Ok what am I doing wrong?

[betagirl]

Need some guidance please. Does anyone have an issue with gaining weight? I'm up about 8 lbs since I started riding in April. Yeah I know we build muscle and that weighs more. But I would *think* with all this cardio I'm doing I'd shed more fat and lose some lbs. Here's the deal.

Ride 3-4x a week, avg. 40 miles per ride, 17mph.
Eat between 1500 and 2000 calories a day, depending on if I ride or not.
Mostly vegetarian diet (been that way for about 10 years). I do eat meat from time to time, usually chicken.
I don't eat junk food, drink soda, or drink beer. I do drink wine if I go out.
I'm 5'10 and 158 lbs. My "ideal" weight is 145.
I physically look fine, my legs are in very good shape. But my jeans are getting tight on me in the legs. My belly is pretty flat, though I could tone that area up a bit. Arms could use some work too.

I don't know if my metabolism is out of wack or what. I have crohn's disease, which can screw up things. But I was hoping that biking would speed it up a bit for me. I'm also on a higher dose BCP now, and I think that's making me retain water. But 10 lbs of water? I'm going to ask my ob/gyn if I can drop back down to the other dose at my appt in July.

I appreciate any tips you can give me. I don't do any weight training, which I think might help. I'm also contemplating doing Yoga. I know I'm technically not overweight, but the number keeps going up. What baffles me now is I rode a century on sunday, and I gained 4 lbs. I ate about 2 pbj sandwiches, 2 bananas, and an orange that day. Drank a ton of gatorade. I wasn't incredibly hungry on the ride. After, had a normal sized plate of pasta with meat sauce, 1 piece of garlic bread and some salad. Had some green beans when I got home.

Thanks for reading and any advice!

[spazzdog]

betagirl;

You sound fine to me for your height... heck, when I was "bigger" I weighed 155 and I'm only 5'7". I weighed that when I raced and trained 30 yrs ago and I could leg press 450 lbs. Your legs are gonna get bigger the more cycling you do because the muscles are gettin bigger.

I would bet your body fat percentage is down. Don't sweat the weight thing. It's a number; not a lifestyle. you may be at your new ideal.

spazzdog

[velofanat]

You may consider to find out your BMI and not calculated by formulas, but using the old fashion tool: the caliper (measures the thickness of skin+subcutaneous tissue) at 7 sites of your body. Do not rely on the impedance scales/tools, they are not good for athletic population, but only for sedentary person (accordingly to latest research).
From my standpoint, (I fight my weight all life long), the reason could be too much carbs also. But I would not neglect the Gatoraide anyways, keeping the electrolytes at appropriate level. When I stuck with my weight, I usually change only one variable and see what happens. But I like to eat as a process, it gets me in trouble (confession).

[loni0908k]

I would definitely add strength training (on your core and upper body at least- since your legs get it biking), having more muscle burns more calories so you might actually have to up your caloric intake (make sure you aren't eating too little, as that can cause a plateau or weight gain) and I personally love yoga and Pilates, I find that it invigorates me and makes me want to work out more! And fyi - I've gained about 5-6 lbs since I started biking more too - I think it's all in my thighs and rear end because it's difficult to get my jeans up but not to button them, however this comes with it's benefits, because my a** looks really nice (b/c now it's way more muscle) and I love my defined legs and thighs. And, as with anything, it does take some time, so I'm sure if you just keep pressing on, you'll soon start to see some great results which will just encourage you to work harder! And I'm on BCP too (have been for years) and have never experienced any water/weight gain b/c of that - but every body is different.

[runnergirl]

I'm in the same predicament! Nothing short of 1200 cals a day will get my body to drop below 143 (I'm 5'6.5"). Anything over 2000 = fast weight gain. I run 25 mpw, ride 150, swim 30 minutes 2x a week, 1 hour martial arts...etc, but no dice on the weight loss.

Have you tried fitday? It really prevents me from gaining weight, and I find knowing sodium intake and fiber really help for training purposes. Since you have Crohn's it might be even more useful. I don't know that much about Crohn's, but it seems that it might have a lot to do with weight loss.

If you gained weight while riding you may be drinking too much. Hyponitrimia is a hot topic in the running community right now, any weight gain during excercise is generally bad. I can't find the article now, but regular gatorade is too low in sodium, so it is possible to become hyponitrimic from gatorade (though harder than on plain water). Here's a little blurb

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/36/1676_50497.htm

Also, excercise over 2 hours triggers cortisol production, cortisol is a stress hormone which causes water retention among other things, so if you noticed the gain the next morning, that's likely the culprit. I only ate 1200 calories the day I ran the Richmond marathon (fell asleep), but I was up 3 pounds the next morning (marathon burned about 2600 calories). I'm always up a couple pounds the day after a long run or ride.

[betagirl]

Thanks very much guys! I rode again today, 45 in some pretty intense heat with a few hour break in between (rode to work for a meeting )

I have noticed that after I do a lot of riding, my legs swell. The past 2 years after RAGBRAI my legs swelled pretty bad to the point I couldn't see my ankle bones. It goes away after about a week. Have you ever had that happen?

The crohn's definitely causes weight loss when it's active. Mine is pretty under control, but I think it's screwed up other things in my body. I don't absorb and process things right, so I'm probably in "starvation mode" with my metabolism which makes weight loss trickier. Thanks for the info on the sodium. Usually I'm only drinking water on rides. I need to change that. I haven't tried Fitday, will look into that. I also tend to be a carb fiend, which I should probably cut back on after rides.

My legs are definitely bigger and more toned. Butt looks good too I think I'll try out yoga to work on the rest of the body.

Do you guys know the going rate for a nutritionist/someone who can give me some tips based on my wacky body?

I truly appreciate the tips!

[CorsairMac]

I just finished reading "Inside the Postal Bus" and read the most Interesting thing: the ex-Postie boys, now the DC boys, all wear tension socks after a race/ride. They get on the bus and pull on knee high tension hose and elevate their legs. Michael Barry - the author - even talks of sleeping in them in the middle of the Vuelta. Might be something worth looking into for you beta!

[Dianyla]

I have noticed that after I do a lot of riding, my legs swell. The past 2 years after RAGBRAI my legs swelled pretty bad to the point I couldn't see my ankle bones. It goes away after about a week. Have you ever had that happen?

FWIW, I get edema like this when I am salt-deficient. I'm describing mild hyponatremia - not the about-to-fall-into-a-coma degree of hyponatremia that happens to Ironman participants. I typically don't eat a lot of salty foods in my diet and I have a slight tendency to overhydrate. In normal daily life this is fine, but when I start to exercise a lot (especially in the heat, and especially if I exercise every single day) my ankles and feet puff up something awful. If I continue eating and drinking normally, it will go away after a few days as you describe.

Some people are not as prone to salt deficiency as others, I've done a little googling around on this and the most I've been able to identify is that a) some people are naturally saltier sweaters and b) some people prefer sweet vs. salty tasting foods. I'm guilty of both of these traits, and combined with a tendency to drink a lot of water I'm prone to it.

Now I make it a point to eat tons of salty things when I am doing long rides or multi-day hikes. Electrolyte drinks help, but they are still rather low in sodium. So far trashy foodstuffs like pretzels and potato chips have been doing a great job of keeping the dreaded "puffy sock line" at bay.

[Googlie Wooglie]

Dunno betagirl, you sound exactly like me -- except I don't have crohns. I'm 5'10'' and 160. The day I started cycling I was 155, and now, a year later, I'm 160. Leaner, for sure, but like you described, I've got that thin layer of winter fluff that I thought the cardio would take care of. Nothing to complain about out loud, just, you know, there. I ride just about every morning before work, 15 miles and close to 3000 ft -- crikey I wish I lived where it was flat! -- and a longer ride on weekends.

Couldn't believe I gained pounds, though. I don' t particularly care, I look awesome! But sheesh ...

I too eat a primarily vegetarian diet, and add fish for protein. No Gatorade -- I dont like the sugar or care for the taste -- but EmergenC makes an electrolyte drink that works great for me. But I eat carbs like crazy.

I also agree -- definitly (will I ever learn to spell that word?) do some upper body / back weight lifting. Keeps you proportional. I do pilates once a week or so, to keep me limber (as limber as I get, which ain't much!).

As for jeans -- my thighs are tough to accomodate these days without buying a large size that's too big in the waist. Best choice for me? Lucky brand ...

[LBTC]

I'll admit I didn't read this whole thread - I'm so pressed for time today!

but, hey, I was 145 pounds a few years ago. and I"m only 5' 1 1/2" !!!! Now I"m steady around 120 and feel great. But that's another story!

If you'd said your jeans were getting tight in the butt or the waist, I might be worried, but you clearly said they are getting tight in the LEGS. when you cycle your legs get stronger and more muscular. I bet you're doing FABULOUS!! Don't be worried!! Make it a reason to go out and buy new clothes - clothes that are better designed to fit your new athletic body!!

Namaste,
~T~

[BIKEAWAY]

Hello all-long time reader -1st time posting. You all do not know how much you have helped me with getting started with some serious biking.
I am now up to 20 miles per ride and by July I would like to get to 50 miles per ride.
I work out 2-3 times per week and ride about 5 times per week alternating 12 and 20 miles rides.
I have a weight issue and also doing LA Weight loss program too which is turning into disaster. They do not encourage exercise and the diets are not sport related so I have been stuck on same weight. I lost a few pounds on a special 2 day program -7 pounds to be exact and 3 days back have gained 3.5 pounds back. I really watch what I eat-3-4 starches/4 veggies/4 fruits/2.5 proteins/2 dairys per day and have not had much results.. I am 46 years old and live in Wisconsin so riding season is only 6-8 months if we are lucky and really want to make a difference so any tricks for weight loss are appreciated. I really need to lose about 50 more pounds-25 lost to date.
HELP......

[Technotart]

I did LA Weight loss too - heres the issue - you can't be on a diet like that and TRAIN for anything serious. It isn't enough calories to train on so that you can go distances. The exercise is great, and it helps, but you sort of have to choose between exercise for weight loss with a very calorie restricted diet, OR exercise for strength and endurance building on a much less restricted diet with adequate carbs and protein (More than you need ordinarily). It doesn't mean you can't get there eventually, you might just want to focus on the weight loss with a healthy amount of exercise for awhile, and save the training for endurance until you get where you would like to be weight wise. OR focus on the endurance training, lose the very restricted diet and know that over a long period of time, your overall weight will come down!

I figured I didnt gain this weight in 3 mos, it wasnt coming off in 3 mos (my LAWL goal timeframe) either - but I only had 40 lbs to worry about. If you are more overweight, it might be best to do the diet with lower intensity exercise for a bit, then shift to higher intensity exercise when you feel you are safely able to drop the intense diet. Intense dieting and intense endurance type exercise don't go together too well. Ya got to have enough carbs to burn on those distances.

I ended up giving up the diet and going for the training - I still eat healthy - more frut and vegatables - but I also use GU packs and gatorade - DEFINATELY not on their plan - after styaing at the same weight for 4 mos now, I have FINALLY lost 4 lbs this month but ALL of my clothes fit great now!

[BIKEAWAY]

I have been biking about 10-15 miles per trip for about 3 years but not seriously and I have been working out in the Gym with spin claim for about 6 years 4-5 times per week so exercise is not new.
Calories in and calories used still apply right? I am just so frustrated. My doctor recommended a organized diet plan to go with the exercise.
I am solid but overweight so I am not overusing my heart or anything...All tested all good..

[Pedal Wench]

Hello all-long time reader -1st time posting. ....<snip> and live in Wisconsin so riding season is only 6-8 months if we are lucky.

First, welcome!

I don't know about the LA thingy, but if it's not condusive to exercising, maybe you can use that in the winter months, and right now concentrate on a diet that will fuel your body properly for exercise?

I've been trying to 'watch' my weight for a little while, trying to cut some excess before a trip with lots of climbing. I've been looking at every item and determining if it will help or hinder my riding. If hinder, I don't eat it. So, white flour, white rice, white potatoes, useless sugars (unless I'm actually riding when I need GU!) are all out. No desserts, snacks or foods that don't directly contribute to my good health and are nutritionally sound. It seems to be working....

[nuthatch]

Beta, sure it could be water. Water weighs alot and the sodium in the Gatorade could have made you retain water. Sounds like increased muscle and a tendency to hold onto water to me.