Well, I think I have figured what to "try", at least. I have been researching nutrition for cyclists for a while now, in an attempt to have the most energy for riding, which is completely unrelated to my more recent research on how to do this AND lose weight.

In a nutshell, what I read tells me to:

1 - Eat quality foods. Carbs, protein, good fats, lots of fruits and veggies, etc.

2- Cut back on processed, sugary, low quality foods (both of which I've been trying to do for a year or so anyway, but can always use a boost to do even better ... and energy for my cycling obsession is good motivation!).

3 - Only try to lose 1 pound a week. More than that will deplete my body of energy.

4 - Focus on WHEN I eat WHAT foods. (i.e. carbs before a ride, during an endurance ride and carb/protein right after).

5 - Lastly, I have to listen to my body and figure out what works best for me. I've been playing around with what I eat before a ride, adding protein to a ride longer than 90 minutes, trying not to over do the eating in fear of bonking, but get just the right amount to sustain me without adding unnecessary calories.

Part of my issue is that I learned years ago to lose weight by avoiding calorie counting and fat counting and measuring. I have no idea how many calories or fats are in what and how much I supposedly need every day. And I don't WANT to know ... unless I flat out can't do this any other way. But don't think I have to. I have learned to listen to my body, only eat when I'm truly hungry and stop when I'm "politely" full. (Not that I always listen, which is why I'm 5 pounds heavier than last summer!) The problem is, cycling adds a whole new dimension to this. I can't just skip meals and eat whatever. I have to be more conscious about what I'm putting in my body if I want to have the fuel to make it through my next ride. I may not be truly hungry before a ride, but I know I have to put something in my body for energy. This "eating when not hungry" thing goes against what I have been taught, but it is necessary for energy. My body doesn't know what I'm about to go out and do, but I do. But I don't have to eat much, depending on the length of the ride.

I did plan to take a break from cycling (to some extent) after I trained for and did my century in September. In California, I can ride year round, but did plan to lessen the cycling to work more on weight loss. But, instead, I'm so excited about how my cycling is improving and I'm loving it so much that I can't imagine NOT doing it!!! Hence, my research into how to accomplish both at the same time.

Thanks for all your advice. I'll let you know how it goes. I've been doing well with my eating for a couple of days now. Yay!