Advice for losing weight (or not gaining) while cycling

[Reesha]

I use Livestrong sporadically, but ultimately only when I'm feeling really super quantify-ish. Otherwise I get lazy.

Lately I've been riding TONS. I've been losing good fat and maintaining my bikey muscle mass. Basically I keep my meal portions reasonable and then fuel for the ride just before, during, and after. If you are riding fewer than 20 miles and pretty leisurely you will probably be ok with just a pre-ride banana and a post ride 8 oz chocomilk or yogurt or something. It's easy to convince you that you need loads of food the dinner before a ride or the lunch after, and I just don't think that's true if you fueled during your workout, especially if you are trying to burn fat.

Intervals are good. Ride for 2 telephone poles hard, then rest for 4 telephone poles. Or go for loooong leisurely rides. Enjoy yourself. And try not to convince yourself that you can pig out when you've been riding, but make sure you've given yourself enough to get you through the ride itself.

[leah]

I really like the book Ride Your Way Lean by Selene Yeager.

I was surprised when she said you don't really need a post-ride snack if you are riding for less than 90 minutes. That advice has helped me cut a chunk of calories out of my diet and I am none the worse for it

[murielalex]

I was surprised when she said you don't really need a post-ride snack if you are riding for less than 90 minutes. That advice has helped me cut a chunk of calories out of my diet and I am none the worse for it

hmmmm....well, that explains a few things for me.

[ny biker]

Most of my post-work rides are just over 90 minutes. I just eat a normal dinner afterwards, similar to when I work out at the gym.

[lovelygamer]

hmmmm....well, that explains a few things for me.

You are funny!

[bluebug32]

Whenever I use MyFitnessPal, I lose weight. For me, at least, it seems like it's all about portion control and mindful eating.

Also, beware that Myfitnesspal overestimates calorie burn. Even hr monitors can estimate high, so better to air on the side of caution.

[lovelygamer]

I really like the book Ride Your Way Lean by Selene Yeager.

I was surprised when she said you don't really need a post-ride snack if you are riding for less than 90 minutes. That advice has helped me cut a chunk of calories out of my diet and I am none the worse for it

Thank you, I will check this out!