With the talk of eating healthy and moderatly here is another piece of advice I feel is very important

Eating before biking - this is VERY important. I went on an LSD ride (long steady distance) with a local cycling legend ( he was my boss back in the early 80’s and during the summer he would ride his bike to work - 55 miles one way AND in the days of 55 mph speed limits he would draft behind semis) Anyway I digress.

We were doing a ride for distance and keeping the heart rate at a constant level. (that is the ONLY reason I could keep up with him) He called a rest break for a powerade and granola bar. I said I wasn’t hungry and he said to eat anyway, always eat before you feel hungry so you don’t bonk, by then it is too late.

Bonking is when your body runs out of fuel and no energy is being sent to your muscles or brain. It isn’t just a physical manifestation but also a mental and emotional one (grown people standing at the base of a hill crying because they can’t ride up it not realizing they can still walk it) your whole being is exhausted.

My premise was that I have enough fat reserves to draw off for a very long time. But that isn’t how it works, you need the calories in the here and now to keep your blood sugar and energy levels up.

You don’t want to eat a full course meal but have a snack before going out.
I usually have a protein and carb combo such as low cal bread and a little peanut butter or a ham or tuna sandwich (one slice of bread folded over)

When you work up to longer rides make sure you eat (a little) and drink (a lot ) during them. Get in the habit of never going out without your water bottle.

This sounds a little preachy so I will quit now.

I am very proud of you for being brave enough to get started and am always excited when another cyclist enters the ranks

Ride on!