Is weightloss possible from riding alone?

[F8th637]

I'd buy that jersey too, and it would have a big slice of chocolate cream pie on it, with a steaming cup of espresso..... rather like a WayneThiebauld painting ! I can picture it " I brake for food " and the jersey sponsor pix can be all those lovely pastry, desert, & coffee companies like Hostess, Peet's Coffee, Ben & Jerry's Icecream, etc....

YUM! Lets get a team, and train together nationwide as The BonBon Babes !!!

Haa haa, a girl after my own heart, jayjay! The "I Brake for Food" jersey did cross my mind at one point as well. The BonBon Babes, I love it!

[Fujichants]

Hmmm...I am 24 (a period when losing weight should be quite easy) and I am STRUGGLING. I have been running, doing strength training, and cycling since January, and i've lost 8 lbs. Although I am happy with the weight loss, other people I know would lose 20 lbs or more doing all that exercise and eating healthy.

I actually broke down in tears during my longest ride on Sunday because my BF made a joke about me being a fatty. I knew he was only joking around, but all the frustrations with losing weight just came up and I got upset.

[jayjay]

Hmmm...I am 24 (a period when losing weight should be quite easy) and I am STRUGGLING. I have been running, doing strength training, and cycling since January, and i've lost 8 lbs. Although I am happy with the weight loss, other people I know would lose 20 lbs or more doing all that exercise and eating healthy.

Fuji~ I was 24 when I started distance cycling and it changed everything! I had previously struggled, but the riding just gravitated me into athleticism. It likely will be that way for you to.

I can't help but wonder if I am in denial about how many calories I'm taking in. For now, just being aware of what I am eating, and veering away from empty food, no matter how much I crave it, and choose something healthier, is my only approach in food arena~ for now. I know that when the miles start stacking on with the distance rides, that the pounds will have no choice but to melt off. So I am building my capacity to burn for now, tuning up my engine for future performance, while disregarding the actual weightloss at the present.

I actually broke down in tears during my longest ride on Sunday because my BF made a joke about me being a fatty. I knew he was only joking around, but all the frustrations with losing weight just came up and I got upset.

That was totally uncalled for, as you are actually doing something about it. Perhaps he is thinking he will motivate you, by poking you with jokes where you are vulnerable ~ but he will only learn his lesson the hard way, when you dump his a$$.

[indigoiis]

Fuji, if that avatar pic is of you then you are by no means a fatty.

And remember that when you are building muscle, you're not going to see weight loss. Or if you do, it will be very gradual. What you would see is reduction in measurement. Take a tape measure and measure yourself in the key spots and then do it again one month later. You WILL see a difference if you stay at this level of activity.

Just keep doing what you're doing. Be aware of what you are eating - feed to fuel - and exercize and try to relax and enjoy it. What fun is getting in shape when all it is is deprivation and disappointment? Better to enjoy life (especially while young and beautiful) and don't worry so much about a few pounds.

[bounceswoosh]

Fuji,

Wow. Someone, especially someone who is supposed to love for you and care about you, making a "fatty" joke is never okay. I'm so sorry that happened to you. I know how painful that is. And I agree -- looking at your pic, you are not fat! Not that that would be an excuse for saying something like that. There is no excuse.

Sometimes it's a dietary thing -- and I don't mean calories. I am not in any way saying this would work for anyone else -- but since I quit gluten (and soy and egg, to a slightly less strict extent), I have been shedding pounds and bulk. I lost six pounds right away, and since then I've been shedding maybe a pound every month. I know some of this is just from having fewer easily available snack/junk foods, but really, I don't feel like I'm holding back -- I eat lots of yummy food, more chocolate (dark) than ever, and ice cream. Not only am I losing fat and bulk -- I also feel more energetic than ever. I'm not tired all the time anymore. I have fewer breakouts on my face. Everything just seems to work better.

I'm *not* saying that gluten is the key for you or anyone. I'm wondering if there is some food or additive that doesn't work well with your system.

[Crankin]

I think you can lose *some* weight with just cycling, but realistically, food plays a huge part in weight loss/gain. It's not just the quantity, it's the quality of the food you eat, too.
I would say I love to eat, too and a big part of my social life revolves around going out to eat. And I like to cook. But, to most people, my diet is spartan. No junk food. Ever. No fast food. I eat dessert for special dinners, birthdays, fancier restaurants, etc. I always eat breakfast and 2 healthy snacks a day. Dinners a lot of nights are gourmet sandwiches, many from Cooking Light magazine recipes.
I do at a piece of dark chocolate almost every night and I do love my coffee and a glass of wine. But I drink it black. So, I guess what I am saying is that if you cut back just a little, you'll probably see a big improvement in the weight loss. I am almost 55 and I weight the same as I did in high school.

[BeeLady]

Just a thought...when I started cycling three years ago, I piled up on all the hydration drinks and powders, goo gels, etc. I finally realized how packed with calories these things are and now only take goo or hydration drinks if I am road riding for several hours at a time (like a group ride or something.)

If I'll be pedaling less than an hour, its water only for me now. Unless it gets 95 or above, I might add some powder to my water, but not the "recommended amount."

I also use www.fitday.com to see how many calories I actually burn during a ride.

However, my appetite does increase as my hours in the saddle increase. Since I'm OK with where my weight is, I'm watching it but not really getting into a battle with myself over it. One good thing about the heat, it does tend to suppress my appetite (til I cool off!)

[frnz]

I am almost 55 and I weight the same as I did in high school.

Props.