How I lost weight and kept it off, in my 50s

[Frenchroadie]

I knew this would catch your attention!!!! and guess what? I am not selling any diet stuff ;-)

The fact is that I used the Dr. Barry Sear's program, the "Zone Diet", kept my exercise and pounds started coming off and are still off more than a year later. During the weight loss phase, I was pretty strict with the program and now that I have reached my weight I cheat daily with dark chocolate, just can't live without it..... and some French goat cheese also now that I am back living in France. It is not a fad diet, rather a way of eating that you can keep for ever, check it out. I know that quite a few athletes use this way of eating. For some of you who rely heavily on bread, pasta and potatoes, it will mean some changes.....

Happy cycling,

Liz

[Bike Goddess]

Liz- First of all- lucky you to live in France! Happy cycling there.

2nd- I've lost weight as well, but not through a specific diet. I just watch what I eat and ride a lot. When I come home from a ride, I don't generally eat much and when on rides I tend to use bars, cytomax, and usually a coffee/cookie stop. I'm in my 60's and haven't had any weight issues for about 3 years now.

For the most part I eat vegetarian meals. Pasta, potatoes, all that stuff. But, I don't overeat and I don't generally eat much in the way of sweets or alcohol. For me, just getting exercise whether inside or out is the answer!

[shootingstar]

Well my objective is not necessarily to lose weight (I haven't weighed myself in past few weeks.) but to control my blood sugars...otherwise I will get too close to diabetes 2.

So less bread, rice, pasta.... So frenchie do you eat alot less of these carbs now?

By the way, I would love to hear more about your regular cycling in your part of the world. What is the weather like there right now?

[Frenchroadie]

Dr. Barry Sears first designed his program for diabetics so you might just want to take a closer look.

Regarding cycling in France...... well, it is simply awsome, no way around it!!!! I returned home to an 18th century family farmhouse in the Tarn which is about 45 minutes east of my home town of Toulouse. The country is rolling and full of country roads. Every few kilometers you find a village with AT LEAST one bakery. There is the Gaillac wine region nearby which is lovely and some medieval villages that are spectacular. If you'd like to come over alone or with a friend, let me know. As for the weather right now, you might not want to hear that it will be 63F and sunny tomorrow.......

[shootingstar]

Sounds lovely, French where you are. I need to look at a map of France, abit of a distance where my partner has his relatives in Germany. His family are in Germany, Black Forest region. Strausbourg is less than 50 kms. away or less.

So maybe if I can convince my partner after we cycle where his relative has restaurant and inn in the family since 1700's with a working vineyard, we will cycle over the French border....

[Frenchroadie]

Hummmmmm, it would be cycling wayyyyyy over the border from Germany since I am closer to Spain!!!! I say put your bikes on a train and get to Toulouse by train or better, yet, to LAVAUR, just 10kms from me and bike over here. The region is definitely worth it.

[tulip]

T'es chanceuse, toi! I love the Tarn region, you are lucky, French, to live in such a beautiful area. I spent a summer north of Bordeaux (near La Rochelle), and traveled several times to Angouleme. I passed through the Tarn on my honeymoon many years ago. Later, I lived in Paris and for a very short time in the Haute Savoie.

Might take you up on a visit sometime. If you ever want to visit the Chesapeake Bay, let me know. I'll be in Brittany this spring, and then head down to Gerona and Barcelona for some cycling.

As for weight loss, congratulations. I found that when I lived in France I had no problem with my weight. I ate fresh, good food, and we took our time eating it. I think that's key--taking the time to sit down and really enjoy meals instead of stuffing food in our mouths as we drive somewhere.

[Possegal]

the year i went to watch a stage of the tour (2004) we flew into toulouse and spent one night there and toured around for a day. then we drove to olonzak (SP?) and rented a house there for 2 weeks. it was just the most wonderful trip!!! enjoy being back in france and cycling all around such beautiful country!