The combination of the low-carb Paleo diet and CrossFit workouts produces rapid weight loss and lean muscle growth, say fitness experts.
CrossFit’s popularity has soared during the past few years, as proponents swear by the regimen’s capacity to improve strength and overall fitness.
A study at Ohio State University indicates the high-intensity power training workouts can dramatically improve aerobic fitness and body-fat composition.
According to the 10-week OSU study, male and female participants who did CrossFit achieved significant improvements in both aerobic capacity and body fat.
The study tracked 54 participants who did weight-lifting moves such as the squat, dead lift and overhead press performed at high intensity with extremely short rest intervals in between sets. All of the participants improved their aerobic fitness, decreased body fat and gained lean muscle.
These findings are not surprising to , author of Cross Training 101, who said you can build your ideal body with CrossFit.
Country superstar Tim McGraw recently attributed his jaw-dropping 40-pound weight loss to the Paleo diet and CrossFit. McGraw now has the body of an elite athlete and sports insanely ripped 8-pack abs for the first time in his life — at age 47.
Similarly, “True Blood” star Joe Manganiello maintains his rippling physique with the combination of the low-carb Paleo diet and twice-daily workouts that incorporate CrossFit training. Manganiello detailed his diet, workout and success secrets in his fitness book Evolution.
And brunette bombshell Jessica Alba credits CrossFit and a low-carb Paleo-style diet for her smoking-hot bikini body.
Paleo Diet Is Twice as Effective for Weight Loss
Like CrossFit, the Paleo diet is soaring, buoyed by research confirming its weight-loss and health benefits. The Paleo diet boasts a large celebrity following, including Megan Fox, Robin Wright and Kellan Lutz.
Research suggests the Paleo diet accelerates weight loss, reduces blood pressure, and prevents cancer, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and even Alzheimer’s. TV star Jack Osbourne (the son of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne) credits the Paleo diet for his 70-pound weight loss and for treating his multiple sclerosis.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates the Paleo diet is twice as effective as other diets for promoting weight loss and reducing belly fat.
“Clinical trials have shown the Paleo diet is the optimum diet that can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, markers of inflammation, help with weight loss, reduce acne, promote optimum health and athletic performance,” said professor Loren Cordain, author of The Paleo Diet for Athletes and The Paleo Diet Cookbook.
Holistic health expert Chris Kresser, author of Your Personal Paleo Code, said Paleo isn’t a fad diet because it provides a healthy balance of protein, vegetables and high-quality fats and can be followed long-term.
What’s more, Kresser said you can customize the Paleo diet to suit your lifestyle and genetic blueprint. The best part is, you don’t count calories and don’t feel deprived because your body is getting all the nutrition it needs to thrive.