performance + weight loss...

[Miranda]

I am starting to feel like it's not possible to actually drop a few pounds while trying to increase your performance /distance on the bike.

Hoping someone can help me out here on this one...

I am increasing my miles gradually training for my first century. I feel like I have reached a point that my body is needing more 'something' to be able to perform. However, at the same time, I would like to loose a few pounds to be lighter on hills etc.

My weight has held steady, and even flexed up a few pounds now, since eating more to perform. I think part of my bonking episode a couple weeks ago was attributed to trying to eat less. Well, that was no fun--not repeating (so, back to eating etc.). But, I'd really like these pounds to come off too.

Bought some self-help reading on distance cycling that talks about carb-loading for performance. But, no info yet on the weight reduction part.

How I lost a lot of weight before was by following principles in the South Beach Diet. Which restricts carbs. That's fine for winter spin classes only... but distance outside, it's not working. Thus, more carbs for me... but maybe TOO many = my weight issue? What's the balance???

Btw: Just looking to lose 3-5#s. Current mileage: 41mi furthest ride, weekly avg. 120-ish mi. Event's in Sept. Plus, for work I teach Spinning at my gym. Weight train couple times a week.