New Rider Needs Diet Inspiration

[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