Wolf or Dr. Loren Cordain.

So I had decided last minute to compete in the 2013 Crossfit Open, after some convincing from my coach.  There are something like 130k people signed up to compete. Basically, each week for five weeks a random workout gets announced and you have to complete it within 3 days of the announcement.  Typically it is as many rounds and/or reps you can do in a designated time. Sounds FUN huh? I will not be anywhere near the top of the leaderboards, but good experience and helps me stay focused to get back in shape.

I wonder how many type 1 diabetics are competing? Im sure there has to be more than me? There are a lot thing to think about with the  diabetes logistics, sugar low, sugar high,  but  I had my wife there to actually watch my sugars with my Dexcom G4 and let me  know if  things started to go out of whack.  This was her hastag for me... #highmaintenancehubby  :) heehee

Moving to another country can be difficult if you don't know anyone, which my wife and I didn't, but Crossfit is definitely a great community.  I have been trying to get to a class 2-3 times a week and it really helps that my company will cover 2 of those.  Really awesome.  I have been noticing my blood sugar levels stay much more consistent throughout the day when I have been working out.  However, I am still seeing some real HIGHS when I am done with my WODs or "workout of the day", which has led me to be more proactive to injections immediately post workout.  

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, I'll try to be better with my posts.  Moving our lives to another country brings a lot of unexpected hoops to jump through and tons of paperwork.  Also, starting a new job on top of that takes priority and focus.  

Not only did I start a new job, I also signed up to become a Crossfit Level I Trainer and my course was last weekend, the day after we moved into our new house.  Life was in boxes, but it has been a goal of mine for sometime now.   I had signed up to take the Level I Crossfit course months ago and didn't know it would come the same weekend as moving into our place.  The course was from 9a-5:30p both days, followed by a written test.  Just found out yesterday I PASSED and am now A CROSSFIT LEVEL I TRAINER!  

With New Year resolutions upon us, I thought I would write a quick post about carrying around some equipment while working out.  I typically don't use the arm band for crossfit, but works really well for running or biking.  The Dexcom 7, "the egg" will fit okay in my phone arm band, but looks forward to the new G4 that should fit much better. 

In the crossfit photo below (left), you can see my Dexcom leaning up against the wall in the bottom left corner.  I was doing burpees in the photo, so it gets in the way in your pocket.  Also, something else to think about is sensor placement because it is pretty difficult to do burpees when my sensor is on my stomach.  At this point, I was actually wearing it on my my lower back/side.  However, lower back/side or stomach are both difficult spots if you are going to use a weight belt.  Those are the only places I have tried, but would love to hear how other wear theirs?  

Setting a record at 53.5" box jump at my Crossfit gym!  Can't let anything hold you back.  If you want it, make it happen!  The funny thing is I did not specifically train for jumping, but the beauty of Crossfit is that it prepares you for any physical challenge.  Firm believer!   

NOTE: High intensity training can be difficult while on an insulin regimen, so I always carry a GU Pack (sports gel) in my pocket for lows.  However, recently I have noticed with my CGM (continuous glucose monitor), that after high intensity workouts, my blood sugar can sky-rocket.  I learned that your liver will release "sugar" stores to provide your body with energy.  Either way, I just try to keep an eye on it before and after and STOP and pop a GU Pack if I start to feel shaky.