CrossFit Four Peaks members welcomed the New Year with a 30 day paleo challenge. During the 30 days, participants committed to following a paleo meal plan consisting of meat, nuts and seeds, little starch and no sugar. Commonly referred to as the “Caveman Diet,” the paleo meal plan is designed to help individuals eliminate processed foods and excess sugar from their diet.

“It’s easy for someone to get off track when changing their meal plan and not eat enough protein or the wrong kind of fat,” said head coach and owner Andrew Gonzales.

Participants earned points each day by choosing paleo-friendly meals, making it to the gym each day, and posting their meals to the CrossFit Four Peaks Facebook page. Posting to the Facebook page allowed members to hold each other accountable, as well as allow the coaching staff to monitor food intake and offer suggestions as necessary.

CrossFit Four Peaks has hosted multiple paleo challenges since opening their doors in Fountain Hills in 2014. Participants often struggle during the first week of the challenge as his/her body adjusts to the new meal plan. During this initial phase, Gonzales said the body must learn to use calories from healthy fats and protein as the primary source of energy.

“Most individuals are heavily addicted to simple sugars and high-glycemic carbohydrates such as rice, bread, candy, potatoes, sodas and most processed foods,” Gonzales said.

“A diet high in carbohydrates makes it difficult for the body to control insulin levels. Chronic elevation of insulin has been linked to obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, blood pressure and mood dysfunction.”

By the end of the 30 day challenge, most participants who stayed the course were reporting increased levels of energy, reduced weight, increased muscle mass and better sleep. As a group, the 14 contestants who completed the challenge lost a total of 71.75 inches, lost 60.8 pounds combined and improved body fat percentage by 13.4 percent.

Jillian Sarle won the points competition, earning points by posting her meals, attending workouts and sticking to her meal plan.

“I started the challenge with little expectation and assuming I’d fail along the way,” Sarle said.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it actually was to stick to it.”

Melinda Thomas won the biometrics competition by losing 5.75 inches, six pounds and a 3.8 percent decrease in body fat percentage. Her A1C went from 6.3 to 5.1, meaning she was pre-diabetic at the beginning of the 30 day challenge and now has normal A1C levels.

For more information about CrossFit Four Peaks or paleo nutrition, Gonzales invites anyone to stop by the gym at 16939 Colony Way, visit the website at crossfitfourpeaks.com, or call 480-580-2528.