It is frustrating to find the right balance between eating less to lose weight, but eating enough to fuel my workouts and rides. I saw my trainer yesterday - I am part of a 4 month program at my local gym - and there was no weight loss this week despite the fact that I did a 200 km ride on the weekend, and worked out during the week (I gave myself three days total rest before the ride). I know that muscle weighs more than fat and my body composition is doubtlessly changing. Actually I think a gained a pound since last week. I paid attention to eating very well, I was a good girl.

The evening of my first day of riding on my 200 km tour, I ordered a good meal and could only eat a quarter of it, my appetite seems to have shrunk. It is good on one hand but not so good on the other, I need to eat! What a problem to have ... I don't feel like eating as much, I get tired, I don't have good fuel for my workout. I am forcing myself to eat. In the back of my mind, I don't want to lose control and go back to my evil eating habits. I am paying more attention now to recovery nutrition, making sure I eat the right things immediately after my workout. That helps.

One of my issues was wanting to lose my protruding tummy. I look around in my spinning class and see women who have the same goals, but they have been spinning a lot longer than me and still have the tummy - they have the great legs, etc. but the tummy seems to be the stubborn bit. The trainer says the only way to work off that tummy is with cardio to burn the fat off to reveal that six pack, but it is discouraging to see others who have spent much longer at it who still have the same issue (people who I know are working hard and watching what they eat).

I read a post by tctrek (hey, Altanta - great town! I go there for AmericasMart! Amazing people...) and she said that she seemed to have more success shedding pounds with a more sedentary lifestyle than when she upped her training when it seemed to level off. Is this common? I feel like I am starting to experience that.

I am working on pacing myself on my workouts, and not overdoing it, alternating days, etc. I know overtraining is like one big sleeping pill that can knock you out and it is not an effective approach to weight control. I need to find balance!!!! By the way I am not premenopausal or have a thyroid issue, that's been checked. Any advice, referrals to books or websites, and experience is welcome....