I have posted about this before, but it bears repeating in this topic:

I have lost a tremendous amount of weight since April and kept it off. I significantly decreased the amount of carbs I ate for about 4 months (before I started cycling) and dropped 40#. I also worked out at a "for women only" center called "Curves". Now that I am cycling, I have added some carbs back in, but I've noticed that when I don't pay attention to the type of carbs I eat, I feel really bad.

Cut the refined sugars.....cakes, cookies, pies, candy......the good stuff! Cut the bleached flour products......white bread, pasta. Change to brown rice, wheat pasta and wheat bread. Limit the sugary fruits like peaches, melons, plums and increase fiber fruits like apples, grapes, oranges. Watch bananas, potatos, carrots, corn and beans.....loaded with starch. Consume those when you are loading up for a ride.

If you're just nuts about pb&j sandwiches, eat the low sugar pb, sugar free jelly and wheat bread! Same thing, just better for you.

When you see someone with a pouchy belly, large rear-end and hips, that is usually someone whose diet consists mainly of carbs and doesn't burn them off.

I am not on the protein diet anymore, but I still watch my consumption of carbs when I am not planning to ride. I have been reading a lot about the "South Beach Diet". It allows carbs with the protein, you just watch the type of carbs. I will get the book soon and let you all know!

Yoga/Pilates............great for muscle tone. Easy on joints, but hard to discipline yourself to do every week! "DO SOMETHING FOR 21 DAYS AND IT BECOMES INGRAINED IN YOU AS A HABIT!"

That is true, the 1st month of working out for me was a chore, now it is something I can't live without!

WHAT DO Y'ALL THINK? (Tennessee term!)