Get On Board the Geek Train!

Do you ever get so excited about something that you just wish you could share it with everyone you know?  You learn something new that just makes sense and you want to shout it from the rooftops so everyone can share in your enlightenment. That is how I felt after the first time I met Robb Wolf. Anyone who knows me, knows that when I get excited about something, I tell the world. That is just who I am.

Some might call us geeks, and we’d probably agree with you, but Addie and I were pretty darn excited to have the opportunity this past Sunday to go to Chico for the first Paleolithic Solution Seminar, presented by Robb Wolf.  Robb and his wife own Norcal Strength & Conditioning in Chico, CA and have been involved in spreading the word about Paleo nutrition to the CrossFit community and beyond for some time now.

A few months ago, Addie, Heather and I traveled down to southern California to hear Robb present the CrossFit Nutrition Certification. Although we all walked away with notebook full of detailed information, I think it is safe to say we were a bit overwhelmed.

Here is some background for those who aren’t familiar with Robb’s work: He used to be a biochemist.

Enough said.

The guy is incredibly knowledgeable and in his own words “could talk for five days non-stop about this stuff.” I’m not sure I could listen for five days and still know my own name, but I’d certainly try. It’s that good.

When we heard that Robb would be presenting again, so close to home, we quickly contacted him, begging and pleading for two seats at the seminar. I am not ashamed to say we really did beg and plead; I think I already mentioned the possibility of “geeks” getting thrown out there, right? Thankfully, our wishes were granted. We had read on Robb’s blog that he would be covering a lot of new information as well as some of the same information we had heard last time. This was a good thing in order to help us get a solid grasp on it so we could bring all home to you guys.

We were not left disappointed. Robb really delivered the goods. He is enthusiastic and has an obvious passion for his subject matter. He is entertaining and witty to say the least, and does a great job of breaking down the information for us all to understand. He takes time to answer everyone’s questions in order to ensure we walk away armed and ready to put it in to practice.

With a gym full of folks from all over the world (some came as far as Ireland, England, Alaska, and Saskatchewan), Robb proceeded to boggle our minds. The day was jam packed with a ton of great information, questions and ideas. Robb covered the basics of Endocrinology (hormones) and digestion, addressed the connection between our diets and cancer, infertility, depression, and autoimmunity, as well as ideas for optimizing fat loss, muscle gain and athletic performance. Some of the new material included a focus on the importance of managing stress and getting enough sleep, areas in which a little change will go a long way to helping you look, feel and perform better.

So much of the information that Robb shared with us, just makes sense. When he really breaks down why we should all be grain, dairy and sugar free, there’s no arguing with him. He has done his homework. Several times throughout the day, I would hear him refer to a condition or disease that someone I know struggles with. In addition to being excited to share the connection that their diet has with their disease, I couldn’t help but wonder whether they’d believe me. I’m no biochemist. I wish they could hear it from Robb themselves, and then maybe they’d be inspired to make the changes that are necessary. We all have hang ups and excuses for why we can’t or more importantly won’t make changes in our diet. I’ve heard them all, and I’ve been guilty of it too. I guess you just have to be ready to change, but that doesn’t mean I have to stop asking you to. For now, I’m going to continue to lead the horse to water, and hope it drinks. It is the best I can do.

Oh and how could I forget, there was an added bonus to the day. Melissa Urban and Dallas Hartwig from one of our favorite blogs, www.whole9life.com, flew out from the east coast to attend the seminar as well. It was so great to get a chance to meet them and chat about our own nutrition program. They have been incredible resources for us and a constant source of inspiration. Take some time to poke around their blog. They have a fun, tough love approach to making healthy changes in your life and are always willing to answer questions.

Well, I hope my enthusiasm has worn off on some of you. If you too would like to get on board the “geek train” here’s what you can do; Robb will be speaking again Saturday March 6th at CrossFit One World, go to www.robbwolf.com for details. If you aren’t sure you are ready for a whole day of Robb, baby steps are available. He posts a weekly 1 hour pod cast on his website and through itunes, called The Paleolithic Solution, where he and his co-host Andy Deas go to great lengths to answer listener’s questions on nutrition, health and fitness, as well as providing a ton of entertaining banter. Well worth taking a listen.

So this is me, shouting from the rooftops, asking you all to take a little time, do yourself some good, and take charge of your health and well being. You only get one life…live it well!

Weekly Recipe

Hot Wing Syle Chicken

6 boneless chicken thighs
1/2 small bottle of Franks Red Hot Sauce
4 T butter

Preheat grill to 350 and preheat oven to 350.  Place chicken thighs on grill for about 6 minutes each side. Once cooked, don’t worry if they are not cooked all the way through. Cut into strips and place in an oven safe glass dish. In a small sauce pan combine the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce and butter.  Warm just until the butter melts into the sauce, stir well.  Pour the hot sauce mixture over the chicken strips.  Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.