Losing weight while maintaining energy for cycling

[Jiffer]

Is that you in your avatar? You look good. You don't need to lose any weight.

Oh, you're so sweet. Yes, that's me. I'm 5'9", so I already have my height going against me on climbs, I don't need any extra pounds to make it worse. I was about 6 pounds less a year ago and really felt good at that weight. All my clothes are tighter on me now and I just don't feel that I'm at my best weight.

[Tuckervill]

You have to eat smart, not just less. I've lost 48 lbs over the last two years, not just cycling (boot camp, too). I logged all my food, which I had stopped doing and am about to start up again tomorrow.

For me, I always eat breakfast (and the same breakfast, too--oatmeal with walnuts and raisins). If I'm going to ride or exercise, I eat enough during or after the activity to replace most of the calories I burned. I don't want to lose weight fast, just steadily. So, I measure intake and output, and make sure my output is always more than my intake. I aim for a 100 calorie deficit. Sometimes it's more, sometimes it's less, sometimes I miss it all together.

I also make sure I eat regularly and make it a priority. No skipping meals. Take the time to make the good choices. Factor in the exercise or lack thereof. It's all the basic stuff. It has worked so far!

Karen