I just read through this thread for the first time, very fascinating. Thanks to those ladies who shared their stories as well, especially the never-quit attitude displayed by Roxy. I did want to respond to a few points and also share what has worked for me in losing about 20 pounds.

Quote Originally Posted by e.e.cummings View Post
It is frustrating to find the right balance between eating less to lose weight, but eating enough to fuel my workouts and rides. ..
I completely understand this frustration, it is such a fine line. You want to lose weight not just for looks but for performance, but cutting back on cals too much can sacrifice performance! I can say I've had a lot of success with nutrition immediately surrounding my workout. Making sure there are enough carbs right before the ride to fuel you, and the post ride nutrition is SO important. It's critical to get something down the hatch within minutes of finishing a ride or workout as it's the timeframe your body is deciding how to respond to your workout - build muscle or no?, etc. Must be the right carb/protein ratio.

And somewhere someone else mentioned their trainer said that you have to do lots of cardio to lose belly fat. THIS IS NOT TRUE. Excessive cardio is sabotage. ( And this is hard for me to say as a cycling junkie). True it is one of the important elements, but not to be overdone killing yourself in the gym. We need some cardio + weight training, but WHAT you eat is most important. The abdominal area reacts ( for most of us) to diet. They say great abs are made in the kitchen. It's all about lean protein, good fats, and the right amount of carbs from clean sources ( unfortunately that doesn't include cheesecake everyday ... I have had a lot of success sticking to these rules.

Quote Originally Posted by NJ Jess View Post
For the next 6 months I was the at 143 pounds and 11% body fat.

It was beautiful for the moment in life, but the work to maintain that regime for a lifetime would be impossible.
....

Make yourself happy, but don't kill yourself doing so.
This is very true. I reached my 'dream weight' once about 9 months ago but discovered that the happiness of being there didn't outweigh the pain of maintaining it. We have to find that sweet spot where we are happy with our bodies, feel strong and capable, yet aren't starving.

Quote Originally Posted by Veronica View Post
Who can really say? I work out 60 - 120 minutes six days a week - a combination of riding, running, weights and plyometrics and the occassional swim. I eat about 1500 calories a day. My weight has stabilized at 146.

Veronica
I worry you are not eating enough. With 1-2 hours of exercise, you are easily burning in the range of 600-1000 calories. 1500 cals is super low, unless you mean that is your 'net' ? We need to feed the machine!

And last I wanted to say to Mimi - for the most part I agree with you and think you bring up some very valid points about not obsessing over weight and finding happiness in ability. I do think that we should stop thinking about weight loss in terms of pounds on the scale and start thinking of it as an endeavour to gain health, strength, and fitness.