New Rider Needs Diet Inspiration

[pastrypam]

Probably not. I just did a short ride (12 miles) a couple hours ago and have not eaten anything yet. I have a mind set that I should not allow myself to eat at night I have eaten the wrong things during the day.
I like your idea of not depriving yourself and eating fruit before snacking.
I also like what you said about riding more.
Thanks for your response.

[Bikingmomof3]

Welcome Pam. Knot has some really good advice. I too do not deprive myself, or I tend to think about the "forbidden" food all the time. I personally am one who absolutely cannot workout in any way without eating something. Also, make certain you are drinking enough. Good luck. There is a diet/lifestyle change thread for those of us losing, maintaining, toning, etc under the Nutrition section. EDIT: Oops you did post in this thread. I really need coffee and migraine meds and a lie down....

Welcome. When you get time, please introduce yourself.

[oxysback]

I've found that being educated on how many calories I'm actually eating is the thing that makes me stick with my plan. I have a LOT more weight than you to lose (I started at 280 on Feb. 8th and my goal is 140, but currently I'm at 270).

I use a program called Diet Power (www.dietpower.com). I can eat what I want, but I know what I'm eating. I haven't felt hungry, and nothing is really off-limits, but the goal is to stay within your calorie budget. Basically, you answer some questions about your height and weight, etc., then you put in how much you want to lose and in what amount of time. The program tells you whether this is a do-able goal.

What I'm doing is putting in a weight loss of 10% of my body weight for a six month period. Once I reach that goal, I'll start a new one for another 10%, until I reach my goal.

Oh, and welcome to TE!!

[Offthegrid]

I second counting calories. Without doing that, you have no idea how much you're actually eating. It really opens your eyes. I personally use a program from calorieking.com and have lost 35 pounds since September.

Also be careful of not falling into the trap of thinking, "I rode 12 miles; I can eat whatever I want." If losing weight were *only* about exercise, then I'd be 120 pounds by now.

Don't also fall into the trap of skipping meals because you want to lose weight. This will only make you hungrier and prone to binges later.

Let us know how you're doing! I know if you watch what you eat, watch your portion size and make healthier food selections you can achieve your goal.

[pastrypam]

Thank you Knot, Jennifer, Ellen & Susie for your suggestions and personal stories. Knowing that other people have similar issues really helps.
To introduce myself, as I said I am a new cyclist. My husband of almost two years inspired me to get started and bought me a beautiful "Orbea" road bike last November. I did not expect to enjoy it so much but I am truly hooked. We live in the southern California desert. I am a Pastry Chef. Cycling has helped relieve the stress of a demanding job. We love cycling together, we did the Tour of Palm Springs together and have a dream of going to Italy on a cycling vacation hopefully next year. Soon I hope to ride back and forth to work 11.8 miles each way. I think that will also help me reach my weight loss goals. Loosing weight did not seem as important before I started riding. I have ridden 773 miles since I started. My first ride was only 5 miles as I did not have bicycle shorts and it hurt. Went right out and got some and now I am able to do 32 miles at one time.
Could go on and on but its time to go eat a healthy dinner.
Pam