want to start running/jogging

[Bike Chick]

As far as The Hunger, though , IME that's all about recovery nutrition. When I come back from anything strenuous the last thing I want to do is eat, but if I force myself to eat those 2-300 calories within the first half hour - just like all the authorities tell you to do - then I won't get the insatiable eat-everything-in-sight that happens when my muscles are really depleted.

I've found this to be true myself. If I make myself eat something with protein right after I run or ride (it's usually Carnation instant breakfast and skim milk) even if I don't feel like it, then I'm not slamming cabinet doors or hitting the vending machine later----that's when I eat bad.

I enjoy running so I can maintain some type of fitness in the winter when I'm not riding. It's also a change of pace and I think riding and running compliment each other. Just take it easy and follow the plan. I found that I didn't progress as quickly running as I did with cycling. Do you swim??? You might want to think about triathlons as well!

[Dogmama]

Cereal & milk is a good post recovery meal. Before running/cycling/lifting I have chocolate soymilk with chocolate protein powder. Studies are showing that protein before a workout gets assimilated much more easily.

[Veronica]

Cereal & milk is a good post recovery meal. Before running/cycling/lifting I have chocolate soymilk with chocolate protein powder. Studies are showing that protein before a workout gets assimilated much more easily.

I KNEW there was a reason I ate PB&J before every race.

Veronica

[Dogmama]

I KNEW there was a reason I ate PB&J before every race.

Veronica

PB&J should be its own food group, IMO.

Losing weight - it's mostly diet (sigh.) Figure that the 300 calories you burn on the dreadmill can be easily replaced with a candy bar. Some studies are showing, however, that you can keep weight off with exercise. And in the final analysis, THAT is the hardest part.

Regarding the OP's mention of core training - it's good but remember that you cannot spot reduce. Any excess around the midsection will come off with diet.

I think (with absolutely no scientific evidence to back me up) that we are seeing more abdominal fat because of processed foods. If it lasts on the shelf longer than Keith Richards & cockroaches, it must be full of chemicals. I don't think "a calorie is a calorie" because how does our body know how to burn foods laced with chemicals? The body says, "I'll just store this as fat until I can figure this out." OK, I'm being facetious, but I know that if I start eating store bought "power bars" instead of regular food, I'll gain weight even though my calorie intake is the same.

SO, to lose weight - exercise is good, be it running, cycling, swimming, etc. Weight lifting builds muscle that is metabolically more active than fat - also good. But the diet is the key. Some people say it's 80% of the equation.

[zoom-zoom]

SO, to lose weight - exercise is good, be it running, cycling, swimming, etc. Weight lifting builds muscle that is metabolically more active than fat - also good. But the diet is the key. Some people say it's 80% of the equation.

I would say this is right. I have a friend who is RIPPED after having 5 kids (including a set of twins). She always says "abs are made in the kitchen," i.e. it's her diet that has her looking so lean and allows her muscles to show. I have muscles, too, but mine are shrouded in a layer of squish.