27 May 2013 ~ 0 Comments

We’re Bringing Planking Back {Workout} & Why Paleos Avoid Grains

By admin

Happy Memorial Day! I want to send out a special thanks to those of you who have given our country so much. It’s important to remember that today isn’t just about a day off from work and grilling burgers by the pool. So thank you.

This week’s episode of The Lifting Revolution’s Fitness & Nutrition Show is a mighty good one!

I think I say that every week, but seriously, this is a good one.

– Get a total body workout by planking. There is are so many exercise options to turn a boring elbow plank into something dynamic. Don’t just burn your stomach muscles, get a total body workout! 

– Why don’t paleo followers eat grains? I guess it’s because you can compare us to cows… just watch the show and you’ll find out what the heck I’m talking about! 


We’re Bringing Planking Back

It was a short run, but for a time, planking was the “it” thing. Do this workout to help bring it back into the mainstream and let people see it’s more than just a picture opportunity.

full body plank workout

Who thought that planks for just a core workout? This circuit will work several large muscle groups to help you not only feel the burn but burn the calories too. Complete 4 rounds total and you’ll see what I’m talking about!

And this is only 4 different plank variations. On Thursday, I’ll be sharing 30! I know you’re as excited as I am! “Like” this post if you are!

If you missed the previous “30 Burpee Variations” check them out!

You Don’t Eat Grains? 

When I first learned about Paleo, I thought those partaking were crazy. What… no grains? No beans? No legumes? No Thank You!

paleo grains

But since becoming a vegan, I have opened my eyes to more diets. I’ve learned that what works for one person, doesn’t work for the next. Experimenting is really important as is educating yourself on why people choose different nutritional lifestyles.

For paleo, the idea is that we were never meant to eat grains in the first place. Our caveman never came across oats and thought about making an bowl of overnight oatmeal (boy, did they miss out).

I came across one person’s explanation that compared us to cows (resources below). What do cows eat? Grass. Duh. But what do farmers feed their cows now a days? Grains.

It pumps them up faster, makes them lazy, and makes them cheaper to care for. We see the difference clearly in the way that grass fed cows behave compared to the “poisoned” grain fed cows. In fact, did you know that because they can’t properly digest grains, farmers actually have to pull our the “waste” from their stomachs? I learned this in a documentary, I’ll try to find the specific one!

Why? Because grains have something called pectic protein. It has been shown in studies to inhibit our GI tracts ability to repair itself. Causing problems for some (not all) such as celiac, migraines, arthritis, joint pain, and even endometriosis.

One study I found, discovered that when women with endometriosis (something my doctors think I might have) cut out grains their symptoms decreased… in 75% of the patients! Of course more work needs to be done, but it’s interesting none the less.

nut and seed bites

Grains… fuel source? Or nap time treat?

Of course I could give the pros of eating grains but to be honest, I want to share this side. Am I a grain eater? YUP. Will I give up grains? NOPE. But I am always willing to learn and experiment with myself.

Time For A Test: 

Being a vegan, I learned the hard way that I can’t live without grains, completely. However, I do believe that the information above holds some truth and makes my mind go “what if…” So here’s my challenge to you:

What if you gave up grains for 2 weeks? 

Could you survive? Of course! Are you curious as to how you’ll feel? So why not try it?

There are 2 outcomes: 

1. You’ll feel miserable and count down the hours until you can inhale a bowl of pasta

2. You’ll feel energized and better than ever, without bloating or other common issues you’ve been facing.

No one diet is right for everyone, but I think it’s important to stay open minded and experiment with yourself. That’s why I am always trying new nutritional methods. Who knows!?

My Test: If you can’t give up grains (like me) try to cut back. My goal for the next 2 weeks is to eat just 1 serving/day.

Who’s with me?

  • Are you pro grain or anti? 
  • What’s your favorite plank? 

Great Sources On Paleo And No Grains: 

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