Biking for Weight Loss

[Pedal Wench]

I think someone else mentioned it, but see if you can go along to the store when the family shopping is done. They might not be getting what you want because they forget or don't want to bother going out of their usual routine. Suggest that you'll pick the vegetables for the week and head to the freezer or produce aisle (which can be cheaper too depending on the season, and when you factor in how much water you're buying in the canned veggies.) If the cost is brought up, say it's MUCH cheaper than blood pressure, insulin, or heart medicines if you don't get your weight under control.

[indysteel]

Swan, I don't have much to add that hasn't already been said. I just wanted to wish you well on your journey and congratulations on the weight you've already lost.

I'd also second what Catrin said about her overuse injuries. While mine took a few years to manifest, I alsot think I wound up with some problems due to too much cycling and too little other activity (like weight and resistance work). Balance is good, but if you struggle with finding other activities you can participate in, more than anything, just keep moving.

[Swan]

Thanks, everyone! I'm glad to hear about your successes and endeavors. +1 on biking changing the shape of your body! I may be "pleasantly plump", but my butt and legs are pleasantly FABULOUS now.

About taking up the shopping duty: Great idea! I did this once before when I was still new to allergies and pescatarianism, but I fell out of the routine. I'll have to pick it back up! I would bike to the store, but it's 18mi away and I haven't got panniers or anything to tote groceries back in (do they even make panniers fit for long trips with fridge items? that would be great!)

About overuse injuries: I thought I left this behind when the gym closed down, augh... What are some exercises you all do in between to prevent these? I usually do gentle stretching exercises, modified pilates and lunges... should I be avoiding my legs/glutes during recovery periods?

+1s on frozen veggies definitely noted. We do usually get them fresh from our own garden and tin what we don't eat before it all goes bad, then store the jars in the cellar. They're still so salty, though, bleagh. I'll see if we can't buy them frozen -- it definitely would be cheaper than insulin and such! I was super healthy physically until I was diagnosed with bipolar. One of the meds has a side-effect of the serious weight gain I encountered, though luckily my blood pressure and heart rate are still textbook perfect. Still, it's a hard punch to my feelings that I've gained so much weight in so little time and can't seem to do the same exercises anymore without really hurting myself. But hey, at least the fruit trees are in season!

[goldfinch]

Instead of canning your own veggies you could blanch and freeze them. That is what we used to do and it was so much better than canned.

[Swan]

Instead of canning your own veggies you could blanch and freeze them. That is what we used to do and it was so much better than canned.

I may have to try that! We certainly have enough room in the cellar freezers.

[Swan]

This is kind of a dumdum question, but whenever I go for extra long or extra fast rides, I notice that my stomach burns as though I've eaten a bunch of spicy food. It isn't painful, just odd. Am I feeling my fat burn off, or is it something else? Scale says I've lost another two pounds since posting this thread, so I'm inclined to think the former... but want to double-check just in case I'm hurting myself without realizing it.

[murielalex]

What are you eating before you ride? Also, depending on how far you ride, are you eating on the bike? I've never heard of a stomach burning before.