I'm probably one of the worst people to offer nutrition or weight loss advice. I've read a lot about good nutrition, but I don't necessarily practice it. But, I'll chime in here as a contrast to your husband and an example that one system will definitely not work for everyone.

Like you, I try to avoid supplements. And I just plain can't swallow Gu and Powerbars. I try to eat "real" food, even if I'm not making the best choices. Scary as it may sound to some folks out there, I've found that I'm able to ride farther on the following:

- Breakfast of steak, eggs, hashbrowns, toast and sweet iced tea at Waffle House

- Trail mix &/or Fig Newtons and Gatorade as snacks along the trail, in addition to water

- Chocolate milk and things like deviled eggs and Fig Newtons for recovery after my ride, then spaghetti w/ meat sauce or a bowl of Nature's Path Rebound cereal for dinner

Again, I offer this not as advice you should follow (especially if you're working on losing pounds). This is just a sample of what I've found works for my goal of increasing my cycling distance. I definitely do not ride on an empty stomach. After you get a few more responses to your question, you may want to have your husband read the thread so that he can also see the variety of systems that other people follow. As RoadRaven suggested, take all of the advice you get here and use it to find out what works for you.

One suggestion I will offer: I believe that Nutrisystem offers on-line counseling and advice. You might want to ask them to recommend how to use their meal plan to provide extra fuel on your rides without sabotaging your weight loss goals.