winter weight, summer weight

[redrhodie]

Another thought....my regular rides are usually over 2 hours, so I eat something like dried apricots or figs. My commute one way is just 15-18 miles (around 1 hour) so I don't eat anything during the ride.

Maybe it's the food on the bike? I don't eat a lot, but probably it's 200 calories that I don't eat on the days I commute.

[Crankin]

I find the same thing, despite the fact I get outside as much as I can in the winter; hiking, snow shoeing, x country skiing. This is in addition to yoga, spinning/trainer. This year, I began running in January. Sometimes inside, sometimes out. My weight still went up.
When I first started cycling, I had a hard time keeping my weight up. Now it seems I gain after a ride. I am really watching what I drink/eat on the bike, but on long or hilly rides, I need more than water and sometimes only carbs make me feel better. I am trying to pre-hydrate and that helps.
Right now, I am adjusting to my "season" fitness routine. I am hoping that the addition of running 2-3x a week will keep the weight down. I also just have to watch what I eat a lot more. If I forgo the wine a couple of times week and watch the carbs (even whole wheat) I am fine. But sometimes, it gets me crazy. I know I am still thin and in an OK weight range, but what if I didn't exercise like I do? I have overweight people on both sides of my family; if I didn't work out like I do, I would gain in a minute.

[Miranda]

I think you are burning off the extra calories you eat when you go for the longer ride. So, I don't think that is it. I think it's the two short rides are like interval work. Which, I had leveled off my weight and never thought I would see anything lower. When I added those short burst of intervals, it fell right off!

I assume you are probably really hussling it when you are commuting it to work. Trying to be on time to your employer etc. (not saying that moving at a snails pace by any means on the longer rides, btw, I'm sure). It's those short sustained bursts that just fry off that extra bit of fat.

I think the split in the time of day just re-kick-starts your metabolism again from the morning ride. It all plays together, IMHO.

Good for you on the jeans, btw.

[Norse]

I think the long distance outdoors rides just burn more fat and calories than the indoor interval training. I too put on 5 lbs every winter and by August, my tummy looks better, my pants fit better (sometimes, they are too loose!) and the 5 lbs are gone, until about January anyway.

[GLC1968]

It might have something to do with the quality of your diet, too. In the summer, people tend to eat fresher foods, higher fiber things, lighter items. In the winter, hearty soups and richer foods (plus veggies that aren't as fresh) might affect the difference you are seeing.

Also, when you ride during the winter might matter. There are studies that show that some people burn more calories with early morning workouts and others that show some people do better in the afternoon/evening. If your winter workouts are after work, perhaps you are a morning person and actually burn more then? Or vise versa - if you workout before work in the winter, perhaps your summer afternoon rides are the ones that rev your metbolism a bit higher.

[redrhodie]

I think it is like intervals. I don't rush to get to work (I work for my best friend, in her home, and I'm usually the only one awake when I get there!) but I do sometimes push it on the way back. I noticed this week I'm less hungry at dinner time. Maybe I am eating less, but not really trying to.

I think next winter I'll keep commuting. I've been afraid of night traffic, but I'm more confident this year, especially going through the one 3 lane intersection that's been my main night concern. I also disccovered, if I time it just right, I can miss most of the college student traffic.

Limewave, are you riding at all at this point??? Bear is coming SOON! Hope you're feeling great!