I am going to start working with a nutritionalist.

[KSH]

Well, I have finally come to terms with the fact that I have no idea how to eat as an endurance athlete.

So I am going to start working with a nutritionalist next week.

I had to write down 3 days of eating... of course I didn't eat good all those days... so she had a few comments about that. Nothing too bad though.

Anways, we meet next week for my first assessment and to determine how many calories I burn on a normal day without exercise.

Then from there, we start talking about good food choices, how to eat to recover from exercising... and what my caloric needs are... and how I can lose the 10 extra pounds I have on me!

Unfortunately though, I'm a broke gal...and the first session will be $130 and each hour after that... $80. OUCH!

We are going to break it up though, so I'm not paying that weekly.

I figure though, I only have one body, and I can't let it go to hell... I will have time to buy new clothes... in the future!

I will keep you ladies up to date on the advice she gives me... if you want. I am sure I will learn some things that will be benefical to everyone here... since we are all endurance athletes!

[Bicyclette]

That sounds so exciting!! Really!! I, personally, would love to hear what she has to say. I hopw she does good things for you!

[Bikingmomof3]

Lucky You! Seriously, I wish I had someone to work with. I would love it if you would be willing to share some tips. I am thrilled for you and of course slightly envious. The one and only time I had a nutritionalist I was on hospital bedrest for 5 months, pregnant with very ill twins, pre-ecclamptic, with gestational diabeties. Not exactly the way I want to have a nutritionalist.

Enjoy, I think it is indeed money well spent.

[han-grrl]

Good luck!

I did a little bit of consulting with a nutritionist...it was good because she saw right away that i wasn't getting enough sources of calcium. its nice to have an "outside" view of your eating habits...sometimes its tough to correct all of our little eating issues on our own.

[colby]

Sounds really interesting! I'll be curious to see how it goes. I've been thinking about seeing someone about the ol' eating habits, myself. I can read and read and read but if someone can just give me a plan that's right for me and tell me where I can deviate, I'll stick with it.

[rocknrollgirl]

I have looked in to this myself, but there are not any in my area. I would be very interested to hear what she says, especially about the recovery, which is where I am struggling.


Ruth

[KSH]

Thanks for all the great responses!

Well, whatever she has to say that directly deals with endurance athletes and how to eat... I will certainly post it here!

As the day gets closer... the thought of the expense is making me not want to go!

I also wonder if I wouldn't be better served to do this when I'm at the top of my training season, vs. on the down swing.

[Bikingmomof3]

When do you start training again? Would it not be better to begin with a nutritionalist during the season? I have never worked with one , so I am guessing here. For what it costs, if money is no issue, go now. If money is an issue (it would be for me), I would wait until the season begins. Just my 2 cents, and it may not even be worth that.

[colby]

As the day gets closer... the thought of the expense is making me not want to go!

I also wonder if I wouldn't be better served to do this when I'm at the top of my training season, vs. on the down swing.

Maybe during your next meeting, you should ask that very question, since she already knows money is a concern for you. If she's honest, she'll at least discuss the pros and cons with you. Worst case, you get some advice for the off season and pick it back up in the spring. Realistically, though, your nutrition is just as important during the off season as you build your base...

[KSH]

Thanks for the comments ladies!

Well, when I meet with her on Wednesday, if it looks like this would be better to do "in season"... then maybe I will start next April/May.

Otherwise... I am turning up the notch on my cardio... I could barely fit into pants that use to HANG OFF ME... this morning! I was in shock. Oh the weight I have gained.

OPERTATION GET SKINNY... is under way!

I can't afford new clothes... so I just have to lose the weight!

[spindizzy]

Hey-
I'm very interested in what the nutritionist has to say. Especially about caloric intake and activity.

Prior to having my metabolic rate tested, I estimate I was eating about 1800 calories a day. I was working out about 10 hours a week and still maintaining my weight (which was too heavy). My resting metabolic rate is about 750 calories/day (that is if I just lay there and do nothing) With 10 hours/week of moderate activity- a whole whopping 1200 calories/day. Obviously my body is very, very efficient. I always said that if I survived a plane crash, or some other catastrophe, I would live for a long time because my metabolic rate was so slow!-( morbid yes, but oh so true!). So that just means I have no room for pies, cookies, donuts, chocolate...I just get to eat lots of good food. I also needed to up my fat intake. Mmmmmm Peanut butter ( natural/ no sugar) and apples. At first I found it hard to cut out the sugar, especially in PB, but now, I find the other commercial salted and sugared PB disgusting. And I don't crave sugar like I used to. Anyway, keep us posted, I can't wait to hear.